Does anyone know a good web link -- with photos -- that shows step by step how to replace a window in a home with a stucco exterior, including removal of the old one? Thanks.

 

If you are talking about complete window replacement, I doubt that you will find anything. That is not a DIY job, especially in stucco. Installing replacement windows in an existing frame is another matter, not too difficult.

 

I'd be removing the old window entirely, a 48"x48" slider, and replacing it with a new window, a 48"x48" slider in the same opening. When you say 'frame', I'm not sure if you're referring to the construction framing or the aluminum window frame.

 

Window frame, never remove the house framing unless you are making changes to the opening.

Aluminum windows have a nailing fin that attaches the window to the outside of the house framing. One way to avoid damage to the stucco, is to cut out the frame flush with the house framing(sawzall), and leave the fin. To remove the fin requires cutting back the stucco, usually. Depends on if there is outside trim and how it was done. And touching up stucco without the repair showing is no something learned overnight.

That said, new construction windows, need to be nailed the same way, and they must be properly flashed, so stucco removal is necessary anyhow.

 

Yes, I'd be removing the entire window, fin and all, from the exterior, so I understand some of the stucco will need to be removed. I'm wondering how much? i.e., how far out from the window frame? I've installed windows before (new framing) and a 8' sliding glass door replacement with stucco repair, so I don't know why a window replacement would be so tricky. I already have 1/2 a bag of stucco which matches the color of my house. The main questions I have are about how to transition the felt or flashing from the old to the new.

I'm surprised that I can find photos on the internet of how lumbar disc replacement surgery is performed, but not how to replace a window!!

 

I've pulled windows from stuccoed houses and you need to chip stucco away far enough to get the window out

normally the windows are installed prior to the stucco so it takes a bit of chipping

I find a concrete chipping hammer works best , that along with a couple of chisels

its a PITA

 

Yes, I've done a lot of stucco chipping. How far is 'enough'? And what about the flashing? Thanks for replies!

 

well Ive taken them out of stucco houses , never installed one in a stucco house

(we go to demo sales of houses being remodeled and torn down windows are 15- 20 you pull )

enough is just that , enough to get the frame clear and out

all Ive done are recessed windows so flashing doesn't really apply

 

Flashing/weatherstripping should be about 3-6" out from the nailing fin. Start from the bottom with a self adhesive wrap, overlap sides to bottom, and top to sides, and install aluminum drip edge at the top, which goes up under the sheathing housewrap. Caulk everything along the way.

 

What Mango said. No flashing or adhesive wrap (18 y/o house) here either. Guess they figure the flange is under the tar paper, and has 3/4" of stucco on top.

I used an angle grinder with a masonry disk to cut out my window and install a French door. That seemed to work just fine. Even cut the wire mesh easily too. Once I found the flange, I just marked a line with a level and followed that. Didn't have to cut the whole flange out, just back to the stud. No nailing flange on the Andersen door.