replacing windows
#1
10-31-03, 03:09 PM
replacing windows
I want to replace my current windows. How do I measure the correct size for the new window. The window slides from right to left. What are your recommendation for replacement windows. This is a home built in the 70's, and the seal has broken, all the windows are smug and hold moisture. Grading this project on 1-10, Thanks for your help.
#2
10-31-03, 05:48 PM
On a scale of 1 to 10, this project is a 10, providing that you choose the right windows. How else are you going to reduce your utility bills by 15, 20, maybe 25% for an investment of less than $10K, MAX??
As to your question on measuring, it all depends on how you want to go about replacing the windows.
If you are cutting the siding back so that you can get to the nail fins of the existing, your new windows will be sized for your existing rough openings. If you have a 4-0/4-0 window that you are replacing, you will order a 4-0/4-0 new construction window to fit in that hole. (The mfgr. will reduce the width by about 1/2" and the height by 1/4", automatically.) Then you will have to fill in the little bit of siding that you removed and use a 1X4 or similar trim around the window to cover up your cut.
Another option would be to NOT cut the siding -- simply use brute force (and a Sawzall) to PULL the frames. You are simply collapsing them in, parallel with the wall. Now, you could order windows with the exterior trim already molded onto the frame (Z-bar). To size that, measure the jambs on the inside from sheetrock to sheetrock (side-to-side) and deduct 1/2". Measure from the sill to the header of the inside opening and deduct 1/4". MAKE SURE that you tell the person that you are ordering the windows from that you have made this adjustment!!
A THIRD option would be to leave the existing frames in place, removing only the glass and the mullions of the existing windows, then measure the opening THAT would leave you inside the frame.
HOWEVER!!! LOOK CAREFULLY at the outside of the frame before you try going this route. You HAVE to have a flat surface all the way around the existing frame so that you have something to seal the new window to. Order those windows just like above to fit the size of the opening that you are left with.
As to your question on measuring, it all depends on how you want to go about replacing the windows.
If you are cutting the siding back so that you can get to the nail fins of the existing, your new windows will be sized for your existing rough openings. If you have a 4-0/4-0 window that you are replacing, you will order a 4-0/4-0 new construction window to fit in that hole. (The mfgr. will reduce the width by about 1/2" and the height by 1/4", automatically.) Then you will have to fill in the little bit of siding that you removed and use a 1X4 or similar trim around the window to cover up your cut.
Another option would be to NOT cut the siding -- simply use brute force (and a Sawzall) to PULL the frames. You are simply collapsing them in, parallel with the wall. Now, you could order windows with the exterior trim already molded onto the frame (Z-bar). To size that, measure the jambs on the inside from sheetrock to sheetrock (side-to-side) and deduct 1/2". Measure from the sill to the header of the inside opening and deduct 1/4". MAKE SURE that you tell the person that you are ordering the windows from that you have made this adjustment!!
A THIRD option would be to leave the existing frames in place, removing only the glass and the mullions of the existing windows, then measure the opening THAT would leave you inside the frame.
HOWEVER!!! LOOK CAREFULLY at the outside of the frame before you try going this route. You HAVE to have a flat surface all the way around the existing frame so that you have something to seal the new window to. Order those windows just like above to fit the size of the opening that you are left with.
