Install Types & Frame Profiles

Equal Leg vs Unequal Leg Frames

Equal Leg and Unequal Leg are both finless, block-frame profiles — the window has a side wall (a "leg") on each face instead of a nail-fin. On an Equal Leg the legs are the same depth on both faces, so the frame centers in the masonry opening. On an Unequal Leg the exterior leg is deeper, so it laps over the block or stucco face for a cleaner exterior line and a built-in caulk edge. Both are set on block/masonry and anchor THROUGH the frame with Tapcons (through-frame anchors) — the per-screw line item Anchor adds on every Equal Leg and Unequal Leg job, along with shims.

Equal legboth legs the same — sits inside the openingOLD FRAMEUnequal leglong exterior leg hides the old frame
Leg length decides whether the frame hides the old one — the difference between a clean retrofit and a re-trim.

Pros

  • Both: finless, so no fin to bend, break, or hide behind stucco — clean look on masonry
  • Both: through-frame Tapcons give a strong, direct anchor into block (great for Florida wind loads)
  • Equal Leg: symmetric reveals, looks identical inside and out
  • Unequal Leg: deep exterior leg laps the face — hides the opening edge and gives a built-in caulk line
  • Both: serviceable — anchors are reachable through the frame for inspection or replacement

Watch-outs

  • Both: anchors penetrate the frame, so every through-frame screw is a potential leak point that must be sealed
  • Both: only suited to block/masonry — not for a stick-framed wall (use a nail-fin there)
  • Equal Leg: no exterior lap, so the outside caulk joint does all the weather sealing
  • Unequal Leg: the deeper exterior leg must be sized to the block/stucco thickness or it won't lap cleanly
  • Both: more shimming and care to set plumb/square than a fin unit that self-locates against the sheathing

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