Installation instructions for retrofit nine light window grids

Please read all of the instructions before you begin the installation process.

Tools and Supplies:

Tape measure, miter saw, clear silicon caulk (one tube for every 3 to 4 windows), 1/2"-5/8" brads/nails or a brad nailer that will toenail 1/2" brads, drill bits the same size as your brads (one bit will do 3-4 windows), caulk gun, nail set, razor blades, nail putty to match the selected windows, and paper towels.

Steps:

1. Measure the height of the window in both locations of the long vertical rails.
2. Cut the TOP of both vertical rails of the pre-assembled portion to fit and stand the pre-assembled portion of the grid in the window temporarily. DO NOT ATTACH THE PIECE YET! Cut only the top or the horizontal rails will not line up from one window to the next. Note: no one will be able to notice if the top is a bit shorter.
3. Measure the total width of the window at both locations of the horizontal rails.
4. Refer to the project chart and cut the short side rails to length. Obviously you should use long point measurements and only trim the square end of the rail. Using the chart will allow you to quickly and easily get everything centered.
5. Trial fit everything and trim if necessary so that nothing is too tight. Make a small light reference mark on the window stop in all eight locations so that the rails hit the stop.
6. Apply a 3/16" diameter bead of clear silicone adhesive caulk to the back of the pre assembled part of the unit and stick it to the window glass in the locations that you marked. Be sure you have it right side up or it will not line up with the other windows! If you have any extra squeeze out, leave it alone for now. It will scrape off easier after it dries.
7. Apply silicone to the backs of the short side rails and install them. If you need to, use masking tape to hold everything in place for now.
8. Step back and look at it, making sure that everything looks straight and lines up nicely. Make any needed adjustments.
9. Drill a hole angling into the window stop at the end of each rail and drive a brad in with a nail set to secure the ends of the rails. Obviously you will need to take care to avoid breaking the glass. This part is not a job for a beginning carpenter.
10. If any of the rails want to bow out from the glass at this point, you can use a thin scrap of wood that is about 5-6 feet long to brace it in by angling it into the carpet at the bottom and bracing it against one of the horizontal rails. This is not likely to be a big problem, but a small amount of bowing is normal for a thin piece of wood trim like this. Repeat this entire process for one side of every window before you proceed!
11. Measure and cut the vertical rail for the other side of the window.
12. Glue it and nail it to the window carefully lining it up with the other side.
13. Individually cut and measure each of the short side rails.
14. Glue and nail the short side rails in place carefully lining them up with the other side.
15. Set and putty nails, scrape off any excess silicone, wipe everything down, sweep the floors, put everything away, lock up, and go home and get some sleep.