I built my house 20 years ago. I did most of the work myself. I installed what I thought were energy saving double pain aluminum windows which was available at the time other than wood which I figured would rot and or need more maintence by painting.

I had not realized or took into consideration the temperature conductance of Aluminum. It is really bad when you are trying to keep temperatures outside, summer or winter. The aluminum is like a heater in the summer and like a ice cube in the winter.

I am trying to determine if it is now economical to to try an remove these aluminum windows and put in vinyl windows.

My house is brick venier. The brick covers up the aluminum flange that is nailed or screwed to the wood window opening.

First would it be economical for me to do the change? I am a do it your selfer, so I'll be doing the work.

Second how to get the existing aluminum frame out since the flange is covered with brick.

thanks

Ken

 

It depends on if you want a smaller window than you have now or the same size. If you go with a smaller window you could cut the old frame with a saws-all and leave the old part in the wall. Then add framing and install the new window to that. Then some vinyl trim pieces to fill the gap between the brick and the window. Or get the replacement type windows without the flanges. These screw into the framing through the side of the window so you could just use shim pieces instead of a whole new frame. Check the size of the opening in the brick against the rough opening for the new window to see which way will work best.
Also think about the looks of the new window, no matter how good an energy savings it is you do not want something that looks ugly.
Of course you can always remove the brick from around the old window until you can get to the nailing flange. Then replace the brick after you are finished with the window. It will take longer to do it this way but you will be able to do a better job of weatherproofing the installation. Take the bricks out one at a time to save them. With proper care the job will look almost invisiable except for the newer looking mud between the brick. Yea, a sawed out opening is faster but not as pretty.
Well that is my idea on your question anyways. Some thoughts to consider.