Installing windows w/ brick siding
ottcarpentry
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’ve installed plenty of replacement windows in wood and hardi siding but now I’m replacing some old wood windows w/ new vinyl in a house w/ brick siding.
I’m planning on ordering the window sized so the outer dimension of the flange is a 1/4″ less than the brick opening and framing to the rough opening size needed to install the widow.
Properly flash the opening, caulk flange, and seal the window w/ self adhesive flashing. Then install some trim between around the window and caulk to the brick.
Are there any other options or tips available from someone out there who has done this before?
Thanks.
Ott
Replies
Sounds like a reasonable approach to get the largest windows in the existing openings although that doesn't give much wiggle room. If you're lucky, you'll be able to squeeze in about an inch of framing. If the openings are good sized, I'd probably go a bit smaller on the windows which will allow you to get in some beefier framing.
I typically reduce the width and height by four inches. This allows for 1-15/16 brickmould on the sides and top with a 2" sill. Only if the brick opening is perfect, otherwise give yourself another 1/2". This way you are sure to have the window fit, add the correct amount of framing, and have a decent caulk joint to seal the unit.
"It is what it is."
Thanks for the reply, I'll probably be making the surround molding. It's for my house and we're not big fans of brick molding. I'll make somthin' purtier. ;-)Ott
When replacing windows in a brick veneer application, I generally use windows without the nailing flange. The flange makes the window too small for the opening and, to me, the fill-in required looks like carp.
The window is held in place by screwing through the window frame into the studs and by the interior and exterior trim.
Be careful about using something "fancier" than brick mold. You may end up with something looking more like a picture frame with a tiny picture than a window.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Thanks Mike,In the past I haven't liked the flangless installation I've been able to achieve. I haven't found a way to seal the window as effectively as a flange type. Any tips? I usually flash the rough opening, caulk the flange before installation, nail in place, seal w/ self adhesive flashing and then seal around the trim and window. How can I create as solid a seal w/o a flange?Again, any tips or info that you've learned would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Ott
Flashing on a replacement window is always "best as you can manage", especially with brick veneer. I try to at least install some head flashing. Other than that, I rely on lot on foam to seal the joint between the house and the window unit. I usually end up with a better job than the original install, which typically weren't flashed or sealed at all.
Carefully installed casing and trim can go a long way towards making a nice window install. Heck, on a lot of the older homes I've worked on, especially balloon-framed homes, thats all that held the windows in. It was the early-days equivalent to nailing flanges. (Those old window units were often made out of 5/4" stock, tho'.)
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA