The document provides installation instructions for Cascade windows in 15 steps. It details how to properly store, handle, prepare the window opening, install flashing, apply sealant, install the window, secure it with fasteners, install insulation, ensure proper operation and clearance, and clean the window. Special instructions are provided for installing bay windows, flush-fin frames, accent windows, and sliding glass doors.

1. Cascade Windows - Installation Instructions - Page 1 of 5
Energy Comfort Low-E Glass
Installation Instructions
The instructions on the previous two pages are based on AAMA standards for new residential and light
commercial applications.PLEASE SEEACTUALAAMA INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR FLUSH-FIN STYLE
WINDOWS, IF APPLICABLE. Detailed, illustrated instructions are also available upon request.
Updated 09/26/11
(800) 442-8544 | www.cascadewindows.com

2. Cascade Windows - Installation Instructions - Page 2 of 5
Please Note:The following installation instructions are written with the understanding that the installer
has an essential comprehension of common construction materials, practices, terminology and proper
flashing and sealing techniques. Please contact Cascade Windows if you have any questions about
these instructions.Thank you.
Installation Instructions
Please read all instructions before beginning installation.
Storage and Handling:
• Care must be taken during storage and handling of this product.
• Store on a level surface in a protected area, out of direct sunlight.
• No more than 5 windows per stack, with only a very slight lean. Never lay windows flat.
• Leave sufficient space between windows to allow for proper ventilation.
• Provide full support for head and sill to prevent bowing or deformation of product.
• Window must be lifted and carried with full support under the frame. Do not lift or carry
using the top of the frame.
• DO NOT drop product, or subject it to any form of sudden impact.
• Protect product from construction traffic, debris and other potential damaging hazards.
Installation:
1. Make sure window is in closed and locked position.
2. Apply flashing1
across bottom of opening, extending beyond each side of the opening by
the width of the flashing.
3. Apply flashing1
to sides, extending beyond the top and bottom of the opening by the width
of the flashing.
4. Apply a 3/8” nominal bead of flexible sealant around the entire perimeter of the window,
behind the nailing fin,aligning bead with the pre-punched holds in the nailing fin.[For Sliding
Glass Doors—also seal liberally beneath sill, and follow additional installation instructions
provided for Sliding Glass Doors on page 5].
5. Center the unit in the opening, weep holes down and to the exterior. Press window firmly
into opening, insuring a good continuous seal between the window and the structure.

3. Cascade Windows - Installation Instructions - Page 3 of 5
6. Apply one fastener through a pre-punched hole in the nailing fin at the side of the frame,
approximately 3-4” below an upper corner of the unit – to “lock” the unit in place. Use
fasteners that will penetrate into the stud at least 1”.
7. Ensure unit is SQUARE, PLUMB,AND LEVEL, with FULL support under sill.
8. Apply another fastener through the nailing fin at the opposite diagonal (lower) corner of
the unit.Verify the unit is still SQUARE, PLUMB AND LEVEL, that unit operates smoothly,
and that operable sash are sitting square in their openings.
9. Continue fastening window, using every other pre-punched hold in the nailing fin.
Please Note:When fastening the head portion of the window, place the fastener at the top of the
elongated holes, and DO NOT over compress the fin with the fastener.This will allow for any header
deflection that may occur.(IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDTHAT ROOF LOADS BEAPPLIED BEFORE
WINDOWS ARE INSTALLED.THIS HELPSTO ENSURETHAT ANY POSSIBLE HEADER DEFLECTION
WILL HAVE OCCURRED, MAKINGTHE OPENINGS MORE STABLE).
10. Apply flashing1
across the top of the unit, overlapping the nailing fin and the side flashing
pieces, and extending beyond the outer edges of the side flashing pieces by at least 1”. Seal
flashing to the face of the nailing fin with flexible sealant.
11. Be sure to properly integrate any weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) with flashing
components, to ensure moisture drainage to the outside of the structure (starting at the
base, overlap materials working towards the top).
12. IF INSULATING FOAM IS TO BE USED: Use only non-expanding or low expanding
foam products specifically designed for use around vinyl windows, in strict adherence to
application instructions. Do not overfill cavity. Confirm product compatibility with vinyl
and other surrounding materials. Any distortion of window frame due to improper use of
insulating foam may void the window warranty. Otherwise, insulate around window using
fiber insulation, being careful to not bow the jamb.
13. Proper installation is necessary to ensure smooth operation of windows.Check for smooth
operation prior to applying any finish materials.
14. Leave adequate clearance (1/8”-1/4”) between window frame and exterior finish application
(siding, trim, etc.) to allow for expansion and contraction of window and surrounding
materials. Fill gap, creating a suitable expansion joint, using flexible sealant, backer rod, etc.
15. All exposed surfaces should be cleaned of any debris as soon as possible after installation.
Use only mild detergents. DO NOT USE any harsh solvents or abrasive materials when
cleaning any window surface.

