The house we bought a few years ago meets our needs, but there's one thing that really bugs me about it - the doors and windows. The frames around both the windows and frames are metal - something you might find in a commercial application, not in a 50's brick ranch home. I've started replacing the doors, not a huge issue. However I'm kinda stuck on what to do with the windows. Here's a picture of an existing window/frame:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c62/bclasen/Misc/window_01.jpg

The metal frames are not plumb, level and have may layers of paint on them, I want them out! Actually removing the frames should not be a problem (sawzall), but I'm wonder about what I'll find & need to replace. As I mentioned, this is a brick house, I don't know if there are wood sills & headers or how or what the things are attached to. So I'm thinking I'll have to put in 1" headers & sills (I'll could plane down a 2x6), but any suggestions would be appreciated. Once the things are out I want to put in a craftsman finish to the interior.

Another question deals with the existing windows which are vinyl. When the previous owner put these in, for the life of me I don't know why he didn't put in a new frame at the same time. I'd guess the windows are around 10 years old, I'm pretty sure they are not of good quality (he was cheap), but they are functional. So my window questions are:

- Would you use the existing windows are replace them? If I redo the frame and cheap vinyls don't last more than 10-15 years, it would be the time to replace.
- How do you think the they are attached? They are not screwed into the frame on the sides where I would expect it, I think they must have used glue or something. The caulk is old & yellowed.
- If the vinyl windows are salvageable, would an oak craftsman interior look OK with vinyl?
- If I replace the windows, knowing I'd prefer a oak craftsman look, are wood windows a good way to go? I imagine they are more expensive than vinyl or fiberglass.

Thanks for any input!

Bob

 

It looks like those are old Pella steel frames. They're difficult to remove, but as you indicated, not impossible with the right tools. You'd be wise to try tearing 1 window out and see what you are getting yourself into before attempting to replace all of them. I agree that getting rid of the metal frame is the best way to go.

The vinyl windows look terrible and if you don't like them either, I'd suggest you replace them too.

If you are going with craftsman style trim, a wood window would really look best, but yes they are a little more expensive. You can order them the exact size you want and get the jamb the right width for your wall so that once they are installed, you're ready to trim. Vinyl windows are usually 2 3/4-3 1/4" thick, which means you need to add an extension jamb to the interior before you trim. I would guess that on the exterior, your brick butts right up against those metal frames, which might make them difficult to remove. If the brick is not plumb, level and square, that will make it very difficult to install a new window in the same place and have it be plumb, level and square.

Just a few thoughts.

 

Thanks for the reply - I appreciate it. I was planning on taking out one window in the back of the house to see what I was getting into. The idea of a custom window may make more sense since I do have weird wall thickness. Also one thing I'm worried about is the plaster around the existing windows is not flat, it's built up a bit & uneven. I may need to sand it down to get a flat surface for trim, etc.

Sounds like the window replacement business is pretty competitive & agressive, I called one vendor & they wanted to send out a person to do a quote & sign me up right away. Since they are a vinyl shop, I may go a different direction.

Thanks again,
Bob