Hi everyone. I am replacing wooden windows on my house. I want to install vinyl windows, not replacement windows, but the whole thing, right down to the rough opening. I apologize if the next part seems like a dumb question, but here goes. I have been to HD and Lowe's, and all there windows do not come with the brick molding and window sill already installed around the window. The only ones I could find are with the nailing flange. Are vinyl windows with the brick molding and window sill already attached still made, and if they are are they a special order? I want to basically take everything out of the rough opening for my windows, and just pop in a vinyl window with the molding and sill already attached. Thanks for any help and information.

 

Vinyl windows don't come with sills, they have nailing fins on all 4 sides. Anderson has several models that come with sills. Only a few vinyl window companies offer an integral brickmould. You'd have to ask if it's an option on the ones you're looking at.

 

Thanks for your reply. So since what you are saying is true, do I
1. Take the measurement of the rough opening from jack stud to jack stud (side to side) and also from header to rough sill to get my dimensions for the window I need?

2. Since some vinyl windows don't have sills, what do I use to give the illusion of a window sill when looking at the window sill from the outside? If I look at my windows now, which again are wooden ones, I have the brick molding on the top and sides, but the wooden sill on the bottom. Would I just use brick molding on all four sides?

Thanks again.

 

Eric: This is why they make replacement windows. You can use the existing framework, sill, and molding. If you choose to tear out all the framing, sill, etc., then the only thing that will give you the "illusion" of having a sill and molding from the outside is to actually buy and install sill and brick mold. If you plan on "popping" in the new windows in your new opening, then plan on siding work as well, as the nailing flange has to go somewhere.

 

Thanks Larry. The reason I want to replace the whole window is because the existing sill and brick mold are wood, not vinyl. So what you are telling me, I just want to make sure I understand clearly, and am not trying to be a wise guy, is to buy the all weather brick mold and sill, and install it in conjunction with a vinyl window that will be popped in the opening? So there's not a chance someone makes a vinyl with integrated brick molding and sill? I am just trying to make sure I do this job right. I don't want to buy a vinyl replacement window and then later have to replace the wood sill because it rotted. Just figured if I could find a vinyl window that could be popped in from the outside, with vinly brick molding and sill already attached that would be easiest.

 

Absolutely, you can find the sills in a polystyrene material that paints up just fine and is impervious, just like your windows will be. There are also the vinyl/poly trim boards, also. So, if you tear out the old casing and sill, just replace them prior to installing the replacement windows. The brick mold also comes in poly. This may save you a lot of siding rebuilding should you decide to do the new window approach. Good luck with the project, and post back if we can help further.

 

Larry, first and foremost, thank you for your patience and courtesy. Some people in some forums treat people poorly when they ask questions, and then don't understand why they don't come back.

Anyway, my house is made of cedar shakes (similar to wood shingles), so the siding issue won't be as big as with vinyl or aluminum. As for the vinyl sill part, after I install that on top of the rough sill, will the new vinyl window with the nailing flanges fit right in the opening and rest on top of the new vinyl sill? I only ask because I know the sills are sloped, and want to make sure the new vinyl window will still fit in the rough opeing if I install a vinyl sill prior to placing it in the opeing.

Thanks for your continued help.

 

The nailing fin will have to be removed from the bottom, window companies also make sill angle out of vinyl that is used to fill that gap. Professionals would wrap all the exposed wood with aluminum and seal the seams, giving a nice low-maintenance exterior. Tough for the DIY without a brake though.