I need to replace 6 vinyl double hung {ThermalGard} windows that leak. I want to do the install myself to save on the labor cost. I've been told by one of the big box stores that I cannot go with a repalcement window because of what I currently have installed. They said I need new construction windows. My question is why can't the existing window hardware be removed & a new replacement window installed in it's place? It looks as though the existing windows are just screwed into the existing frames. I do not want to get into a new construction window project, as I do not want to disturb the siding on the outside. I'm confused. So, is the guy at HD correct? I find it hard to believe that everyone that wants to replace vinyl windows need to have new construction windows installed. Thanx for your input.

 

If your existing windows are vinyl replacement windows that have been "retrofit" into the jamb of a preexisting old window... then yes, your Thermal Guard windows can be unscrewed and pulled out... and a new replacement window that is exactly the same size can be put back in.

I'm guessing the guy who helped you might have misunderstood what you currently have.

 

Thanx X. I'm assuming that's what they are as the other windows in the house are wood double hungs of the same design, so I think the ThermalGards were retrofit to replace the wood ones. When I measure for the new windows do I need to drill thru the side jambs to get to the framing or do I take the measurement from the existing hardware?

 

Windows that have been retrofit into old double hung frames usually have an interior stop on the sides and top that can be removed. Once the interior stop is removed, and the old replacement window is unscrewed and the sealant has been cut, it will pull out to the inside. Without doing all that, you should be able to accurately measure the replacement window that sits behind the interior stops.

You could obviously figure this out without removing any of the interior trim, but it wouldn't hurt to remove a few pieces to reveal the edges of your replacement window... you'll be taking it off anyway when you go to tear the old window out, so it makes sense to at least check one window now.

Replacement windows are usually ordered 1/4" smaller than the opening is wide, and 1/4" shorter than the entire opening is tall. If you want to verify the thickness of your stools (in old houses they were closer to 1 1/8" thick) you can just open one of your old double hungs and check the distance from the top of the stool to the point at which the sloped sill starts. That's the point at which you would actually measure the height of the opening if the Thermal Guard window was removed. So if you measure from the top of the window stool to the top of the window jamb, the thickness of the window stool would have to be added in when you measure the height. Some people get the window shorter than needed, and then use a head expander. I think head expanders are pointless provided the retrofit opening is square and you measure accurately in the first place.

You can also doublecheck these measurements on the outside of the house if there is any question as to the size. You just have to remember that the opening gets taller on the exterior side of the window due to the angle of the sloped sill.

 

Anyone have an opinion on Simonton windows?

 

How old were these thermagard windows? I'm curious why they would be leaking. they sound new if they're vinyl.

 

I don't know how old they are. We've been here 5 years, & they were installed by the previous owner. They leak between the sashes, at the sill, & along the jambs. I don't know if a hack job was done when they were installed or if the windows themselves are of poor quality. They leak so bad that in the winter I have to cover them with plastic storm window shrink kits.

 

I stopped at a local building supply store & they recomended windows by Kasson- Keller. I called an installer who was recomended to me & the guy quoted me a price of $2600 for 7 windows. He wants 200 per window for the install, which seems kinda pricey to me to install a replacement window. I told him I'd get back to him later. I figure a pro would need about 1 hr. per window. What do you guys think? I had originally planned to do the install myself, but with work & everything I may not have the time before the snow flies. I'm not trying to begrudge anyone, but 200 bucks an hour?