We’re planning a kitchen remodel to our 1927 bungalow. There are three windows in the kitchen — all three are very low to the floor (18″ floor to sill) and about 40″ in height. We want to get rid of one window completely (to allow for more cabinets) and replace the other two with casement windows that will sit above the new countertop (like normal kitchen windows). The existing windows are vinyl and were put in about three years ago.
My question: Is it a major project to replace vinyl windows and fill in the empty spaces? I’m a good remodeler but have never done anything related to the exterior fabric of the house. I’m assuming that putting “shorter” windows in the two offending windows will be easy as long as they are the same width. But is it difficult to fill in the bottom part — as we would have to do also with the third window that we want to remove completely and fill in both inside and out (exterior is stucco).
Is it a matter of replacing the missing sheathing/Tyvek/wire lath and re-stuccoing on the outside and new drywall/insulation on the inside — or are there major pitfalls that I’m not seeing?
Thanks everyone.
Replies
I've done this a number of times. It should be a fairly simple job.
Its basically what you think- reframe to proper size, sheathe, paper, stucco.
Are the vinyl windows replacement units? If so, you have to pull out the entire old window frame to do the work.
Don't forget to properly flash ther new windows.
Matching the stucco is, IMO, the hardest part of the job. Use a bonding agent where the new meets the old. If you're doing it yourself, practice to match the texture.
The inside is easy. Once you've got the windows set, and the wall insulated, just patch the area with sheetrock and tape it in. Or, if you're lucky, it'll be hidden behind cabinets.
Shep: Thanks for the info. Question: not sure what you mean about taking out the frame if they are vinyl windows -- the existing windows are vinyl (3 years old) and i was going to replace them with the same brand, but instead of double-hung, a crank-out casement. Will this work?
Sometimes, in older homes, vinyl windows are installed as replacement units inside an old window frame. You remove the original sashes, and set the new replacement unit in. You should be able to tell pretty easily by looking at the windows as to what you have.
If your vinyl windows aren't replacement types, your work will be even easier. They probably are fastened with a nailing flange on the outside, so you'll have to find that and remove the nails. But once the window is out, just frame as necessary, and go from there.
I like casements for for areas over counters. They're much easier to reach to open than double hungs.