New windows in Concrete block stucco home

Hi,

I placed this message in the masonry area prior to placing it in this forum, so I appologize if you have read it twice. I am renovating my house in South Florida and have decided to install impact resistant casement windows in my concrete block home. These are not "replacement windows" in that they are same windows that would normally be installed during new construction. My problem is that when we measured the openings for the windows, we found that current single hung windows are buried anywhere from 1/4" to 1" in stucco. It was usually the case that the bottom of the window was buried the deepest. Due to the rigid nature of the windows, there is no play in getting the new windows in place. I have hired a window installer to put in the new windows and he is quoting me half as much if I can remove the excess stucco around the windows before he begins. We are also planning to paint the entire house after the windows are in place. I would like to remove the stucco around the window with as minimal damage as possible and then have it repaired. I would like to know anyone's thoughts on the best approach to doing this. What techniques (tricks of the trade) or tools would be recommended?

Thanks in advance,

Scott

 

If you cut the existing stucco, replace the windows, and patch the stucco, I will guarantee that you will have a crack everywhere that the old stucco and the patch meet. One option would be to retrofit the windows (use the existing frames and not cut the stucco). Another option would be to replace the windows as you plan to, then install a wide enough trim to cover the cut in the stucco.