Crap, this is a mess. Well hello, new guy here. I have a window (single pane) That is installed in the cinder block wall of my walk out basement. In the winter it's FREEZING down there and I have got to change that out this summer. I cannot afford a custom size. The rough opening of this is 31" Wide by 39" tall. I really just want a VERY basic vinyl window in there, and while I want to do it right, money is really tight as it is with everyone. Attached to this post are some pics so you can see what I am dealing with. This will be my first attempt at changing out a window and I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous. Is it as simple as taking it all out but the metal frame and putting a wooden frame in and attaching the window to that or what? It appears as though the cross members of the window are actually part of the metal frame so do I sawzall them out and use the metal frame to then use wood to frame in a smaller window?. Obviously I don't want to start hacking into the cinder block. Pretend I am a 14 year old kid when explaining this to me and pictures are always helpful. Thanks again everyone.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27037592@N06/

 

scrape out the old caulking and make sure there are no screws or nails holding the window in. pull out the wood lintel and remove the old window, install a new dual pane or triple pane window. use low e glass if you get direct sun into the window. vinyl windows usually have to be made for each opening anyway so it is not really a custom job anyway.
if the old window gives you any problems just cut the frame with the sawzall and remove it in pieces, I like to use minimally expanding foam to seal the new window as i install it. make sure to only use the soft minimal expanding foam not the rigid high expansive foam or you will blow your seals and damage the new window. don't leave in the old frame or you will still have a lot of heat loss out thru the old frame. just clean it back to the old cinder block wall and use that for your frame. make sure and use a flashing under the bottom of the vinyl frame to direct water to the outside of the wall when it rains.

murphy was an optimist

 

Thanks for the reply. Question. If I pull that frame out, what will hold up the cinder block in this load bearing wall? Is the hole for this window not a problem if left open for a few hours while a window is taken out and put in? Do I use pressure treated wood to make a "frame" to then attach the new vinyl window too? Thanks!

 

There are no stops on this window right? It doesn't appear that there are so I assume I would need to create an inner and outer stop to attach the new window too. Correct?

 

the cinder block should have grout in it to be a lintel over the window, so it should be self supporting. as for the stops that would be dependant on the style of replacement window you install. most of the windows attach at the sides with screws or nails
life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

 

tough to see in the pics (actually totally unable to see anything) but unless you have a special window, it is not a load bearing member. Either there is a lintel above the window (if there is more CMU above the window) or you have the 2 X plate the house sets on there. Leaving the window out should not cause any problems in this situation.