Step 8: Applying Exterior Seal

The seam between the product perimeter and the exterior wall finish material must be sealed around the entire product. Failure to apply this seal may result in water penetration around the product.

ATTENTION! Masonry Applications. All masonry applications require a 3/8” sealed expansion joint between the product perimeter and the masonry surfaces. This allows for the difference in expansion and contraction of wall/building structure and the masonry. Failure to apply this expansion joint may result in distortion or damage to the product and failure of product operation. Failure to apply this expansion joint will void the warranty.

a) Exterior perimeter space. Typical siding applications and other wall finish systems that are attached to the wall structure do not require an expansion joint. Masonry applications and other wall finish systems that are set separately on a foundation require a 3/8” space between the product perimeter and the exterior wall finish material.

b) Apply backer rod. (Masonry Applications only) Apply closed cell foam backer rod to the space between the exterior perimeter of the window and the wall finish material.


c) Apply sealant. Apply a bead of high quality exterior sealant to the perimeter space. On Masonry applications this should cover the backer rod.


d) Finish the seal. Finish the seal by tooling and shaping the perimeter seal so that it is slightly concave. Clean the excess sealant from the window and wall finish surfaces.

(Top) 

Step 9: Interior Finishing

SunClad Wood Products

All visible wood surfaces (see note* below) must be finished immediately with either a stain and clear sealer or paint. The wood surfaces of all SunClad wood products are suitable for finishing when shipped from the factory, however, exposure to the harsh environment of building construction will degrade the quality of the wood surfaces and may make it necessary to prepare the wood for finishing. Remove any dust, dirt or debris from the wood surfaces and lightly sand with fine grade sand paper. Filling of nail or staple holes is at the discretion of the finisher. If the window has removable wood grilles, remove them and paint them separately. Failure to finish the wood voids the Warranty.

*ATTENTION! Do not apply finish to the sides of double hung sashes. Doing so may cause them to stick to the jamb liners and/or hinder their operation.

ATTENTION! Do not finish or allow finishes to contact any vinyl surfaces, weather-stripping, or other non-wood surfaces.

SunVinyl Products

Do not apply any additional finish to SunVinyl products. Doing so will interfere with their performance and void the Warranty.

(Top) 

Step 10: Exterior Finishing

SunClad Wood Products

The exterior finish on SunClad wood products is a factory applied baked-on enamel finish that has a 25 year or more life expectancy. This surface can be painted with a high grade exterior paint. Follow the paint manufacturers instruction for preparing and painting the exterior clad surfaces. Do not paint any vinyl surfaces or weather-stripping.

SunVinyl Products

Do not apply any additional finish to SunVinyl products. Doing so will interfere with their performance and void the Warranty.

(Top) 

Step 11: Cleaning

Glass Surfaces
Clean glass surfaces with regular household glass cleaner as needed.

Wood Surfaces
Painted and stained wood surfaces should be cleaned according to the finish manufacturer’s instructions.

Vinyl Surfaces
Clean with a mild soap and water solution and a soft clean cloth.

Chemicals and Cleaners
Do not allow any chemicals, chemical vapors, acids, cleaners, brick or masonry cleaner, abrasives, or other substrates to contact (directly or indirectly) any of the product surfaces, parts, and hardware. Deterioration or damage to to the product may result. Protect all surfaces, parts, and hardware during all phases of construction and finishing. Surface scratches as well as damage from any such chemical, chemical vapor, acid, cleaner, brick or masonry cleaner, abrasive, or other substrate is not covered by the warranty.

(Top) 

Page 1, 2, 3, 4