I’m trying to figure out if I have a replacement window or not. From the inside, I removed all of the trim work (just drywall) around my bathroom window. Not a lick of insulation between the RO and window frame. There are only 2 screws on each side holding the window to the RO. On the top, there are no screws and I can see the backside of the vinyl siding.
If this were a new construction window, would it not have a nailing flange or some sort of capping on the top side?
I’m renovating the bathroom and would like to upgrade the window to a new one. It’s an older double hung, double pane window which still works OK but is not great. This would be a perfect time to replace it.
I’m trying to figure out how big of a job it would be for me to remove the window and install new. If it requires extensive work outside, I may skip it since it’s not a necessity,
Replies
emaxx
Since you have vinyl siding it will be work but not necessarily out of your range of talent. The beauty of vinyl is it's flexible in the warm weather. You could remove enough-number and pencil line the tops of the courses for later reference. Make sure your new construction window with flange is at least as big, preferably a bit wider and taller yet within your rough opening dimensions. Mount the window so the siding will fit it and then re-side to it.
Detail the window install so no water entry.
Both siding and window install information can be had at siding companies websites and of course your window supplier. I suppose FHB even has books on the subject. Wolverine siding used to have a very good online and in print instruction booklet.
Not a lick of insulation between the RO and window frame.
Not unusual even for new construction, depending on the era and how earnest the inspectors were.
There are only 2 screws on each side holding the window to the RO.
Again, not that unusual even for new.
On the top, there are no screws and I can see the backside of the vinyl siding.
If the vinyl is replacement siding then this suggests the window was installed as a part of the siding process. But if the siding is original likely the window is too.
The first question you should ask is how good is the window? If it seems to be a good quality window, operates well, seals well, etc then you should probably just peel back the siding a bit and install rubber membrane flashing, then seal and insulate well from the inside. If it's a lousy window then now is a good time to replace it.
FYI ... often there are no fasteners at the top. In fact many window manuf. have labels on the top flange to NOT nail the top flange. I think the notion is that any stress on the header or from above might get transferred to the head of the window. Also, most flange installs recommend that you don't drive the fastener 'home' ... allow the flange/framing to move a bit independent of each other.