Replacement Windows

Hi,
My name is Charles Sanders and I'm trying to install a window that was measured wrong, my question is can I use the window and make new framing for it? Or should just eat that 200.00 and order a new window? Thanks!

Charles,
You can do whatever you want. The choice depends upon whether or not you want to telegraph to all in the future that a mistake was made. If you get the right-sized window only two or three people will ever know.

Hi Tim -
I'm considering replacement vinyl windows for our N California home, and have a Q for you. We have aluminum frame windows set in stucco exterior. I'd like to maximize the opening I have and would like to take sheet rock off the inside of the window opening, replacing it w/ casements afterwards (original house has none, but I like the look). If I take the sheet rock off and cut the window out so the old aluminum frame is flush w/ the framing, and get an insert the same size, is that ok? I figured I wouldn't lose as much space as if I just put the insert inside the sheet rock...
Thanks!

Marty,
That will work. It is lots of work, but you will be happy in the end.

I want to replace windows in my home. The wood on the outside is rotten. So that I don't mess up the interior which is very high quality wood, can replacement windows be removed from the outside instead of the inside?

Vickie,
The answer is maybe...... There are many factors to consider. Take some interior and exterior photos of your windows. Go visit several REAL window distributors than sell the brand you are considering. The major name-brand window manufacturers all have stores. Talk with the owner or GM and ask if they have a replacement window product that will work.

Hi,
I was in the market to replace my existing windows which are the old wood frame guillotine type (ie.they slide up and down with the aid of a counterweight behind the jambs). I received a few estimates from manufacturers for the aluminum encasement type of windows. Most recommended leaving the original wooden window framing in place and install the new windows on top, that is with some modifications to the old jambs. Some manufacturers advertising on the internet suggested that this was the preferred method for air-tightness reasons. I was under the impression that all the old window frame should be removed and the new window secured to the structural studs of the window opening. I know the latter method is more work. What do you think is the best way?

Serge,
Please read my past columns about the method you describe where you do leave the old frame in place. I would do it that way for many reasons.

Hello. I have a house that is 10 years old. We do not have window frames. The windows seem to be set directly into the drywall (there is a wooden sill at the bottom, but that seems to be just cosmetic). Am I still able to get replacement windows, or what are my options? Our windows are drafty. Thanks!

Angela,
You can always get replacement windows..... Be sure you read ALL of my past columns about Certified Windows!

How much can one save by doing the window replacement DIY? For a double hung window, replacing the entire frame with new windows for my entire house (20 windows), people are quoting me $17000. It seems that it is too much. The other guy quoted me $6500 for replacement windows only with vinyl windows, but the window looks like very cheap. What is the right price for both of these approaches? Thanks.

Alan,
That industry has very high gross profit margins. You need to read ALL of my replacement-window columns and get quotes on Certified Windows. Find those columns in my Windows category.

Tim, we have a Colonial Tudor brick house @1927. It has single pane iron casement windows. We are contemplating replacing them with Anderson casements w/divided lites. Given that we will have to frame the RO (1.5"-2" around)in order to install the new window, will we lose the character of our home? Right now the windows have the appearance of being right into the brick.

I'm thinking about replacing the windows in our house.
I know I can do it myself, my only problem I'm not sure about is the exterior trim.

The house has fiberboard embossed siding, the kind that is fuzzy inside when you break it. Not sure what it's called. Appears to have a paper face.

The wood moldings around the windows are Brick moldings. These were in prior to the siding and are chaulked to the lap siding.

How would I remove the windows without damaging the siding and retrim the windows over the lap siding?
There is an 8 inch overlap. The boards are about 1/2inch thick.

Thanks

Patrick,
Other major brands can make the windows fit so that all you will see is a caulk joint. Look at Marvin, Pella, Weatherbest, and all of the top lines that make custom windows.

I'd like suggest to all readers that when you install windows that you should air seal the gap between the rough openings and the windows frames. Air sealing can be achieved with spray foam or caulking. Fiberglass insulation will not stop the flow of air and water vapor. Air sealing will eliminate drafting, discomfort, heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

I am having replacement windows installed and decided to leave in the triple track storm and screens so that no exterior capping work would be needed. Are there any downsides to this? thanks!

Barbara,
None immediately come to mind.

I am installing replacement windows (31.5 x 15.3/8 ) in my basement. My initial plans when ordering the windows was to remove the old window and keep the rest of the material in place and use it as a stop. The material was rotting and I needed to take it all out. The rough opening is concrete and cannot be packed out due to it's size 32" x 16" There are now no stops for the window to sit against. There is a quarter inch around the sides and a half inch plus above the window. Do I just screw the window into the sides and thoroughly insulate and caulk? Any ideas?

