Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

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evanskev
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Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#1 Post by evanskev »

I've been reading and researching my options for replacing 14 old windows with a quality vinyl window and I've decided to go with Soft-Lite Barrington or Pro for my home. I've measured the original wooden windows by frame size and subtracted 1/4 inch from each measurement to allow for shim and foam during install. I purchased trim coil for wrapping the exterior trim and have a pretty good supply of tools in my garage.

My questions are about my measurements... Are they accurate or should I allow more space?

Will I be able to reinstall the original interior trim once I'm done? If not, what should I do to ensure that's possible?

What type of foam and caulking should I use and where should I caulk and foam to ensure a great seal?

Flashing -- is it enough to just place it across the bottom of the window rough in or does it go on top also?

Thanks in advance for advice on window brand and install tips!

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Answers:

- Depends on how square the openings are. If they are pretty even, 1/4" is correct.
- If you remove it carefully and it is not too brittle, you can usually put the stops back.
- Window and door specific foam. If the gaps are tight, sealant with backer rod works.
- I am confused...are you doing inserts or full tear outs?

evanskev
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2013 12:11 pm

Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#3 Post by evanskev »

Thanks for the reply, WoW.

The openings are pretty close to square.
The gaps will be small but big enough to spray foam. (I'll research backer rod... never heard of it)
I'm using inserts and leaving as much exterior trim in place as possible.
Where should I be caulking?
Does flashing need to be laid?

Cheers

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#4 Post by Windows on Washington »

If you are doing inserts, there is no flashing.

If you are setting from the inside (usually the best option for a DIY customer application) you will leave all the trim in place and only remove the interior stops to set the window.

Spray foam or seal them window and install the sill expander.

evanskev
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Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#5 Post by evanskev »

I will install from the inside. What's a sill expander?

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#6 Post by Windows on Washington »

evanskev wrote:I will install from the inside. What's a sill expander?
Extender or Expander...I mix the two terms.

It is a small extrusion of vinyl that comes with the window that closes the gap between the original sloped wood sill and the new window.

evanskev
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Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2013 12:11 pm

Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#7 Post by evanskev »

These must sound like really dumb questions.

The sill expander is just a piece of vinyl that is installed on the exterior.

I'll think of some more questions... in the meantime, I'm looking to place an order for Soft-Lite windows. Recommendations appreciated

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Re: Measuring, Removing, and Replacing 50 year old Wooden Window

#8 Post by Windows on Washington »

No dumb questions...just unasked ones. :D

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