Picture window change out
#1
03-12-15, 12:03 PM
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Picture window change out
I have a large, older picture window in my living room. It is an old metal frame single pane and the seal is starting to give out. One of the issues as well is that I would like to be able to open the new window to allow air flow. Just on basic research it seems it would be cheaper for me to get two or three double hung windows for the space and place them side by side. The question is, what is the easiest and best way to do this. Can I had a 2x4's inside the current frame to support the new windows, or am I best do get the windows mulled?
#2
03-12-15, 03:30 PM
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I don't know that you've provided enough info for us to say... a few pictures and some measurements would really help. Generally you would want to remove the entire old window sill and frame and get rid of it so that you could install the new windows as "new construction" style windows with nailing flanges. It allows you to insulate the perimeters well and then retrim inside and out for a completely new looking install. Separating with a stud is definitely an option, it means you would have some trim inside and out between the windows. But that cuts down on glass area a lot too.
The size and shape of the proposed rough opening, along with the size/style of other existing windows would determine whether you need 2 or 3 windows.
You might also be able to retrofit vinyl replacement windows into the existing opening and common mull them together but it's impossible to say if that's wise or not sight unseen.
The size and shape of the proposed rough opening, along with the size/style of other existing windows would determine whether you need 2 or 3 windows.
You might also be able to retrofit vinyl replacement windows into the existing opening and common mull them together but it's impossible to say if that's wise or not sight unseen.
#3
03-12-15, 05:40 PM
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kelly.alan -
If you have an existing picture window, there is some sort of lintel over it since the picture window cannot carry and external vertical loads. Taking out the glass panel since a IGU (insulating glass unit) has little capacity should give you a large opening to put in the window/windows of your choice. - You should not need any additional vertical support. It would be good to take out a small section of the drywall on on each side to see what you have. Drywall is easy to replace and patch.
Dick
If you have an existing picture window, there is some sort of lintel over it since the picture window cannot carry and external vertical loads. Taking out the glass panel since a IGU (insulating glass unit) has little capacity should give you a large opening to put in the window/windows of your choice. - You should not need any additional vertical support. It would be good to take out a small section of the drywall on on each side to see what you have. Drywall is easy to replace and patch.
Dick
#5
03-14-15, 12:29 PM
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yes I realized after I posted that I was leaving infomation out. So here is a picture of the inside and outside. The approximate size is 119 in x 58 in
#6
03-14-15, 03:45 PM
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That's a big window. One thing you are going to miss is all the glass area. Aluminum windows have very little frame... that's about their only plus. Any other type of window you change to is going to have a lot of frame where the windows come together, which will block some of the light and some of the view. I've put in a ton of windows and I know that's one thing almost every customer mentions when you change a configuation like that... some act like "you never told us it was going to be like that"... when in reality we did, they just couldn't picture it or they didn't think it would be a big deal and dismissed/forgot about it.
I agree with Larry's recommendation to get casements rather than double hungs. No one who has a wide open view like you have likes to block the view with horizontal frame pieces like a double hung will have. Anyway, I would highly recommend you get a common mulled unit (3 windows put together in the factory into one unit). Just looking at the Andersen catalog I have handy, they do make a 3 lite unit that is similar in size and proportion to your window.
It's a 400 Series C15-P6050-C15 casement-picture-casement configuration. The rough opening it would require is 10' 0 7/8" x 5' 0 3/8". If I had to guess, I would say that if you ordered this window through a box store like a Home Depot, it would probably run you about $1800-$2000, depending on the options you would like with it.
You would want to make darn sure that your rough opening width is big enough for it, by removing the trim, jamb, drywall... whatever you have to remove to get back to the studs... then measure the width of your RO and see if it will be big enough (10' 1"). The height is pretty easy to change if you needed to lower it an inch or so.
To get the old window out, you will need to remove some of your vinyl siding to expose the nailing fin of the old aluminum window. That's very easy to do to... not sure if you intend to DIY the whole thing or if you are just looking for options at this point.
I agree with Larry's recommendation to get casements rather than double hungs. No one who has a wide open view like you have likes to block the view with horizontal frame pieces like a double hung will have. Anyway, I would highly recommend you get a common mulled unit (3 windows put together in the factory into one unit). Just looking at the Andersen catalog I have handy, they do make a 3 lite unit that is similar in size and proportion to your window.
It's a 400 Series C15-P6050-C15 casement-picture-casement configuration. The rough opening it would require is 10' 0 7/8" x 5' 0 3/8". If I had to guess, I would say that if you ordered this window through a box store like a Home Depot, it would probably run you about $1800-$2000, depending on the options you would like with it.
You would want to make darn sure that your rough opening width is big enough for it, by removing the trim, jamb, drywall... whatever you have to remove to get back to the studs... then measure the width of your RO and see if it will be big enough (10' 1"). The height is pretty easy to change if you needed to lower it an inch or so.
To get the old window out, you will need to remove some of your vinyl siding to expose the nailing fin of the old aluminum window. That's very easy to do to... not sure if you intend to DIY the whole thing or if you are just looking for options at this point.
