Why foam the sides but not the top??? Do not use the head expander, and do not bother trying to caulk that inside edge of the blindstop. Foam all four sides, then caulk the blindstop to the window from the exterior. Practice using the foam a little bit, and you really should make no mess at all. Just make sure that you have the window square, shimmed, and secure prior to foaming, as there won't be much adjustment left after the foam cures... The Alex product that you are using is junk and will probably last a couple years. Home Depot carries OSI Quad which is probably the most commonly used caulk by pros, and for good reason. You might consider hiring someone to come out and cap the exterior for you with aluminum. It would finish off the job nicely.
Ok, I've decided that the head expander is a PITA, so I agree there. I was going to use it because the window was only making contact with about 1/8" worth of the top blindstop. I've decided instead to cut new stops that are deeper to allow for more like 1/2" worth of contact with the window. The manufacturer suggests applying silicone to the inside edge of the blindstops and then pressing the window into them. Why do you suggest that I NOT follow this instruction?
You mention foaming all four sides. I can easily apply foam to the sides and top, but how the heck would I foam the bottom? :huh: As far as products go, I've taken your advice and started using the OSI Quad for sealing up the outside. Here's what I'm currently using:
OSI Quad Sealant (White) - All exterior sealing including: Seam between blindstop and jamb, seam between blindstop and window and seam between vinyl sill adapter and wood sill.
GE 100% Silicone (Clear) - Sealing between the inside edge of the blindstops and the window. Would another product make more sense here? Is the caulking on the exterior of the blindstops sufficient to make this step unnecessary?
DAP Alex Fast Dry (White) - All interior sealing including: Seam between window and interior stops and the seam between window and stool. I've been caulking the seam at the stool after the window is already installed. Should I lay a bead of something (silicone or caulk) on the edge of the stool before installing the window? Similar to the silicone on the inside edge of the blindstops... Is there another caulk that I should be using inside instead of this one?
DAPtex Door & Window - Insulating around the edges of the windows.
DOW Safetouch R-19 - Insulating the old sash weight bays.
Would you recommend any changes to these products or how they're being used? I'm looking for longevity here, so I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Also, some instructions that I've seen have you lay a bead (or two) of silicone horizontally across the center of the sill prior to installing the window. I tried this and the window doesn't actually make contact with this bead. Is this simply to act as a dam for any water that might make it's way up the sill? Thanks again for all of the great advice!
