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Drilling pilot holes at the top of the window frame

Overview

Installing a timber awning window into a wall cavity is a pretty straightforward job once you understand the basics. We show you the steps involved in properly securing the window in place. You'll also learn how to install a waterproof flashing barrier and use masonite packers to level the frame.

Steps

1Install waterproof flashing onto the bottom of the timber awning window frame

Staple a strip of waterproof flashing onto the rear of the window frame so it can fold underneath and cover the base. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of overhang on either side. Staple that overhang tightly into position onto the sides of the window frame and trim any excess. This holds the flashing in place but leaves it loose at the front of the frame.
A strip of waterproof flashing stapled onto the rear of the window frame

2Place the timber awning window in position

Place the window into the wall opening. If it is a heavy window, get someone to help you with this step. Once the window is in place, hold it steady. Then send someone outside to firmly pull the flashing to make sure it is sitting clear at the front of the frame. 
A Bunnings team member placing the window into the wall opening

3Mark up and drill pilot holes for the timber awning window frame

Mark up and drill pilot holes near the top and bottom of the sides of the window frame. The holes should be about 40-50mm back from the window jamb and 50-75mm from the top and bottom of the frame. The width of the hole should match the width of the shank of the screw.
Drilling pilot holes at the top of the window frame

4Level the timber awning window

Use your spirit level to check that the window is sitting level in the wall opening. If the window is not sitting exactly plumb, level it up with some masonite packers. Then use your ruler to make sure the frame is sitting flush with the internal walls.
Using masonite packers to level the window

5Install the awning window

Place a packer in line with the top pilot hole, in between the frame and the wall. Then check that the side of the window is sitting plumb and flush with the internal wall. When you are sure everything is in place, drive screws through your pilot holes and into the frame of the house. To give your job the best finish, countersink your screws so they sit below the surface of the timber. That way you can cover them with putty before you paint.
Driving the screws through your pilot holes and into the frame of the house
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.