What is the proper technique of replacing an existing Andersen window, in a brick house, with a new Andersen window. What do you do with the nailing flange on the new window? Cut it off? How would you seal the window then? Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanx!
jocobe
Replies
I'm not sure, but think, that Andersen has a metal bracket that mounts /screws to the outside of the jamb. You bring it to the interior, bend it at the framing and secure to the face of the stud. Similar to the Pella mounting clips. Works well, use enough. Weight of window sits on sill, shimmed to proper height. I'd run the window out into the brick opening a bit so you can pack backer rod between the brick and the vinyl covered jamb, then caulk with urethane caulk. That detail works well if done right. You lose the fin seal, but on a brick remodel, I know of no real way to flash. If someone does, please inform.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
the windows even come with instructios on mounting in masonry...there are a few right ways to do it.
OOPS....I guess I shoulda checked Andersen's website first. The directions were there! Thanx!
Calvin is right on in his recommendations about masonry clips and urethane saulk (Sika Flex is a high quality one). Masonry clips are great if you have a wind load. There are other methods that I've used, but not on a coast or in tornado alley.
MES
Whatever you do, think it through and do it right--I can attest to what happens when you don't. My house isn't brick, but someone put finless (ordered from the factory that way) windows in our house (maybe because there were about three layers of siding on it). They just butted the outside of the window frame (vinyl) against the old wooden window trim and caulked. The vinyl siding was installed without flashing, and they used j-channel all around the windows, and the first course of siding sits in a j-channel (which hold the water, so the siding is all green with algae or whatever). I recently ripped out one window that looked especially bad and found a nest of ants, lots of rotted wood and lots of wet insulation.
Hey...I thought vinyl was final!
There will be many horror stories as people begin looking behind the siding on all these vinyl-coated houses. It seems most plastic siding is installed by guys that don't understand that water flows downhill.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Yeah, and they'll only look behind the vinyl, like I did, because something is so obviously wrong--ants crawling out of the woodwork, or mildew or water infiltration, etc. And then it's almost too late--the water damage is so far progressed you can basically tear out and start over! I could crumble the window sill and part of the jack studs with my hands--even the extension jamb in one corner was like that! And enough ants to probably fill a half gallon milk jug (I didn't actually measure--just vacuumed them up and sprayed the inlet with non-flammable insecticide).