Two replacement window questions
I’m preparing to put a pocket-type vinyl replacement window in an opening in our old (1895, lots of later additions) house (we’re saving the spendy wood replacements for the more public parts of the house, because we can’t afford wood in every part of it).
Question 1: The opening may have had a casement-type wood-sash window in it at one time, and the window will go in from the outside. The space from face of sill and inside stops to the face of the exterior casing is just 3-1/4″, and the pocket windows seem to run 3″, sometimes more. This would mean no outside stop, just the caulking between window and jamb, which makes me uneasy, and no way to remove the exterior casing if we should ever need to but removing the window, or at least the caulking. Should I be concerned? Correcting the problem would require a lot of disassembly of the interior trim to cut back the sill and inside stops, unless I can figure out how to trim them back in place (light saber?).
Question 2: I’ve done one pocket replacement window already, using a Jeld-Wen window, which worked out pretty well. I’m going to price a Milgard window today, too, from a local lumberyard. What’s the experience: is Milgard better than, worse than, or about the same as Jeld-Wen?
Replies
There's no way to remove the inside stops?
You could rout the sill the distance necessary to recess the window further in I suppose (using a bearing guide/flushcutting bit and a template fastened to the sill), finish up the remainder with a Fein Multi-master if you had one available.
Here's a note to think about. When I retrofit a window into a brick opening I rely on a carefully done Urethane caulk to seal the window to the elements. The frame is of course held in by screws through the jamb.
Best of luck. Nice graduation picture by the way.
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Milgard is a superior window. Window master was recently taken over by Jeld wen and everything went down hill from there , When I used to be a "big box" store installer we called Jeld wen " rolling trash" in regards to their sliding doors. As to your install , Like your previous responder said the fein tool and interior stop trim is your best bet,. after that you could look into maybe a thinner retro window ,.and by thinner I mean the overall jamb thickness is pretty much decided by the IG thickness. so for instance , If you go with less air space between panes your overall window thickness will be less, Look into manufacturer specs for choices and options, Don't forget it will have an effect on performance , but leaks are worse than anything......