replacing a old aluminum window

Hi,

After I had some siding placed today the guys doing the work uncovered the wood trim around my garage window that was rotting out. So, I pulled the pieces out that were rotting and began thinking maybe I should replace this old aluminum window with a vinyl while I had the trim out.

The rest of the house were replaced a year ago with vinyl windows. But, I had somebody do this for more money than i want to spend again.

So, my question is this...can a fairly handy guy replace a window without to much trouble?

I see Norm pop those in and out all the time on this Old house.
Is there more than meets the eye on this repair?

Any related advise would be greatly appreciated!

TIA!
Shawn

 

Toughest part is getting the old window out. Some cut the flange with a skill saw and a metal cutting blade. Some remove the glass, clamp to each side of the frame and use a cable come along to colapse the frame. Order the window without the flange or scribe the flange and break it off. Drill and screw the window to the window opening frame. Just make them snug or it will distort the window. Chalk like crazy. Of course you will trim it out if it was a finished garage. If you can you a standard size from a store it will be made to have a 1/4 inch clearance all around, which is fine, but if you set the window on the bottom frame that will give you a half inch at the top. I put a 1/4 inch shim across the bottom. I'm sure some of the old pro's will have some better ideas. I have done one home and will do the second home as soon as it is in my budget.

 

Thanks for the info. One more question.

I am replacing this brown aluminum slider with a white vinyl picture window. Now, I have already removed the exterior trim since it had rotted and the interior frame is bare wood since its in the garage it was nver finished.

The question is how do I measure this so I give the Home Depot guys the correct dminensions?

I've been told the exterior frame of the window by somebody and somebody else said the interior frame of the house. I just want to make sure I don't get stuck with a window that doesn't fit!

Thanks!

 

If you measure the frame, subtract a 1/4 inch around the sides. Just tell them the the frame dimensions and they will figure it out. But make sure you tell them its the frame dimensions. I have found the window outside dimension works too. But if you use it let them know that they are the exact dimensions. The big thing is that the window should not be tight in the frame. If the house settles it will break the window. Hope this helps. OI too woried about getting the wrong size window. Good luck.

 

Whoops, subtract at least 1/4 at the top too!