I'm replacing the 1973 windows in my home. Is it normal for window frames to be behind the siding?
Question:I'm converting from aluminum single pane to vinyl double pane. Looks like I'll need to either pull off the siding or cut the siding to access the existing window frame, making the rough opening slightly bigger. What is the correct way to do this? I'd like to avoid the expense of replacing siding possible, but I want to do it correctly. Please be specific if you answer. Thanks in advance.
Answers:
Unfortunately, most siding went up after the existing windows were installed in most older homes.
There really is not a correct answer to this because it is going to vary from house to house. But I can tell you that when I helped my Dad do his we had to take off the siding and put it back up. We did not require any cuts though. Good Luck.
I have done dozens of houses like yours. The easiest way to do this is take the glass out of the frame and then collapse the aluminum frame in on itself. Make sure the new vinyl windows are the correct size to fit the inside hole. You can take down the siding to do this, but it is way more trouble than it is worth.You can finish triming the inside with some cove molding or some quarter round trim.
Kile got it rite..only he didn't mention that your new windows will mount, seal, and trim OVER your old sideing...occasionally...and if thay's so, you will be having to finish-
trim the outside as well, more than likely.It's little things like that that stump , confuse, or confound folks.
Ordering your new windows will require that you add that detention of the 'siding' to the window case-ment depth also. Ask your window Representative to come do those dimensional measurements for you, just to be sure you get things that fit all the dimensions involved with the project. 'That 'should be part of his sales agreement with the manufacture.. so, no a charge to you at all, other than perhaps for the cost of travel maybe..
Best of luck to ya.. have fun.
cut caulking inside and out remove sashes cut bottom in middle pry up remove pry sides next
So, do you need to make the opening bigger? To access the window frame I always work from the inside of the house. Pull of the trim and measure the rough opening. There are 2 types of windows you can use though. The first one has no trim on the outside and fit perfectly in the old frame. the second has outside trim and have to be put on from the outside. If you are putting the ones with trim on, maybe order a little smaller window and reframe it to fit in the existing hole.This would be the easiest way to do it I think.
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