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Q. I will be installing some 24x48 inch, aluminum framed windows in a new wall. The windows come with a flange and tell which way is up. Found out which way is out is determined by weep (drain) holes. After placing "blue skin" around the 5/8 inch CDX sheathing cutout - half on the CDX and half folded into the 2x6 framing - we added an exterior caulking (named Alex - apparently after our #1 son ;-) and set the windows in the hole. After placing two screws at each corner and two down each side we realized we didn't know how many fasteners total (we are using pan head #8 - 1 ¼ inch stainless screws) to put around the flange and/or the recommended spacing. So ... what would you suggest?

A. Sounds like you are doing a great job. I would recommend one fastner every 6" to 8". I am wondering about the screws though. I would normally use 2" roofing nails (with the nice big flat heads). That way when you go to put on the siding, you don't have that 1/8" bump from the screwhead to hold the siding out.

Another thing to note would be the top flange. Window manufacturers often recommend using casing nails there. You would drive the nail in slightly above the flange, stopping when there is about 1" remaining, and then bend the nail down onto the flange. The theory is that if the window header sags a bit over the years, the nails can slip down over the flange and not deform the window. Since your windows are only 24" wide, this is probably nothing to worry about.

 
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