New construction vs. replacement windows

I am replacing 4 windows with vinyl double hung. I will be replacing the wood siding, so I can go with new construction windows. However, I have noticed that most replacement windows have a molded, sloped exterior sill. I'm a little hazy on how to properly finish out the exterior base of a new construction window. Am I better off going with replacements, and if not, any suggestions on how to finish/trim the new construction?

 

What are you replacing the wood siding with....

and does the new construction window have the built in J channel around the outer edge ?

 

I will be using 3/4" wood siding. I haven't decided on window brand, so your advice on such things as the presence or absence of a J channel is appreciated and can be used in evaluating various window choices.

 

Using a wood siding, you'll want to avoid windows that have a built in J....that is just for vinly type sidings. Although I think most can be cut off, it's probably easier just to get windows that DON'T have it to start with.


The only "real" difference in new construction and replacements, other than that built in J in some new construction, is:

--Nailing fins on new construction. Makes it a bit easier to just slap in it a rough opening and nail up. Replacements will use screws in the side jambs

--Standard sizes. NC windows will come in standard sizes and YOU make the rough openings fit the window. Replacements are made custom to fit whatever hole you currnently have.

--"some" NC windows will have a pre-applied extention jamb to match your wall thickness.....using replacements, or NCs that don't have that feature, you will have to make an extension on the inside from the window on to the wall plane.....most builder's today go the cheap route and use sheetrock and no wood trim inside.

That's the only real difference in NC and replacment windows.....same vinyl, glass and hardware, assuming you order apples to apples on either type

Now, as to what to do on the outside. What I do is use replacements mostly, then I use a wood trim around the outside, wrapped in aluminum PVC trim coil. You could do that or go with a wood or PVC trim as something to butt your wood too....it's sorta your choice. Make a sill out of 1 1/4" lumber, bring it out 2" or so from the vinyl window and run it right under the lip where the screen stops on the bottom....rip a 15 degree bevel on the front and back face, and it will look like a factory applied sill, just like any wood window.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Ohh you forgot NC windows cost about 1/2 what "replacement" windows do !!

 

I wouldn't say 1/2 as long as you're shopping at the right place and getting comparable windows, BUT 54's right that NC windows are generally cheaper.....the advantage of mass production over custom production....BUT the difference in costs can easily be lost though, if your existing openings have to be modified extensively.

Hey, 54.....where ya been so long ?

 

I bought 32x60 tilt in windows at HD for $90.00 each, they wanted twice that for custom "replacement windows"
The sills/jambs were rotted on the old windows (the main reason they needed replacement) which "replacement" windows doesn't address.
Fortunately my 1920 house window openings were easily trimmed out a bit to fit the 32" x 60" perfectly
I've been spending time over at Dave Ramsey's website lately, pretty cool stuff.
He's the guy who advicates living debt free (Yes it IS possible!!)

 

Hey, if you've still got the pics you took posted, list the website again so dpark can see the outside trim.

Yeah, I've listened to Ramsey some.......but was already doing most of that years ago...haven't had a house mortgage in 15 years, buy our vehicles mostly for cash.......or pay 'em off quick.....
Never keep a balance on a credit card, and so on......Wife and I have been REAL conservative about spending for our entire 32 years of marriage.

I bought a new pickup last week and it about killed me.....$27,500 for a Silverado......but my last new one was in 1986 and it was getting sorta tired....

 

DW and I (married 4/12/2003) are working on being debt free, the only thing left is her car, house is paid off !!
Not bad for early 30's

 

 

I need one of those signs, "dont laugh, it's paid for"
Most other "normal" people have 25 years left on thier mortgage our our age on top of the 2 car payments, CC's, etc

 

Just thought I would add what the house USED to lok like before the new windows went in.



What a difference a few windows, some paint, and green grass makes !!!

 

OK so I'm getting a little crazy with this picture thing ...


The widow HAD sheetrock "returns" but had pretty much dry rotted.



And the NEW