Hello and thanks in advance for any help with this.

We are looking to replace 2 original wooden double hung storm windows in our garage ourselves. Each is 38.5" x 41.5". When we moved in we had vinyl replacements put in on the upper 2 levels. We had the kitchen done the guy doing it put in a 400 series Andersen that we really like and were thinking of using two of those. I looked at HD this weekend and saw 400 series in the size of our opening in stock, but had some questions.

Isn't the 400 series at HD a new construction type window? Meaning it's installed from the outside and nailed in via the wrap around the window? Problem is we have old powder coated alunimum siding, and I don't see how that would work. Currently there is alunimum trim on the outside of the old storm windows. I am trying to think of how the contractor installed the kitchen 400 without disturbing the siding.

Should we be looking instead at an Andersen replacement window installed from the inside so that we can keep the alunimum trim/flashing currently on the outside in tact, and not have to worry about damaging the siding?

Your help is appreciated. AW

 

I had some 400 series windows installed-but that was in conjunction with new siding, trim, etc.-and they are great!
I don't know if they make the 400 as a replacement window.
FWIW, we had 2 replacement windows installed (in our garage) after the fact-and they look fine.
(Of course, they have a bit less glass area, given how they fit within the existing opening.

 

IF, I say IF...the windows are an exact match and the J channel (or whatever trim is used around the siding) will meet up perfectly...you can use installation straps(?) to install the windows. I can't remember the exact name, but a neighbor replaced his entire house with 400 series (that I sold him when I worked at HD). You remove the old window, leaving everything intact, the straps come with screws and instructions. You screw the straps to the wood frame of the window, slid the window into place, shim as needed, then bend the straps around the framing on the interior, trim any excess, and nail in. The interior trim will cover any sheetrock you need to remove to get the straps down to the stud. The best advice I can give is talk to Andersen. Ask for a level II tech if the first person can't answer the question. Or send an Email with the exact outside dimensions of your existing window.

IIRC you have to cut the nailing flange off of the window.

I would kind of question using 400s in a garage since they aren't cheap. I guess depending on the layout of the house..if they are visible along with your other windows, keeping the look the same could be important. If they are on the side or back where they can't be compared to the others...I wouldn't spend the money.

Hmmmm one question....your HD had 400 series IN STOCK? On the shelf? Never heard of that! They were always special order.

 

Vic, Thanks for the info. And yes, my local HD had a large assortment of 400 series in stock. I think they were all 400 for new construction however hence my concern and post.

I should have prefaced this by saying we are in the process of turning the garage into a living space at present. We really liked the 400 series in the new kitchen so I wanted to stick with that series for the garage if we were able.

I just checked out some youtubes Andersen has and it seems like a 400 series insert may be the best option and least amount of work for me this fall. I'd give up some glass space, but save a ton of time and work from the sound of it.

Thanks again guys.

 

That would be the Woodwright line. Very nice windows..made basically the same as the 400s. Not sure but it seems like they use Fibrex, IIRC, (which is a wood composite) for the frames. Each is custom made and measurements are VERY important, including the sill angle. I think they had a form you needed to fill out to make sure everything was right.

Oh...unless you are very lucky with the HD people...as a rule most don't really know a lot about things they don't sell often. They really changed the training (what there was of it) when I was there. They used to send senior people to week long classes locally and then down to Atlanta to get all the nitty gritty. Some people actually were able to go to the factories to get advanced insight. That all changed and they went to computer based (ie: basically useless) training. You might check around and see if there is a local lumber yard or builder supply that can really help you get the order down pat.

It has been about 6 yrs since I left and Andersen has quite a few new products...but I feel they are one of the better companies out there that still make good products at relatively affordable prices.