Rehabing a house to live in. 1980 solid brick. Need to put new windows in. The existing frames do not seem to be rotten so I was planning on putting in a “replacement window” as i have come to understand and put them inside the existing frames. I can not find good material on the best way to do this. My big issue seems to be exterior flashing. When I have done windows in wood siding its flashing after flashing after flashing. Even in this mag when they do a brick wall its from the 50’s so its a different wall structure and the guy does lots of flashing. So when the basic reply I get from people is well you just put the replacement window in, foam insulate gaps on the inside and caulk the seams on the outside well it just seems to be relying an awful lot on caulked seems which I have always been told is not the way to put in a window.
any direction, thoughts, etc would be greatly appreciated.
p.s. no the existing windows can not be saved. they are a mess. and I was planning on anderson windows, wood not vinyl. And i am located in Cincinnati ohio in regards to weather etc.
thanks in advance.
Replies
It depends on the replacement window you choose. Many do not require any change to the exterior trim, and no new flashing.
(Understand that the new window fits inside the old jambs, after removing whatever passes for stops. At the top the jamb overlaps the top of the new window, and the sides of the new window press against the outside stops of the side jambs.)
The thing with replacement windows is the flashing is already done, or you hope it is. Caulk and foam is sufficient to seal the window to the old frame (if it's still solid). Flashing is critical on new installs.
Replsement window in brick
Using a "pocket" or insert window as a replacement window, makes no difference weather it is in brick or siding. The unit always fits inside the existing wood window jamb. If by flashing, you mean "wrap" around the existing brickmould, sill and blindstop, a good siding mechanic whould be able to "wrap" to the replacement window with only a caulk joint at the window and the brick. I have installed several thousand units this way and never had a call back or a problem. The trick is to find a good mechanic who knows how th break the coil stock and install properly. I have seen many a window done by people who "think" they know how to wrap !!!! Hope this will help