Greetings all,
I am totally new to this forum (first post) but I am seeking some answers that maybe you’ll be able to provide. I have a 100 year old row house in NYC. I’ve renovated everything, and now it’s time to finish the basement. The windows, I suspect, are the original (100 years old). They are wood frame, I believe set in concrete, in a ~20 in. stone foundation.
My question- do I need to build a buck to hold these windows? Or is there some way to set new windows directly in concrete? I’ve bought a few window/door books, but realistacally they have no information regarding my situation. All talk about bucks on CMU, which are perfectly level, and perfectly sized for 2×6 buck framing. I, on the other hand, have 18-20″ of foundation to work with.
One idea was to remove all the old stuff, then build a buck out of 2×4, shim it into place in the stone, and then use tapcon or similar to secure it, then use a new construction window with nailing flange to secure the window to this buck. Still, I am uncertain about how to finish the rest of the width of the foundation, not to mention the insulation/waterproofing.
Concrete set, or buck set, do I need window capping on the exterier for both situations?
If I need a buck, would I build it with 2×4 or 2×6?
Lastly, should I get windows with, or without the nailing flange? After all, the basement is unfinished. (does the flange go inside, or outside)?
I just started my research on windows, which is why I seem like I don’t know anything! I am sure I’m capable of doing the job though, with the right information. Thanks in advance for all the help I am expecting! I’ll try to add pictures later…
Replies
Window bucks
Build the bucks out treated 2x material of your choice. Wide if you are not going to finish the basement, narrow if you do.
Nailing flang goes outside, Exterior trim is applied over the nailing flang, leaving a 1/4 inch gap between the edge of the window and the trim. Depending on the rest of the home exterior trim, the new window trim can be installed to lap over the exterior of the stone, or by moving the buck toward the inside, may allow the trim to be flush with the stone face or recessed. Make sure of your flashing details in either case, and remember caulk is not a substitute for flashing.
If you plan to finish the basement You can use 1x material or ripped plywood strips to make jamb extensions to bring the window jamb out flush to the interior finish..
Watch your fastener choice when using treated lumber, both for attachment to the stone and for the trim that will attach to it. Stainless steel is a good choice, but HDG will work if rated for ACQ treated lumber.
Advantage
New construction is a horse of a different color. You are doing a retro fit in an existing stone foundation wall. With the age of the home considered the advantage is with the treated wood bucks. You can square and level things up nicely and size them to fit your new windows.