4. Cascade Windows - Installation Instructions - Page 4 of 5
1
Please Note: Non-adhesive flexible flashing material must be at least 9” wide. If flexible flashing
is adhesive, narrower material may be used based on application appropriateness. NOTE: It is
critical that all of the flashing manufacturers’ guidelines are followed precisely, including temperature
considerations,the use of primers,and the use and compatibility with sealants and substrates.The use
of adhesive flexible flashing may also call for the side flashing components to be installed over the
nailing fin, after the window is set and fastened (putting step #3 between steps #10 and #11).This
is an acceptable alteration.
IMPORTANT:Verify compatibility between sealants,PVC,flashing materials and weather-resistant barrier.
The instructions on the previous two pages are based on AAMA standards for new residential
and light commercial applications. PLEASE SEE ACTUAL AAMA INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
FOR FLUSH-FIN STYLE WINDOWS, IF APPLICABLE. Detailed, illustrated instructions are also
available upon request.
Specialty Products
Installation Instructions
Bow and Bay Windows
Follow all applicable installation instructions as written, PLUS: any bow, bay, garden or other
window assembly projecting outward from the face of the wall MUST BE FULLY SUPPORTED
to prevent the window from sagging. Any supports used must be suitable for the application and
able to support the weight of the product for the life of its installation. Types of supports include
(but are not limited to): corbels, framing and cable support systems (Cable support systems are
available through CascadeWindows).Failure to support the bottom of any projected window can
result in damage to the product and would void the warranty.
Flush-Fin or Block Frame Window or Configuration
Follow all applicable installation instructions as written,PLUS:installation for these types of frames
must include the use of sealant butt-joints around the entire perimeter of the unit, using backer-
rod to set the proper sealant joint depth. Any penetrations made through the frame of the unit
must be pre-drilled and filled with sealant prior to the insertion of any fastener. AT NO TIME
SHALL A FASTENER PENETRATETHE BOTTOM (SILL) PORTION OFTHEWINDOW FRAME.
Any fasteners used must not interfere with hardware or moving parts of the window (i.e. sash
balances,vent sashes,hinges,etc.).These types of installations may not allow for the use of flashing
materials, thus the integrity of the sealant joint is critical.

5. Cascade Windows - Installation Instructions - Page 5 of 5
Accent Windows
Follow all applicable installation instructions as written PLUS: for any irregular shaped frames
(trapezoids, round-tops, etc.) extra framing may be needed in order to provide proper support
for fastening.Extra attention and care must also be taken to insure that any irregular shaped frame
is properly flashed, using weather-board fashion (starting at the bottom, overlap each piece with
the piece being applied above).
Sliding Glass Doors
Follow all applicable installation instructions as written PLUS: Once Sliding Glass Door frame
is installed square, plumb, and level – prior to finishing the installation; provide proper support
blocking between the door frame and framing on the opening side of the jamb, in line with the
latch keeper. Fasten the keeper into place using the longer screws provided – anchoring the
keeper through the frame and support blocking, into the framing. The support blocking should
be sized properly so that once the latch screws are tightened properly, the side jamb remains
plumb. Once fastened, re-check the reveal between the sliding door panel and side jamb. The
reveal should be consistent along the entire edge. Then, adjust the wheels of the sliding panel
using a large straight slot or Philips-head screwdriver, raising the door panel to a proper height,
and assisting in the alignment of the panel with the frame at the leading edge. When properly
adjusted,the weather-stripping on the outer edge of the sliding panel should be fully hidden by the
door frame, and the panel should slide smoothly and unimpeded. Finally, check to insure that the
locking device is integrating properly with the keeper, providing a secure attachment. If needed,
the locking device can be adjusted further by using a straight-slot screwdriver to move the tongue
of the lock in or out to properly interface with the keeper.When adjusted properly, there should
be very little ‘play’ in the sliding panel in the locked position.
Please Note: It is the responsibility of the owner, architect, or builder to make product selections in
compliance with applicable laws, building codes and requirement.