Looking to replace windows. We have old Pellas with an integrated screen {roll up}. How do we go about taking these out? We are going to do this ourselves but heard this can be a challenge. Any advice would be much appreciated. thanks, Peggy

I have an older home(built in 54') I replaced the front windows with anderson casement windows, now the side windows need replaced, one is wood double hung, and one is aluminum(addition) both in stucco. I want to install casements in both, but want them to be custom fit into the cleaned out rough opening, please help me find a dealer .....or give ideas thanks

Shawn,
It sounds like that is your only choice.

Peggy,
The best way is to visit your local Pella store or go to their website for instructions.

We had new vinyl windows installed professionally. The north windows, where most of our prairie winds come from, really allow the winds through. Last summer we caulked around the outside of all the windows, but the windows still require plastic on the inside during winter. There are no storm windows, just screen. We took out the screen and put plastic on it, but the inside plastic still showed the severe leakage of air. It appears the breeze (I would not call it a draft) is coming from the track where the lower window slides up, but this is not the only area as we taped this track and the inside plastic still "balloons". Where else can we look & insulate??
PS/after spending all this money, the company won't even talk to us.

Lori,
Did the windows have the certification stickers on them that I talk about in my past columns about Certified Windows????? If not, that could be the main problem.

Then go read my past columns about Air-Infiltration Barriers. You will discover the air may be coming from other parts of the wall system.

I had windows replaced this past fall. They are mostly double hung and three are sliders, all of which are vinyl. There are several leaking air and on two that have condensation that builds between the windows, settles and on cold days freezes. Today the installer suggests that he would caulk arond the interior of the window on the wood frame that is currently there? There is also a bay window that is supported by two 2 by 4's that are placed under the window from the outer part towards the house. The window is clearly bowing now. His solution is to add additional 2 by 4's? All of which make no sense. I am out of my leauge, but know that windows shouldn't leak more than the old ones and I don't think caulking the inside will look right? If not awful. What do you suggest. 14 windows were a total of $9000.00 and i feel ripped off?

Mark,
Were the windows Certified as I have written about? Did you do your due diligence with your local BBB? I only ask all of this because it may be too late...... Go read all of my past columns about Vinyl Windows.

I'm getting ready to replace my double hung windows in the rear of my house to slider windows with no grid the current windows have a grid pattern. Is the decision to have no grid pattern going to affect the value of my home at all?

Alan,
I can't begin to tell you. Contact the top-selling Realtors in your area and get their opinion.

Hi Tim,
I have a mud room connecting my garage and house. In it are 4 windows and 2 doors taking up all the wall space. I'd like to replace the doors with french doors for light and remove the windows completely (to open up more wall space.) How difficult will it be to remove the windows and cover up the holes left in the walls?
Thanks!

how do I repair my gravel steps that lead to the pool .Pieces have broken off what products do I need to use

Hello - I'm installing replacement windows in my old Victorian house. On the first few windows I removed inside trim and stuffed insulation into the window weight boxes. Many friends have told me that doing this is not necessary because it is dead air space. What do you recommend? I'd prefer to not do the extra work if it will not buy me anything in R value.

I live in Southern California and am looking at replacing my old aluminum windows. Why is it so hard to get a straight answer from the salesman that come to my house. They all say they have the best window. I also went to Lowe's and Home Depot and no one there really knew anything about the windows they sell. I have looked at Milgard Tuscany, Amerimax, and Amsco vinyl windows. I want a energy effiecient window that will also give me a quieter house. Which window would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Hi,

RE: replacement windows and energy efficiency...
The most energy efficient windows include the frame and how well they are installed (i.e.; sealed). And, vinyl isn't it. The best have an equivalent R-value of eight (8). The frames are made of fiberglass. Today's typical vinyl, insulated, double pane windows have an equivalent R-Value of around 2 to 3.

For improved energy efficiency, casement (i.e.; hinged) windows perform better than single or double hung sliders. This is because there is less wear at the point where the parts meet together to make the seal from air infiltration. The seal is compressed in the hinge type window instead of sliding against each other as in the hung sash type.

I live in a split colonial built in 1950 (subdivision is 1948 - 50). I have the original wood windows in the main part of the house and vinyl windows in a family room addition off the back that I think was done in the 70's. I want to replace the main house wood windows. I have wood moldings on the inside of all the windows and shutters on the exterior of some of the windows. Based on the age and style I have described, do you recommend vinyl or wood windows for replacements? I don't want to cheapen the look. Thanks.

