Understanding installation options
#1
06-02-08, 02:28 PM
Understanding installation options
hello,
Let me start by saying that I have little understanding of windows and window replacement but I am trying to get educated in order to make an educated decision.
My House currently has single pane aluminium windows along with storm windows (inside). Searching the web, it seems that one can buy "replacement windows" or "new windows". What are the key differences? Under what circumstances should one use replacement versus new windows? Is there some sort of constraints (can only use new, can use both, etc..) with the setup that I have?
From what I can understand, replacement windows would not require the trim outside and inside the house to be removed and/or disturbed. Is that correct? What happens with new windows?
What some of the well known makers of windows I should be looking at if I want good quality at a reasonable price (from watching TV, I have heard of Pella, Marvin, Anderson but I have no clue if they even do the windows I care about).
Thx for your help.
Yves
Let me start by saying that I have little understanding of windows and window replacement but I am trying to get educated in order to make an educated decision.
My House currently has single pane aluminium windows along with storm windows (inside). Searching the web, it seems that one can buy "replacement windows" or "new windows". What are the key differences? Under what circumstances should one use replacement versus new windows? Is there some sort of constraints (can only use new, can use both, etc..) with the setup that I have?
From what I can understand, replacement windows would not require the trim outside and inside the house to be removed and/or disturbed. Is that correct? What happens with new windows?
What some of the well known makers of windows I should be looking at if I want good quality at a reasonable price (from watching TV, I have heard of Pella, Marvin, Anderson but I have no clue if they even do the windows I care about).
Thx for your help.
Yves
#2
06-02-08, 03:35 PM
Some of the rules dealing with replacement window become cloudy with aluminum windows. Replacement windows usually fit into the old frame, with no outside trim and only a stop molding removed on the inside. Aluminum windows are nailed to the outside house framing which makes things different. Outside trim must be removed to get the old frames off. If the outside is brick, this is not economically reasonable. I often use the old aluminum frame(sashes removed), as a backer for new replacement windows. Careful measurements allow replacements to fit without removing any trim(usually only drywall returns) on the inside or outside. Caulk the new to the old frame, fill air gaps with DAP foam or non expanding foam, and trim as needed.
Of the names you mentioned, I would never recommend Pella, but the others do not make an economical replacement window. And they are generally designed to fit in place of a wood window sash. Vinyl is usually the choice. They are econmical, but have good insulating qualities compared to your old aluminum windows. I also do not recommend any vinyl window from a big box store. Look for a known brand name with a national or or at least regional reputation(big box do not qualify).
If price is not an issue, Marvin new construction would be my choice, but the old windows will have to be completely removed, hence the additional installation expense. And Andersen 400 series windows are my choice for wood windows.
This just touches on some of your questions, but not enough space here.
Of the names you mentioned, I would never recommend Pella, but the others do not make an economical replacement window. And they are generally designed to fit in place of a wood window sash. Vinyl is usually the choice. They are econmical, but have good insulating qualities compared to your old aluminum windows. I also do not recommend any vinyl window from a big box store. Look for a known brand name with a national or or at least regional reputation(big box do not qualify).
If price is not an issue, Marvin new construction would be my choice, but the old windows will have to be completely removed, hence the additional installation expense. And Andersen 400 series windows are my choice for wood windows.
This just touches on some of your questions, but not enough space here.
#3
06-02-08, 04:17 PM
Just Bill,
I am a little confused. You are saying that trim must be removed to get the old frame off. Yet, you mention that Replacement windows usually fit into the old frame.
Doesn't that mean that I could use replacement windows leveraging the current frame (without touchig the trim) and that I would need to remove the trim if I wanted to use new windows as the frame needs to be removed?
(BTW my current windows are sliders)
Thx,
Yves
I am a little confused. You are saying that trim must be removed to get the old frame off. Yet, you mention that Replacement windows usually fit into the old frame.
Doesn't that mean that I could use replacement windows leveraging the current frame (without touchig the trim) and that I would need to remove the trim if I wanted to use new windows as the frame needs to be removed?
(BTW my current windows are sliders)
Thx,
Yves
#4
06-03-08, 04:03 AM
As I suggested, the rules for aluminum windows are a bit different, depending on what needs to be replaced. With wood windows, the frame sits in the middle of the house framing opening, with trim on the inside and outside to help secure the frame in place and waterproof the exterior. Aluminum frames are nailed to the outside of the house framing opening. The outside trim covers the aluminum frame, and often there is no inside trim, the drywall wraps to butt directly on the window frame.
Yes, you can use the old aluminum frame to butt the new replacement against, in which case no exterior trim need be removed. The sashes(the parts that slide with the glass),are removed and discarded. A replacement window only replaced the sashes. New construction windows are complete with their own frame, and all parts of the old window are removed.
Yes, you can use the old aluminum frame to butt the new replacement against, in which case no exterior trim need be removed. The sashes(the parts that slide with the glass),are removed and discarded. A replacement window only replaced the sashes. New construction windows are complete with their own frame, and all parts of the old window are removed.
#5
07-01-08, 07:23 PM
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A couple of ? for Just Bill,
I have very similar windows that I'm replacing with Harveys. Maybe you could answer some questions for me. I want to remove the entire alum. frame but there is vinyl siding around the exterior. How much do I have to disturb it to get the alum. frame out.
Second, the sills are flat and I assume there is no stop to push the new window against so exactly how do you go about making it weathertight and finishing off the exterior trim.
Thanks,
Jamie
I have very similar windows that I'm replacing with Harveys. Maybe you could answer some questions for me. I want to remove the entire alum. frame but there is vinyl siding around the exterior. How much do I have to disturb it to get the alum. frame out.
Second, the sills are flat and I assume there is no stop to push the new window against so exactly how do you go about making it weathertight and finishing off the exterior trim.
Thanks,
Jamie
