[Divic]

Newbie here I apologize if this is a topic that has been gone over before. I tried to search old topics first with no luck.

I'll start with the FACTS

The windows in my home are original 1983 double pane single hung aluminum frame.

I plan on replacing them with vinyl double hung.

The exterior of my home is brick veneer.

(Here is the question part)

The exterior brick opening is SMALLER than the interior rough opening.

The current window sits inside the brick completely.

Which opening do I measure for my replacements?

Just as important help me understand why one VS the other?

I'll attempt to post images below... THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP!

Well it won't let me post images

 

[Windows on Wash]

Most times you can measure the drywall jambs and set inside them on the width and make sure that you measure the height in a manner than allows the sill to drain onto the brick sill.

If the sides sit behind the brick, it is not that big a deal as most of the water is flowing off the sill of the replacement window.

 

[ChuckF.]

Re: "I plan on replacing them with vinyl double hung." It sounds like you are not replacing your windows, but putting in replacement windows. That's a fine distinction. Replacing your windows means removing the old ones entirely, mounting flange included, and putting a new construction window in. Putting in replacement windows means attaching a finless window from the inside that is screwed sideways into the jambs.

Re: "Which opening do I measure for my replacements? " If this is your first time, I suggest you take one of them apart and plan meticulously what you are going to do. Where are you going to cut the old aluminum? If you are going to try and cut it at the outside flange from the inside without damaging the brick, what tool do you have that can do that? If you are going to try to only cut off some of the aluminum sash guides and then mount the replacement window through what's left of the aluminum frame, understand what that means to your measurements and the reduction in window area that results.

You have to remove the inside sheetrock or wood trim, there's no way to save it and it's highly unlikely to be reusable. Sheetrock trim is ugly anyway. You have to find the exact measurement to the studs if you go that way.

Take one of them apart, maybe one in the back of the house. Have a piece of plywood cut to the right size to block off the hole while the windows are being ordered once you have a plan.

What's wrong with the aluminum windows? Are they rebuildable?