Trim Drywall For Replacement Windows
I am replacing aluminum windows with vinyl windows. I’m using “new construction” where I cut back the siding to reveal the old window fins so I can remove them and have room to nail in the new windows. The inside of the window openings have drywall on the sides and top that run right up to the aluminum window frame. The new windows are deeper (protrude into the room) than the old. So I have to trim back the drywall by about an inch. I’ve tried using a straight edge and a utility knife, but it takes a lot of passes and the edges of the cut get chips in them. I’ve also tried a Dremel with a straight bit, but I found it too flimsy to hold against a straight edge to get a straight line cut. I want to make the cut straight and clean so I have minimum caulking where the new window touches the drywall. I have to replace 18 windows, so I’m looking for a better way to do this. Is there a trick to getting a straight, clean cut, without making a huge mess? Thanks.
Replies
This is another perfect job for the Fein Multimaster. I have used it for exactly the same thing as you are describing, and it is the shizzle-dog.
I second the motion ! Just the sort of work the MM was made for. Cuts drywall like butter.
Greg
Thanks for your Fein suggestion. I've looked at their web site and see that it would cut the drywall...but how could I keep the cut in a perfectly straight line? Is there a way to use a guide with it? I see there is a dust extraction accessory, so the mess could be kept to a minimum. I just saw a Bosch Finecut Power Handsaw 1640VS online. With its larger blade, would it be easier to use free hand for strain cuts?
Is there enough room for you to use a guide bar and a Zip tool?Or, as others have said -- the multimaster (or other look-alike) is perfect for this task. The flat blade makes it reasonably easy to stay on the line, even without a guide.
Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
All - Thanks for your advice. I'll be looking at the Fein and RotoZip tonight.
Are you trying to make it so you don't have to paint any walls?
Fitting a window into a perfect hole cut in the drywall is no easy task.
If you plan on wall painting. Get it to within an opening a half inch bigger up and down and flat tape or "L" bead it to the window frame.
Now your straight line doesn't need to be so straight.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin - I had not heard of L beads. I've just looked them up online and they look like the solution to my problem. I'll cut the drywall back, put in the vinyl window, then nail up the L bead right against the vinyl. This will be a nice clean look. I will was planning on painting after the windows are installed, but I didn't want to have to fill in between the drywall and vinyl with mud. The L bead is perfect. Thank you so much!
Find "Tearaway L Bead". There's a small flange that sits against what you are filling to. After mudding, you "tear" it away, leaving no mud on the object.
You can use spray adhesive to hold it in position or staples. The staples need to be in so they do not telegraph when mudding.
Best of luck.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin - Thank you once again. Like I tell my eight year old, there's a trick to everything! These will really make the job easier with a much cleaner look. I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me about this.
Well mac, if you lived in the neighborhood I'd suggest you buying the libation.
Not knowing where you are from makes it harder to figure.
Fill in the profile-it helps in the answers to questions quite often in addition to just knowing where you're from and maybe the trade you're in.
Say you owned a micro brewery, I would love a beer glass from it. That sort of thing.
But, the simple thank you and me knowing you picked something up here is of course remuneration enough.
Glad to help.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Calvin - I've updated my profile. I'm about an hour east of San Francisco, but the project is in the Sierra mountains, about two and a half hours east of here. I don't have a micro brewery, but I share your affinity for them. I just picked up some tear-off L bead that I'll try out this weekend. Thanks again.
Welcome to Breaktime.
If you're into it, this yrs Fest is on the Wet Coast-up north or you-Yelm, Wa. Think about it-1st week of august.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/