new windows on 30 year old house

bobfeather · 07-04-2011, 11:25 AM

looking for a little direction/ advice here
had this house built 30 years ago, brick veneer with dashwood slider windows the kind with big panes of heavey glass

they are getting tired/ old & am looking to replace
what would be the best way to go

1. remove brick mold, interior trim & cut window frames back to studs, remove & replace, re-trim & install new vinyl brick mold

2. remove glass, install replacement windows ( a little smaller ) & have them cap off the outside

just to add i am pretty handy ( don't pay too many people to do too much for me ), and really don't mind pecking away at a job like this, but bending aluminum & capping is probably out of my range

if i was to go with #1 , would i measure the old window frame exactly & order the same ? & have not checked but do they make vinyl brick mold ?
really tired of the maint/ painting thing

should add there are 10 windows all the same ( 6 the same size ) plus 1 bow window about 8' x 4' , gonna hold off on that one a bit & might get a quote to change it out
all help/ suggestions etc appreciated
thanks
bob

**oh'mike** · 07-04-2011, 12:06 PM

Going into a brick opening with a new construction window is the best way--but rather risky.

If you blow the measurement you will be stuck with the windows.

To get an accurate measurement ,you need to remove the interior trim--this will expose the actual edges of the windows---with double hung windows -a bit of the drywall below the bottom may need to be removed,as the window bottom is usually hidden by 2 inches or so of drywall.

Then go outside and and verify the numbers by estimating the set back of the brrick molding and see if the numbers are the same.

Most catalogs list the 'rough opening' that's the size of the framed opening---you may need to call the distributor or manufacturer to get the actual size of the window.

Pvc brick mold is available just about anywhere.

windowrepairguy · 07-04-2011, 03:12 PM

You absolutely want to get the corect measurememnts the first time. This can be a painfull process but is well worth the time. If you make a mistake and order the windows larger than you need, you'll have a bunch of extra work ahead of you. If you order too small, you have a bit of extra work but if you order the correct size, you're golden. You're always better off, at the very least, hiring a professional window repair or installation company to do the measurements or to verify your measurements. A tiny error could be quite costly.