Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame?

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 01:46 AM

I have these window where the top and bottom are sloped downward about 30 degrees. I doubt anyone makes frames for these windows anymore.
Is the sill the piece of wood the window rests on? Many of the sills of these windows are rotted out. Would it be worthwhile to remove the frames and rebuilt the them?

Thanks

**kwikfishron** · 10-22-2011, 05:54 AM

Top and bottom sloped 30 degrees…that’s a new one on me.

You really only have two choices, either rebuild the existing frames to accept a replacement window or completely remove the old frames and install a new construction windows with a nail flange.

The latter will likely be more work due to siding and interior trim details that would need to be addressed.

**oh'mike** · 10-22-2011, 06:03 AM

Existing frames can often be rebuilt---post pictures---are you a wood worker? Have a table saw?

Repairs can be done without removing the windows from the house.

Ron6519 · 10-22-2011, 02:51 PM

Whether the venture is worthwile will depend on the extent of the damageto the frame. If the sills are that bad, how far behind will the side jambs be?

rock16 · 10-22-2011, 02:54 PM

30 seems excessive. Are you sure it is not more like 14 I would double check the slope.

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 03:16 PM

I haven't measured the angle. The windows slope with the roof. Could be anywhere between 30 and 20 degrees.
Some of the side jambs at the bottom are eaten away. I've repaired 2 windows recently, but in some places the sill wood was rotten to under the pane itself. The bottom corners are the worst, getting all the rain runoff.
I think termites get in, start the damage, and then the rains soak in through the termite tunnels.
I don't do carpentry for a living, but I've done a lot of wood work around my family's properties. I have chop saw and circular saw - will get a table saw when I get a garage in a month.
We've got about twelve of these windows that probably need to be replaced. I'd love to pull them out, rebuild the frames and stick them back in. I'd be getting rid of termites in the frames (also spray the studs around the window opening) , and really water proof everything good. Make everything just right. But I wonder if it will take too much time...also the windows are under the roof eaves, some are 12-15 ft high on the inside. A pain.

Ron6519 · 10-22-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darsunt

I haven't measured the angle. The windows slope with the roof. Could be anywhere between 30 and 20 degrees.

You lost me with this statement. The sill angle has nothing to do with the roof pitch.
Might be a terminology issue.

**kwikfishron** · 10-22-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darsunt

We've got about twelve of these windows that probably need to be replaced. I'd love to pull them out, rebuild the frames and stick them back in.

Keep in mind if you if you have rotten sills there’s a decent chance of rotten sheathing and framing too, which will involve removing and replacing siding and maybe more.

This is one of those projects that can sometimes turn into that can of worms, so be prepared for that just in case.

**oh'mike** · 10-22-2011, 04:37 PM

Pictures!!!

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 06:09 PM

Windows visible in upper right side. 3 visible right under the roof eaves. Many more in other places.

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 06:11 PM

From roof I repaired 2, patched many others. From inside pretty high probably would need some sort of scaffolding.

**oh'mike** · 10-22-2011, 06:14 PM

Are those standard windows or just glass set into a cased opening and held on either side by trim nailed into the casing?

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 07:17 PM

The glass is held in on either side by trim, yes. The glass just rests on what I think is a 2X4, and 2x4s form all 4 sides. Isn't that a window frame? The gaps between the 'frame' and the studs are covered by 3 pieces of 1X4 cedar, and on top by flashing. The 'frame' is flush with the siding.

**kwikfishron** · 10-22-2011, 07:37 PM

darsunt, can you post pictures of one the windows close up, inside and out? Not to close, just one window in the whole frame.

darsunt · 10-22-2011, 09:08 PM

Here is the view from the inside. Maybe can pop off the cover pieces (casements?) and remove the frames, if there is one? Not sure if those surfaces under the windows can support someone, though.

10-22-2011, 01:46 AM	#1
darsunt Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 570	Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame? I have these window where the top and bottom are sloped downward about 30 degrees. I doubt anyone makes frames for these windows anymore. Is the sill the piece of wood the window rests on? Many of the sills of these windows are rotted out. Would it be worthwhile to remove the frames and rebuilt the them? Thanks

10-22-2011, 05:54 AM	#2
kwikfishron Mod Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kansas/Oregon Coast Posts: 4,757	Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame? Top and bottom sloped 30 degrees…that’s a new one on me. You really only have two choices, either rebuild the existing frames to accept a replacement window or completely remove the old frames and install a new construction windows with a nail flange. The latter will likely be more work due to siding and interior trim details that would need to be addressed. __________________ A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Especially In The DIY Chatroom -NEW MEMBERS- Please include your basic location in your profile. Some of the answers given are specific to a Region or State.

10-22-2011, 06:03 AM	#3
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,778	Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame? Existing frames can often be rebuilt---post pictures---are you a wood worker? Have a table saw? Repairs can be done without removing the windows from the house. __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

10-22-2011, 02:51 PM	#4
Ron6519 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,519	Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame? Whether the venture is worthwile will depend on the extent of the damageto the frame. If the sills are that bad, how far behind will the side jambs be? __________________ Ron "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." B. Franklin 1759

10-22-2011, 02:54 PM	#5
rock16 Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 61	Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame? 30 seems excessive. Are you sure it is not more like 14 I would double check the slope. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Is it worth it to rebuild a window frame?