First of all I would like to say that I have gleaned some great info from this site and appreciate any help that I can get! I operate a small (2 employees) construction business in Portland, Or. and one of the jobs we are frequently presented with is replacement of aluminum windows with new vinyl windows. It has always been my contention that the best way to do this is to completely remove the old window, nail fins and all (instead of cutting the fins and collapsing the frames). I have always thought that replacing windows without nail fins leaves you totally dependent on caulking to prevent leaks, both air and water. I am curious as to your opinions about this since a lot of the window companies replace windows the fast way (no fins).
My second question involves cutting down the jambs to fit the replacement windows. I have always cut new ones to the proper dimensions and then recased the window. I have been told that there are techniques for cutting down the existing jambs while in place which would certainly save a lot of time! I have not yet been able to figure out a really clean way to do this. Can anyone help with that? Some thoughts I have had have been to use a router, toekick saw, skil saw, but none of these would appear to do a really nice job.
Thanks again for any help!
Replies
Of course I may not know exactly what your describing , but if i do. I can't imagine wanting to retain the aluminum frames at all. Take your sawzal and get rid of them they will only create an airspace and also conduct heat and cold from outside into the room. Vinyl on the other hand is a bad conductor.
I assume this is a rehab. job. One of your obstacles is going to be measuring the opening to order a new window, before you remove the old Aluminum framed windows.
Because your replacements are probably a smaller width than your rough jamb. you will need a new finished jamb. What I have done in the past, Build a 1 x frame out of wood and install the window inside of that then you can install the whole window, in the opening, careful not to shim it too tight. I think i would use some of that new composite white fake lumber instead of wood. Building a frame gives you somthing to nail your casing. i guess it all depends on your finished look too. But i can't see any advantage to keeping the aluminum.
Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?