New Windows for the Home - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Randerolf · 08-01-2003, 11:03 AM

Hello,

My grandmother was going to get some new windows for her home and she doesn't know where to begin.

Could you give a walk through on the process?

My father and uncle have never done windows before, but they my put them in. (they've done many other projects).

Starting off, you measure from the inside, correct?

We have a large window that we are replacing and we will put a window A/C unit in it. Would it be wise to get two smaller windows instead of one large window (the accordian pannels won't reach in the current window.

Thanks you guys.

(I'm sure grandma says thanks too

)

hotdogg · 08-01-2003, 05:46 PM

Windows should fit into the rough opening(within an inch or so)...Take off the trim on the inside and measure the width of the opening between the studs (2x4's). The windows' height is govererned by the header above and the framing under....It is easy to make a window a little longer by cutting the wall under (ie: a 36" height window can be replaced by a 45" height by simply cutting 9" deeper and reframing...You can not cut into the header(framing above). It is also much easier to keep the current width or narrower so as not to have to replace the current header...Pack insulation between the window and the rough framing before retrimming...Nailing and caulking instructions are usually on the window...Follow carefully so as to have leak free prooperly insulated and sealed units.

Whether you use two windows or one is a matter of taste, as long as your window air conditioner fits...There are also companies that build windows to fit in your existing frames and you do not have any work at all, in terms of retrimming or sheetrock work.

Home Depot or Lowes carry anderson and pella as well as other brands and usually have step by step instructions for the do-it-yourself-er.

I have replaced many doors and windows (I made all of my windows 54" deep to let more light into my home) and it really is not that difficult...Depending on the size you may need help lifting the windows in and plumbing them(making them square and level) up.

james t kirk · 08-07-2003, 07:51 PM

I used to think Andersen were great quality windows and would use nothing but.

Then i ordered one of their frenchwood double doors and it came out of the box broken. Slight damage, but never the less damaged. The sill was cracked.

Andersen assholes said i dropped the door. Bullshit, it came out of the box broken.

My personal preference is for casement windows because they seal the best. Avoid anything that slides since the friction of the sliding action over time will wear out the window seals. Casement or awning windows don't suffer from the same friction burn since they crank open or shut.

Juxtapozed · 08-12-2003, 05:28 PM

just make sure you stay away from the local companies that promise you 10 free windows for everyone you buy, or some scam like that. These companies usually sell siding as well. The windows are extrememly overpriced no better then what you would find in a local hardware store and the installers are usually underpaid hackers.

obelix · 08-15-2003, 07:29 PM

i make windows, but i dont know anything at all about installing them in a house. my only suggestion would be to get triple glazed windows (3 panes of glass, 2 frames) and get either Shield or Gain as a LowE coating. LowE keeps the heat in in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Quite effective actually. well, that's my piece.

by the way, my company's website has a bit of info that might be able to help you out. www.gienow.com

hope i helped a bit

sambocom · 09-01-2003, 01:28 PM

My friend had good luck with www.newpane.com

Good windows will save you a bundle in HVAC costs, so don't skimp!

Dibbler · 09-03-2003, 11:04 AM

Are you planning on getting pocket windows or replacing the entire frame and window?

I put in 10 pocket windows in a sun porch and that was pretty easy. The first one took an hour or so for the learning curve and the rest went in really fast and smooth. Good for a NON-carpenter.

Installing full windows will require outside siding work, trim work, framing work, etc... If your dad and uncle are ready for a big project then go for it.

If their idea of a "project" is hanging blinds or installing a ceiling fan then maybe they should go with the pocket windows.

08-01-2003, 11:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
Randerolf Fireball Location: ~	New Windows for the Home Hello, My grandmother was going to get some new windows for her home and she doesn't know where to begin. Could you give a walk through on the process? My father and uncle have never done windows before, but they my put them in. (they've done many other projects). Starting off, you measure from the inside, correct? We have a large window that we are replacing and we will put a window A/C unit in it. Would it be wise to get two smaller windows instead of one large window (the accordian pannels won't reach in the current window. Thanks you guys. (I'm sure grandma says thanks too )

08-12-2003, 05:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
Juxtapozed Upright Location: Western Massachusetts	just make sure you stay away from the local companies that promise you 10 free windows for everyone you buy, or some scam like that. These companies usually sell siding as well. The windows are extrememly overpriced no better then what you would find in a local hardware store and the installers are usually underpaid hackers. __________________ FuKkiT

08-15-2003, 07:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
obelix Insane Location: Calgary, AB	i make windows, but i dont know anything at all about installing them in a house. my only suggestion would be to get triple glazed windows (3 panes of glass, 2 frames) and get either Shield or Gain as a LowE coating. LowE keeps the heat in in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Quite effective actually. well, that's my piece. by the way, my company's website has a bit of info that might be able to help you out. www.gienow.com hope i helped a bit __________________ no substance

08-01-2003, 05:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
hotdogg Crazy Location: NYC Metro Area	Windows should fit into the rough opening(within an inch or so)...Take off the trim on the inside and measure the width of the opening between the studs (2x4's). The windows' height is govererned by the header above and the framing under....It is easy to make a window a little longer by cutting the wall under (ie: a 36" height window can be replaced by a 45" height by simply cutting 9" deeper and reframing...You can not cut into the header(framing above). It is also much easier to keep the current width or narrower so as not to have to replace the current header...Pack insulation between the window and the rough framing before retrimming...Nailing and caulking instructions are usually on the window...Follow carefully so as to have leak free prooperly insulated and sealed units. Whether you use two windows or one is a matter of taste, as long as your window air conditioner fits...There are also companies that build windows to fit in your existing frames and you do not have any work at all, in terms of retrimming or sheetrock work. Home Depot or Lowes carry anderson and pella as well as other brands and usually have step by step instructions for the do-it-yourself-er. I have replaced many doors and windows (I made all of my windows 54" deep to let more light into my home) and it really is not that difficult...Depending on the size you may need help lifting the windows in and plumbing them(making them square and level) up.

08-07-2003, 07:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
james t kirk Junkie Location: Toronto	I used to think Andersen were great quality windows and would use nothing but. Then i ordered one of their frenchwood double doors and it came out of the box broken. Slight damage, but never the less damaged. The sill was cracked. Andersen assholes said i dropped the door. Bullshit, it came out of the box broken. My personal preference is for casement windows because they seal the best. Avoid anything that slides since the friction of the sliding action over time will wear out the window seals. Casement or awning windows don't suffer from the same friction burn since they crank open or shut.

09-01-2003, 01:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
sambocom Tilted Location: Sunny California	My friend had good luck with www.newpane.com Good windows will save you a bundle in HVAC costs, so don't skimp!

09-03-2003, 11:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dibbler Psycho Location: Initech, Iowa	Are you planning on getting pocket windows or replacing the entire frame and window? I put in 10 pocket windows in a sun porch and that was pretty easy. The first one took an hour or so for the learning curve and the rest went in really fast and smooth. Good for a NON-carpenter. Installing full windows will require outside siding work, trim work, framing work, etc... If your dad and uncle are ready for a big project then go for it. If their idea of a "project" is hanging blinds or installing a ceiling fan then maybe they should go with the pocket windows.