New Window Question
#1
03-02-10, 05:48 PM
New Window Question
New Window Question
I am having new Pella windows installed, double hung and casement. I have read their Web page on installing. These are full windows and not inserts. Their pictures show the double hung, for example, being inserted with shims surrounding the window frame where there is space between the window frame and the opening.
My question is the original windows in my home mounted in the same way using shims with a space between the frame and opening.
I was asking to be sure I did not lose window area with the new windows and they would look similar to the old window installation.
Thanks,
Jerry
I am having new Pella windows installed, double hung and casement. I have read their Web page on installing. These are full windows and not inserts. Their pictures show the double hung, for example, being inserted with shims surrounding the window frame where there is space between the window frame and the opening.
My question is the original windows in my home mounted in the same way using shims with a space between the frame and opening.
I was asking to be sure I did not lose window area with the new windows and they would look similar to the old window installation.
Thanks,
Jerry
#2
03-02-10, 06:14 PM
Group Moderator
Hi Jerry, I must have missed the question mark, but I think I understand the question... "are your current windows installed in this same manner?"
It's possible that they are, but shims were not required in all window installations back then. Lawyers and such have demanded more stringent instructions if manufacturers are to stand behind their products. So if shims aren't used, or aren't in the right places and there is a problem with the installation, well the window company isn't to blame. But I digress. Regardless, you have a rough opening... a space with or without shims and insulation... and a window frame, which your window sashes are mounted into. This basic construction remains the same.
However, you may lose some glass area no matter what, but there ain't much you can do about it. For instance, let's say you have 50 yr old Pella windows. Well they used to have a steel frame, and a wood sash. The steel frame and wood sash is thin compared to their windows today, which have a wood frame and wood sash. Multiple mulled units would also have lost glass area at the vertical mullions because of thicker building products. For example, if you have an equally divided 3 lite casement, you might currently have 20" of glass width per sash... and with new windows that might turn into 18" of glass width per sash. This ticks some people off, but like I said, there just isn't much you can do about it. And it's usually only very noticeable on mulled units like I just mentioned. A single 38" wide piece of glass on a window that gets 2" smaller isn't that noticeable of a change, but on a narrow window it sometimes is noticeable. Usually people just need to quit comparing their old windows to their new ones. They are different. Kind of like a 1950 car is not going to exactly match a new 2010 model.
You lose a LOT more glass area with a vinyl replacement window because their master frames and sash frames are so thick. So count your blessings.
It's possible that they are, but shims were not required in all window installations back then. Lawyers and such have demanded more stringent instructions if manufacturers are to stand behind their products. So if shims aren't used, or aren't in the right places and there is a problem with the installation, well the window company isn't to blame. But I digress. Regardless, you have a rough opening... a space with or without shims and insulation... and a window frame, which your window sashes are mounted into. This basic construction remains the same.
However, you may lose some glass area no matter what, but there ain't much you can do about it. For instance, let's say you have 50 yr old Pella windows. Well they used to have a steel frame, and a wood sash. The steel frame and wood sash is thin compared to their windows today, which have a wood frame and wood sash. Multiple mulled units would also have lost glass area at the vertical mullions because of thicker building products. For example, if you have an equally divided 3 lite casement, you might currently have 20" of glass width per sash... and with new windows that might turn into 18" of glass width per sash. This ticks some people off, but like I said, there just isn't much you can do about it. And it's usually only very noticeable on mulled units like I just mentioned. A single 38" wide piece of glass on a window that gets 2" smaller isn't that noticeable of a change, but on a narrow window it sometimes is noticeable. Usually people just need to quit comparing their old windows to their new ones. They are different. Kind of like a 1950 car is not going to exactly match a new 2010 model.
You lose a LOT more glass area with a vinyl replacement window because their master frames and sash frames are so thick. So count your blessings.
#3
03-02-10, 07:15 PM
XSleeper –
No, you did not miss the question mark. I forgot to put it in. I appreciate your response. Perhaps you could comment on this.
The Pella window I chose is wood with aluminum cladding. One of the reasons I chose the full window versus an insert was it had more window glass. Is that true?
Jerry
No, you did not miss the question mark. I forgot to put it in. I appreciate your response. Perhaps you could comment on this.
The Pella window I chose is wood with aluminum cladding. One of the reasons I chose the full window versus an insert was it had more window glass. Is that true?
Jerry
#4
03-02-10, 07:39 PM
Group Moderator
yes, a new construction window (one with a nailing flange) has more glass area than an insert. An insert (Pella's precision fit replacement window) is inserted into an existing frame, so the thickness of the existing frame (on all four sides) would all be included in the total lost glass area if you would have gone with an insert.
By removing the existing frame and by going with a new construction window, you will be getting the most glass area possible, provided they did not reduce the window measurements for some unknown reason.
By removing the existing frame and by going with a new construction window, you will be getting the most glass area possible, provided they did not reduce the window measurements for some unknown reason.
