Andersen 400 Series - User Manual

Non-Reinforced Joining Guide (Vertical)
Windows and doors can be heavy.
Use safe lifting techniques and a
reasonable number of people with
enough strength to lift, carry and
install window and door products
to avoid injury and/or product
damage.
Use caution when working at elevated
heights and around unit openings. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of
ladder and/or scaffolding. Failure to do so
may result in injury or death.
Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for safe operation
of hand/power tools. Always
wear safety glasses. Failure to
do so may result in injury and/
or product damage.
Every assembly and installation is different (windloads, structural support, etc.). Andersen strongly recommends
consultation with an Andersen supplier or an experienced contractor, architect, or structural engineer prior to the
assembly and installation of any Andersen product. For installation methods not covered in this guide, (i.e. through
jamb) please visit the Architect Detail File on the web (www.andersenwindows.com). Andersen has no responsibility in
regard to the post-manufactured assembly and installation of Andersen products.
Congratulations! You have just purchased one of the many fine Andersen
®
products. Proper assembly, installation and
maintenance are essential if the benefits of your Andersen product are to be fully attained. Therefore, please read and
follow this instruction guide completely. If your abilities do not match this procedure’s requirements, contact an
experienced contractor. You may direct any questions about this or other products to your local Andersen dealer, found
in the Yellow Pages under “Windows” or call Andersen WindowCare
®
service center at 1-888-888-7020 Monday through
Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Thank you for choosing Andersen.
• Andersen
®
Installation Flanges DO NOT take the place of standard window and door flashing. Unit must be properly
flashed and sealed with sealant, and full width drip cap for protection against water and air infiltration. Use
non-reflective flashings. Highly reflective flashing tapes can raise the surface temperature of the vinyl to the point
where vinyl deformation and product damage may occur.
• Donotapplyanytypeoflmtoglass.Thermalstressconditionsresultinginglassdamagecouldoccur.
• Useofmovableinsulatingmaterialssuchaswindowcoverings,shutters,andothershadingdevicesmaydamage
glass and/or vinyl. In addition, excessive condensation may result causing deterioration of windows and doors.
Unless specifically ordered, Andersen windows and doors are not equipped with safety glass, and if broken, could
fragment causing injury. Many laws and building codes require safety glass in locations adjacent to or near doors.
Andersen windows are available with safety glass that may reduce the likelihood of injury when broken. Information
on safety glass is available from your local Andersen dealer.
“Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2003-2007 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.
Non-Reinforced Joining Guide (Vertical)
for Andersen
®
400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung, Picture,
and Transom Windows
0004372 BB Revised 12/13/07
1

Summary

Important Safety, Assembly, and Installation Information

General Safety Warnings

Highlights crucial safety advice for working at heights, using tools, and lifting heavy units to prevent injury or damage.

Safety Glass Advisory

Informs about the absence of safety glass by default and code requirements for its use near doors.

Installation Cautions

Provides critical notes on flashing, sealant, vinyl film, and insulating materials to prevent product damage.

1. Prepare and Join Units

Preparation Notice

Instruction to remove excess adhesive along side jambs using a putty knife for a proper join.

Unit Placement and Trim Strip

Details on placing units side-by-side, removing flanges, and applying sealant to the vertical exterior trim strip.

Joining Unit Alignment

Guidance on positioning units flush at head, sill, and side jambs for correct alignment.

2. Attach Non-Reinforced Mullion Clips

Clip Placement and Drilling

Instructions for placing mullion clips at specific intervals and drilling pilot holes.

Securing Mullion Clips

Details on securing mullion clips using 1-3/8" flat head screws.

3. Attach Sill Gusset Plate

Sill Gusset Plate Placement

Guidance on positioning the sill gusset plate at the mullion joint and securing it.

Sill Gusset Plate Notice

Note regarding not using outermost holes and the function of sill gusset tabs for support.

4. Attach Head Gusset Plate

Head Gusset Plate Placement

Instructions for positioning the head gusset plate and securing it with staples or nails.

Handling Joined Units Warning

Reinforces the warning about heavy units and using proper lifting techniques.

Sash Position Caution

Cautionary note to ensure sashes are raised before shipment to prevent product damage.

5. Seal Mullion Joint

Sealing Process

Instructions for sealing the head and sill ends at mullion joints with sealant.

Installation Readiness

Confirms joined units are ready for installation and refers to accompanying guides.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is an installation guide for the Andersen® 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung, Picture, and Transom Windows, specifically for non-reinforced vertical joining. It provides detailed instructions for preparing and joining multiple window units, attaching various components, and sealing the joints.

Function Description:

This guide facilitates the vertical joining of Andersen® 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung, Picture, and Transom window units. The primary function is to provide a non-reinforced method for combining these window types, allowing for custom multi-unit window configurations. The process involves preparing the individual units, attaching specialized joining components like mullion clips and gusset plates, and sealing the joints to ensure a weather-tight and structurally sound assembly. The guide emphasizes safety precautions and proper tool usage throughout the installation process.

