Replacement Window dilemma- Window trim is under soffits.

We are wanting to replace these old windows as well as the siding but wasn’t looking to get into new soffits.

So the question is how can we replace the window and have enough room for the window brick mould to fit under. Do we have the bring the window header down with a 2 x 4 and reduce the height of the window overall. I need to figure this out considering we need our Rough opening measurements before we order our windows. Pa we are making the windows wider but not taller.

any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Often the sashes of your old window are removed leaving the window frame and trim in place. Then the replacement window is just installed inside with small molding or bead of caulk to finish it off. It's quick and inexpensive. The biggest drawback I don't like is the glass area (the part of the window you look through) is usually smaller than the original windows.

 

Once the window gets torn out, the carpenter will be able to take a Sawzall and he will make a vertical cut right behind that top brickmold trim and it should just fall right out. The soffit j isn't usually fastened to it, it goes around it.

You might need to pad the rough opening down 3/4" or so. When you order the windows give them the exact size you want the brickmould to be. That way the window will be the perfect size. If the windows have a nail fin, they will typically be 4" smaller than your overall brickmould size... Assuming 2" brickmould gets installed around all the nail fin.

If you are making the windows wider, it will mean you need to install a new header over the opening which means that the wall must be completely opened up on the inside. It's usually best if you can leave about 2" of drywall at the top of the wall.... It makes taping much easier when you don't get into the ceiling texture and paint.

 

Thanks XSleeper. I looks like the soffits were notched out to accommodate the original window, not sure what can be done to hide that hole that might be there in the soffits without replacing them. Or would we just opt for a trim that reaches to the top of the soffit to cover the hole ?

 

If your new brickmould is just as thick as the existing, there won't really be a hole. You will add a filler onto the top of the new brickmould to fit up in there. It won't look much different than it does now.

 

If you installed replacement windows there would be no need deal with the outside trim.