Forums / Off Topic / Windows for the House

get over to home depot,tell them what you want to do.They should have a window rep that will come to your house and measure the windows for you.you didn't say what type windows you have.There are double hungs,casement,awning,most these are popular styles.Any way with a brick exterior they should measure the:

BRICK OPENING width and height for each window

GLASS SIZE width and height of each window

JAMB WIDTH
,generally 4 & 9/16 for 2x4 walls and 6 & 9/16 for 2x6 walls,there are exceptions due to interior finishs but then you will have to add jamb extensions.jamb extensions are pretty straight forward and easy to install,just another step.In case you don't know,jamb width is the thickness of the window from the inside edge of the exterior brick mold or wrap(if aluminum wrap) to the inside of the interior trim piece (oak,maple,pine,what ever)

RO
Next step should be to remove the trim off one window and measure the framed opening( called Rough openig) or RO to check how much room there is for the new window to go into

Now if the HD estimater is doing his job,he will look at an ANDERSON or MARVIN catalog

Find the window style,like a DH (double Hung) and find the RO that most closely matchs the RO on your house,then check it to a BOhe took,make sure they are close or slightly under,and then check glass size(glass size is not to critical but the RO and BO are,if you go with aluminum clad maintenance free exterior then the BO is the most critical number as you don't want to try and chop brick or aluminum to get your windows to fit.Push comes to shove you can rework the RO but thats for another class,get a window that fits both measurements.

most important BO,RO,then jamb width,if you have to add them Anderson and Marvin come with premade jambs,sometimes you don't even have to nail them on.Other window manufacturers i wouldn't throw a rock thru,but thats me,Buy once,cry once.Total estimated best guess without knowing any dimensins,figure 200-500 dollars per window,i shouldn't even say a number really as there are 2 many variables.

Variables: do you want wood or vinyl or aluminum exterior? i'd pick aluminum.

do you want a wood interior or clad? clad can be vinyl or aluminum.I like wood.

how about double or triple pane (Argon gas filled) glass I'd pick double

true divided lites or a sized lite divider that you can remove for cleaning or a divider that is built into the window,sandwiched between the glass,same for blinds or shutters nowdays.

didn't know i was gonna be writing a book here but you asked,lol,HD Rep will walk you thru all the steps as well,when you take the windows out,now is the time to reinsulate arownd the new windows,i like fiberglass insulation,the foam crap bows the jambs and creates a clean up issue i don't like to deal with.

You may need new interior trim as well,then you have to stain and laquer it before you shoot it on.I apologize if i am oversimplifying this process,i don't kow if you are doing it or hiring a carpenter. If you hire a carpenter double the price of the windows for a "installed " price.Any higher,raise an eyebrow,any lower check his experience level.Most pros will break down a bid price for you so you can see the installation charges

One other Route is" sash replacement packs" where they leave your jambs and exterior/interior trim alone and replace the sashs with a more weather tight sash unit.

11 windows,remove and replace with new,new trim,insulated,stained and laquered, a little touch up on the sheetrock where the dings happened( oh yeah that) which reminds me of a trick about when you start setting the windows

......measure from the inside of your jamb out along your sheetrock the thickness of your trim( 2& 1/4- 1/2 generally) add 1/4 for reveal and use that measurement to set your window off the old trim lines,that way your new trim will cover your old unpainted wall line top,bottom,and sides.If not putty & paint time.Make sure the measurements are accurate heres where the F@#k ups show themselves.If you go with a vinyl or aluminum clad exterior use a color matched VULCUM brand caulk.done deal.

couple days of work and you will have great looking windows and then your wife will start eyeballing your front door.

Thanks for the reply. There is more to this than I would have thought. Which is exactly why I'm not lifting a finger on this project (except the check writing). Double hung Anderson wood currently. Yeah, she has already mentioned the door!

Mr.cbxjeff, good luck with the new windows.

good info to Jeff.. obviously you know some stuff about the subject, sheesh sounded like you were getting a woodie talking about it.. How are you buddy, all well in the north land.?. Were good down in Az.. Talked to pard last week, he said he's still waiting on the "gun" .. yuk yuk..

Stay well Jerry i have to hat up.. Good news (maybe) is im batch'n this week so will drift by tomorrow for your insitefull response (got myself laughing on that one.. later gater..