Important Technical Specifications:

The joining process utilizes several specific components:

• Sill Gusset Plate (1): Used at the bottom of the sill, centered at the mullion joint, and secured with 1" screws. It has formed tabs (Sill Gusset Tabs) that can be bent down and secured to the sill plate after installation for additional support.
• Head Gusset Plate (1): Placed on top of the head jamb, 3/4" below the inside trim stop, centered at the mullion joint, and secured with 1/2" staples or nails.
• Non-Reinforced Mullion Clips (5): Inserted into the groove between inside stops along the side jambs. They are positioned 3" from the top, 3" from the bottom, and one at the center between check rails, with the remaining two clips equally spaced. Each clip is secured with four 1-3/8" flat head screws.
• Non-Reinforced Mullion Alignment Spacers (3): Located into the unit's side jamb joining dado at the top, bottom, and center of the side jamb, tacked in place with 1/2" staples or nails.
• Vertical Exterior Trim Piece (1): Placed into the unit's flange groove with the tapered end at the sill, ensuring it is flush at the ends. A 3/16" bead of sealant is applied full length to both sides of its leg before placement.
• Screws:
  • 1" Screws (10): Used for securing the Sill Gusset Plate.
  • 1-3/8" Flat Head Screws (20): Used for securing the Non-Reinforced Mullion Clips.
• Sealant: A 3/16" diameter bead of sealant is applied to the Vertical Exterior Trim Strip leg and used to seal the head and sill ends at the mullion joints.
• Fasteners: 1/2" staples or nails are used for tacking Mullion Alignment Spacers and securing the Head Gusset Plate.

The guide specifies the use of a 3/32" drill bit for pilot holes when securing mullion clips. The joining method is applicable for various vertical combinations, including Tilt-Wash to Double-Hung Picture Window, Transom to Double-Hung Picture Window, Tilt-Wash to Tilt-Wash, Tilt-Wash to Transom, and Transom to Transom.

Usage Features:

• Step-by-step Instructions: The guide provides clear, sequential instructions for each stage of the joining process, from preparing units to sealing the final joint.
• Visual Aids: Illustrations accompany each step, showing component placement and assembly details, such as the interior and exterior views of the joined units, and close-ups of specific component attachments.
• Safety Warnings: Prominent "WARNING" and "CAUTION" sections highlight critical safety information, including precautions for working at elevated heights, using hand/power tools, safe lifting techniques for heavy units, and the importance of safety glass.
• Tool and Supply List: A comprehensive list of necessary tools (safety glasses, hammer, electric drill, 3/32" drill bit, Phillips head screwdriver, caulk gun, putty knife, utility knife) and supplies (sealant) is provided.
• Pre-installation Checks: Instructions include removing excess adhesive from side jambs and removing the installation flange from the side jambs being joined.
• Alignment and Flushness: Emphasizes ensuring units are flush at the head, sill, and along the length of the side jamb for proper alignment.
• Sealant Application: Detailed instructions for applying sealant to the Vertical Exterior Trim Strip and at the mullion joints for weatherproofing.
• Post-installation Guidance: Once units are joined and sealed, the guide directs users to follow the installation guide packaged with the unit for window and drip cap installation.
• Customer Support: Provides contact information for the Andersen WindowCare® service center and suggests consulting local Andersen dealers or experienced contractors for assistance or questions.

Maintenance Features:

While this guide primarily focuses on installation, it implicitly contributes to the long-term maintenance of the joined units by ensuring proper assembly and sealing. Adhering to the instructions helps prevent issues that could lead to premature wear or damage.

• Proper Flashing and Sealing: The guide stresses the importance of proper flashing and sealing with sealant, along with a full-width drip cap, to protect against water and air infiltration. This is crucial for preventing moisture damage and maintaining the thermal performance of the windows over time.
• Avoidance of Reflective Flashings: A caution is issued against using highly reflective flashing tapes, as they can raise the surface temperature of the vinyl, potentially causing deformation and product damage. This is a key maintenance consideration for the longevity of vinyl components.
• Glass Protection: Warnings against applying any type of film to glass (to prevent thermal stress damage) and against using movable insulating materials (such as window coverings, shutters, and other shading devices that could damage glass and/or vinyl or cause excessive condensation) are provided. These guidelines are essential for preserving the integrity of the glass and vinyl components and preventing issues like condensation-related deterioration.
• Structural Integrity: The use of gusset plates and mullion clips ensures the structural integrity of the joined units, which is a foundational aspect of long-term maintenance, preventing sagging or separation.
• Professional Consultation: The recommendation to consult an experienced contractor, architect, or structural engineer for complex installations or methods not covered in the guide ensures that the initial setup is robust and suitable for the specific application, thereby reducing future maintenance needs.

In summary, this guide is a critical resource for anyone undertaking the vertical joining of Andersen® 400 Series windows, providing the necessary information to achieve a safe, secure, and durable multi-unit window installation.

Andersen 400 Series Specifications