Need help with metal window replacement in a brick house
#1
01-23-05, 05:55 PM
Need help with metal window replacement in a brick house
Getting ready to replace metal framed windows on a brick house that was built in the '50s. I would like some suggestions on window types to use and where to purchase them. We would like slider/casement type windows most likely vinyl type windows. Please give me some suggestions, and/or how to install them
#3
01-24-05, 10:20 AM
Group Moderator
First, what state are you located in?
Second, what type of windows do you have now? You said they are steel, but are they double hungs, or casements? I assume that the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen are all single windows.... but that you have several others in the living room or dining room that are 2-lite, 3-lite or 4-lite openings? Please describe this a little more clearly. Sliders are likely out of the question unless the mullions between any existing windows can be removed.
There are literally hundreds of brands of vinyl windows out there and at least half of them are cheap cr4p that I wouldn't even put in my garage. If you are dead set on vinyl, that is OK, though, because there are several quality brands, and vinyl can be a good product that it is practically maintenance free inside and out, and it has good thermal properties.
Other popular alternatives would be thermally-broke aluminum, or aluminum-clad wood. Since you mentioned that your windows are steel framed, and are circa 1950, I wonder what you have. Do your windows have a roll up screen pack, or a removable screen? Do your windows slide up and down, or crank out? Do they also have their own storm window, that is part of the window system?
I've worked with 2 types of steel windows, and both are a royal pain in the neck to get out. Generally, in both cases, a replacement window can be fit into the opening, provided you anchor some wood framing to the steel framing and then wrap the entire thing with a metal break and aluminum trim coil.
You can also remove the entire steel frame (Which will be the most energy effiecient thing to do) but it also opens up a whole can of worms because of plaster, drywall, painting, covering the old trim lines, etc.
It's hard to give you any further suggestions without actually seeing your windows, but I think there are a lot of people here who would be willing to give you suggestions. It's a knowledgeable group.
Second, what type of windows do you have now? You said they are steel, but are they double hungs, or casements? I assume that the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen are all single windows.... but that you have several others in the living room or dining room that are 2-lite, 3-lite or 4-lite openings? Please describe this a little more clearly. Sliders are likely out of the question unless the mullions between any existing windows can be removed.
There are literally hundreds of brands of vinyl windows out there and at least half of them are cheap cr4p that I wouldn't even put in my garage. If you are dead set on vinyl, that is OK, though, because there are several quality brands, and vinyl can be a good product that it is practically maintenance free inside and out, and it has good thermal properties.
Other popular alternatives would be thermally-broke aluminum, or aluminum-clad wood. Since you mentioned that your windows are steel framed, and are circa 1950, I wonder what you have. Do your windows have a roll up screen pack, or a removable screen? Do your windows slide up and down, or crank out? Do they also have their own storm window, that is part of the window system?
I've worked with 2 types of steel windows, and both are a royal pain in the neck to get out. Generally, in both cases, a replacement window can be fit into the opening, provided you anchor some wood framing to the steel framing and then wrap the entire thing with a metal break and aluminum trim coil.
You can also remove the entire steel frame (Which will be the most energy effiecient thing to do) but it also opens up a whole can of worms because of plaster, drywall, painting, covering the old trim lines, etc.
It's hard to give you any further suggestions without actually seeing your windows, but I think there are a lot of people here who would be willing to give you suggestions. It's a knowledgeable group.
#4
01-25-05, 07:44 PM
Metal windows
They are aluminum metal framed windows...casement type. I would like to stick with casement type windoews with window cranks. My home was built around 1953 or so. I've been told that I could buy vinyl windows and cut the nailing fins off....sounded kinda fishy though. Just wondering what kind or brand of windows that could be purchased locally like at Menards or Home Depot. We live in Wisconsin. Any help would be appreciated! Most of the window openings are 36"t x 48"w exact from brick to brick. I hope this helps in window selection.
