R-Tight Panel
PO Box 700
Jeffersonville, VT 05464-0700

phone
(802) 644-2500

fax
(802) 644-2773

email info@rtight.com

Finishing Up

A. Window and door cutouts. Study your panel layout and design! You’ll cut out some openings after you install the panels. Generally, these are the cutouts that span two panels like in Figure 30. These openings are easy to cut into panels. To start, carefully measure and mark your rough opening, then drill holes at the four corners of the opening. Use a beam-cutter saw or circular saw to cut out the panel sections. Scoop out the foam with your hot knife or foam grinder. Clean up the inside edge of the opening and square the foam at the corners with a screwdriver, knife, or chisel. Finally cut 2" x 6" lumber to length and install this with drywall screws or #8 nails, 6" on center.

Important: Always install plate and top header inlays first. These must be at least 3" longer than the rough opening width before you install the side jamb inlays!

Figure 30. Window opening that spans two panels

In other places you might need to create openings by piecing panels top and bottom. Figure 31 (and Figure 13, page 27) show examples of this technique. It’s important for you to pay careful attention to nailing the smaller panel pieces to your timberframe. Be very careful to install your 2" x 6" inlays correctly. If you don’t do this right, you’ll weaken the strength of your opening. With door openings, it’s a good idea to run your 2" x 6" lumber from the base of your panels all the way up to the timberframe member on top (see Figure 32).

Important: All door and window inlays must be continuous pieces! The only exceptions are outside corners and circular windows.

Figure 31. Make your large window openings with smaller panel pieces

Figure 32. Door rough opening showing long 2" x 6" stock from bottom to top of panels

B. Install your doors & windows. You install doors and windows into the rough openings you created just as you would install them in a stick-built house. Be sure to read your window and door manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you start. You install windows from the outside, shim them to ensure level and square placement, then nail them into the rough opening framed with 2" x 6".

> GABLE ENDS AND OVERHANGS