[sleseman]

Hi, I'm planning on remodeling my kitchen. The problem right now is that it has 2 taller windows that go down to 25" from the floor. For a kitchen that's just 9x10, it's robbing any available space to put in base cabinets. I would like to replace them with shorter windows. Normally not a problem but it's an older house with asbestos siding. The plan is to build up a new sill and use a replacement window so I don't have to monkey with disturbing the siding but I don't have any ideas on how to finish up the outside to make it look half way decent. It would have to take up the space within the existing fame below the new window. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[Ron6519]

Many asbestos shingles have updated versions that are not asbestos. You just need to find it. If they're not available,you should be able to modify a mineral fiber shingle to match if the surface design isn't an issue.
Ron

 

[Jim F]

Many asbestos shingles have updated versions that are not asbestos. You just need to find it. If they're not available,you should be able to modify a mineral fiber shingle to match if the surface design isn't an issue.
Ron

GAF, for one, makes replacement shingles.

 

[nil4664]

I had the exact same problem, even including the asbestos shingles.

After considering many possibilities for years, including shortening the window, I just put a countertop across the window, attached a fake lower frame to the existing side frames on the window right above the countertop, and painted it white to match the existing frame.

The replacement window is the tilt-in kind. So the lower part of the window can be raised above the countertop and then tilted in to clean. From the inside it looks just like a shorter window. There would be a little gap between the fake frame and the window, but it is covered with a curtain.

I decided it would ruin the looks of the outside of the house to have shortened windows. Just a thought. But I'm a little crazy.:wink:

 

[rjniles]

Leave the existing exterior window frame intact, remove the existing sashes. Determine the height of the new replacement windows and frame up below that level with cripple studs. Sheath the outside and install mineral composite shingles to match existing. Insulate, drywall and install new window.

 

[BigJim]

I have seen people shorten their windows and fill in below with a raised panel or recessed panel with heavy drop molding.