I would like to replace at least one or more exterior windows with either sliding glass doors or exterior French doors. The existing windows open onto a large deck nearly the entire 65 foot width of my home.

In one case the window as it exists is narrower in width than the door with which I intend to replace it.

I am aware of general Construction techniques, and wish to verify that I am not overlooking anything! I intend to replace the existing window header with a suitably sized header for the new window, framed exactly as the existing window.

I want to set my spouse's mind at ease before I start to do this project...does it seem a viable change? Thanks!

would like to know how to remove and replace a medium pane on glass. Is there a easy way of doing it?

The white color on my replacement windows really stands out against the darker wood trim on the interior. Can I stain the windows to get a better match to the wood?

Hi, I am planning to replace the windows in my old house. We are trying to do it ourself to save some money. I'm wondering if the windows can be replaced from the inside of the home only. We have a three family and I wouldn't like to have to do it from outside if it's not necessary, can you please let me know if this is possible. Thank you

I have sliders on my House that need Replaced. Would a Company build me Just the Glass part to fit my old Frame? The frams are good just the glass is Bad. I know I can get glass put in my old frames but the rollers are bad. Any Ideas on what to do?

Hello. You did not really answer angela's question which is similar to mine. We just moved to a house with a loft that only has storm windows set outside a rough opening. Could I use replacement windows in this case? If so Do I need to build a window frame (sill,etc.)?

I am replacing windows in my house. I have window unit air conditioners. Will the replacement window's hold them?

Hi, I am having new windows installed. My house is about 20 years old and the windows are very large. After the installer measured, he informed me that my "custom made" windows would be smaller where they were originally large and larger where they were originally small and that i would gain about an extra two inches of vinyl. I cancelled the order but the contractor assured me I would have this problem anywhere I decided to go. Is that information correct?

Is argon filled windows reallly necessary?

i have an 18 years old wood casement windows that need to be replaced and i cant figure out how to measure it .can you please help me with that

Hello,
I am curious as to the codes for installing residential vinyl windows that do not have the nail flange used for new construction.My concern is in a replacement of say a double hung is a new stop required if an external removal is done or if there is no stop such as sheetrock returns.In other words if a stop is removed is it required to place in a new stop?

Tim

I have just bought replacement windows for a 100 year old brick colonial. I bought aluminum clad exterior, wood interior. I gave the opening measurements to the sales clerk, who treated it like a rough opening. While trying to install the windows with a 20 year veteran carpenter friend of mine this weekend, the window frames are 3/4" smaller in both width and height of the old window opening. Is this normal for a replacement window to have that much of a buffer from the opening size, or should it be smaller. Because to make it look good, I will now have to close the opening a bit and re-trim the interior and exterior of my house. Thanks for your time, and I apologize if this was covered somewhere else.

Hi,
I have received a promotional offer from a company out of Cincinnati trying to establish itself in the Columbus market. They will replace all my windows (19) for the cost of the windows ($9244) and no labor - in return they get the right to market the work in the area and a written recommendation from me. It is a triple pane, vinyl window with Krypton gas rather than Argon. My current windows have an aluminum frame and are about 18 years old. I was just wondering if you felt this was a good value. Thank you.

In adition to screwing the windows into the frame from outside, my installer has put a screw in the center of the top and bottom frame of my vinyl casement replacement windows. I have heard that windows whould be secured through the side only? The jambs are made of pine. Is this a mistake?

I have an older home with aluminum windows that are only 1" deep. They are attached only by the nailing fin from the outside. I want to replace them with a vinyl replacement type. There is no trim on the outside of the window as the siding runs flush to the storm window that is attached. What is the best way to replace this window? Does the outside need trim?

Hi Tim,
I am looking into the pocket replacement of existing wood double hung windows. The installation itself seems very straight forward to me. My concern is the removal of the old sashes without destroying the interior trim. Everywhere I read that I am supposed to pry out the interior stops - I'd love to do so, but I cannot locate them. Years and years of painting probably merged them into the attached trim. How wide is a stop usually?

What is the most efficient and effective method for insulating the window weight caviltyhouse when installing replacement windows in an 1893?

It's interesting whether the installing process differs much for every <a href="http://www.home-interior-blog.com/doors-and-windows/types-replacement -windows/">type of replacement window</a>?

Is there a easy way to remove the aluminum windows from a brick home. I replaced one two years ago when I add a 60x10 extension on my house and it was a big job getting the old window out. I have four 36x34 and 1 108x 34 windows to replace. I will leave the inside the same. Thanks

i would like to replace my windows with double hung replacement windows for my bedrooms, but i can't seem to get the measurement right, the blue print are telling me that the windows are 32x16, i went the store they are showing me much smaller window. more like basement window, i also measure them myself, from the inside i get 39x36, please help Thank you.

