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I’m going out to replace some basement windows this weekend, and I just wanted to run my “suggested” method by you guys. Old aluminum frame ones (50 years old or so), come out easily, and I was just going to insert the new ones, screw through the frames into the sill above and the block grout below, and then “fill” in around them with new grout. Anyone see any problems with the method, or have a better suggestion? One guy suggested I do the same, but just use foam backer rod and caulk on both sides, but I didn’t know how long this would stand up. Any suggestions appreciated, as always.
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Jason;
When we replaced our basement vinyl windows we used expanding foam.It did a good job of locking them tightly in the frame.The foam was then caulked to avoid insect penetration.
Don L.
*>I installed vinyl replacement windows in openings where I removed old steel frame windows. I screwed through the top of the window frame into the sill, plumbed the window in the opening and filled the gaps with triple expanding foam. This locked the new windows in solidly. I was going to set concrete screws through the sides of the frames, but the foam created a very tight bond.>Inside and out, I used mortar mix and parged over the foam, creating enough of a concrete barrier to reinforce the frame from being shoved or kicked in, although it seemed that the foam held the frames very tightly.>This would also work with minimal expanding foam and eliminate the possibility that the expansion of the foam might deform the window frame.
*I've been scared to try expanding foam on larger windows because I'm afraid it will warp the windows as it expands. but on small basement awning windows, that's how I do it too.
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I'm going out to replace some basement windows this weekend, and I just wanted to run my "suggested" method by you guys. Old aluminum frame ones (50 years old or so), come out easily, and I was just going to insert the new ones, screw through the frames into the sill above and the block grout below, and then "fill" in around them with new grout. Anyone see any problems with the method, or have a better suggestion? One guy suggested I do the same, but just use foam backer rod and caulk on both sides, but I didn't know how long this would stand up. Any suggestions appreciated, as always.