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I’m new to the group and also a new builder and need some information. I’m lacking in experience so thought i’d throw this out there. I’m working on a vintage 1967 ranch house which has the old aluminum sliding windows in place. The sills are cultured marble and the jambs are trimmed out with drywall. How are these windows held in place? The window opening has a 1″ molding between the aluminum and drywall. I figure they are either screwed in under the molding or nailed in under the siding (aluminum) through a nail fin. Customer wants a Vinyl replacement since original windows are leaking and have moisture between panes. What is the best way to accomplish this? Should the drywall be cut out and the window fitted to the studs or work around the drywall. My experience has been in new construction not remodeling so I’m going into this blind.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
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More than likely the windows are attached with a nail fin under the siding. If thats the case, does the siding butt up to the window or is there trim around the window? If the siding butts up you'll have cut back the siding the width of new trim and remove and replace the windows. Then install trim around the windows.
Hope this helps.
Check into a replacement window with a retro flange. The flange butts up to the siding or trim or stucco and you seal it on the outside. If there is no trim then you will have to cut a 2" groove for the window to sit flat. Certainteed and Milgard both make this type of window. Those are the ones I have used. This way you can leave the jambs in place and just remove the window panels. Then silde the new unit into the opening fasten it and your done. Dont forget to seal the outside with silicone. Otherwise it will leak. Good luck!
Thanks for the information, Presently the siding (Aluminum) butts up to the old windows and is caulked, No trim, no j-channel. Isn't there a type of vinyl window channel which is approx. 2" wide and replaces j-channel and could be used to get a "finished look" for trim?
Using the Flange type windows, is the window fastened inside the jamb area like "replacement windows? Will check into the retro flange windows. They sound interesting....
Thanks again,
Duke
Yes, the windows are fastened on the inside just like a block frame window. They really are a sweet design. Check out those websites and see some close ups.