Hi Tim,

Even though I am a contractor, I enjoy reading your site because it helps me to find the top questions people have about windows & doors.

I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know about the NFRC's product ratings site located at:

http://cpd.nfrc.org

This site lets you look up the exact ratings of any window tested by the NFRC. In a world with thousands of window manufacturers, these set standards are a wonderful way for window shoppers to tell the real differences between windows and doors. In other words, they let you compare apples to apples.

Thanks for providing such a great resource!

- Tom D.
Project Consultant
Joseph T. Pink Window & Door Company
<a href="http://www.jtpink.com">http://www.JTPink.com</a>

Our master bedroom is on the front of the house and to make the house symmetrical we want to put in dummy windows so we won't loose closet space. Is this possible , if so what is the best way to do this.

You say that, "It is very important to leave a gap between the window frame and the rough opening the window unit fits into." How large a gap is too large? We have just had a large living room window replaced and there is about 3/4" gap at the top. The installer plans to fill in the gap with rope before covering with aluminum. Is this acceptable? Thank you for your help.

Hello, I have 3 bedrm ranch, 38 yrs old, and it has the orignal window.
Those Termal Payne windows. The seal are broke and there's moisture in the windows at all times.. The seals are broke and it is so cold. I need replacements but can't really afford them. Is there a good deal, that you buy 2 get 1 free or buy 3, get 2... I've heard of those deals before, is that a good deal, or do they just jack the prices up , thinking that your getting a deal. Plus I need those sliders, (like the glass sliding door ones.
I guess those are the only ones that would look good with my house..
Thanks

We consider to buy a victorian style home, and would like to know what are the circumstances to replace the windows. We would like to know about the price range to replace one so we could see the possible expense.
we read your comments we have similar size as your victorian style home windows.

thank you

Hello,
I just had my window replaced in my condo unit, and I am dissatified. There is a gap between the window and the wood frame of the house. When I asked the contractor if this was "normal' he stated that a 1/4 inch variance is allowable. Is this true? Also, because I installed vinyl framing the window will not fit exact. He stated I would have a gap because my house was crooked. Please help!

My installer did not use any caulking when installing my new vinyl windows. (said it wasn't necessary?) is this true? When I complained he said he could tape the exterior if I wanted.(?) Is this acceptable? I just want to make sure my new energy efficient windows are installed correctly. Any help most appreciated.

Nancy,

Contact the window manufacture and get a copy of their installation instructions. It might be available on their website. The instructions should indicate if they require caulking, taping or nothing.

I have an andersen double hugn window can i use a replacement window not from andersen

original windows are aluminum. Mechinisms to hold up windows are broken company is out of business my question is can I install vinyl replacement windows in these aluminum window tracks with the problem of the broken springs and the shock absorber type units that hold the window up? What do I need to do?

Hello, where can I find fiberglass replacement windows (what companies carry them). Is there any company that make single hung replacements windows that are 58"wide x 45"high???? Thanks

Hello, I purchased a house last year and all the windows were upgraded by the previous owner to retrofit vinyl replacements. This I am told means that old aluminum frame was left in place and the vinyl ones are caulked in. the windows are all fairly energy efficient, perform well now, and don't leak. I have a wood house and was told that these were meant for stucco- houses that don't expand and contract, that they might be ok, who knows, but none of the window installers say they would ever put them in our house.

I am now having siding replaced, and was told that it would be essential to replace them with nail in windows and a nailing fin. I was told that in order to do the siding correctly they would really need to remove the window and the old aluminum frame- rendering these useless anyway. These comments are coming from multiple trades people -none of whom benefit from replacement (or sell or install new windows.)

i am planning a full replacement of T1 11 plywood siding with Hardi fibercement panels in the same style.

I also live in Northern California, somewhat near the coast - but with relatively mild weather.

QUESTION: do I really need to replace the windows?
Can I use Vinyl replacements for long term? I am on a tight budget needing to do a lot of work on the house and looking for low maintenance cost effective windows for long term. the choices out there overwhelm....
Thanks!

is it best to install replacement windows from the inside or outside of the house

Only fools replace original wood windows, don't be a fool, keep the originals. All replacement windows are trash that will fail one day to be
replaced again, so the process never ends. Original windows never need to be replaced.

If I install a replacement window do I remove all of the old window and put the new window in its place or do I have to use part of the frame of the old window? Thanks

I have a sun room in Florida with vinyl windows. The windows are split. Where can I get replacement vinyl material?
Thanks,
Mike

How do you calulate the payback on different replacement windows?