windows

[chrisasst]

I have windows X by X. If I can't find X by X is it better to go bigger or smaller.

 

[spot]

Take all measurements from inside your home.

To find the width, measure from the inside of the jamb on one side of the window to the inside of the jamb on the other side of the window. Measure at the bottom, middle and top of the window. Use the narrowest measurement for the width of your replacement window.

To find the height, measure from the top of the sill to the bottom of the window's head jamb. Measure at the left, middle and right of the window. Use the shortest measurement for the height of your replacement window.

If X by X is simply not available in "off the shelf" replacements...you have 2 options:

1-Custom size replacements, these cost more but will fit perfectly.
2-Choose the next closest size smaller, these will require a little more work to make up the difference.

If you choose the next size larger, they will require a lot more work because you will have to re-frame the existing hole.

 

[hensonconst1]

Take all measurements from inside your home.

To find the width, measure from the inside of the jamb on one side of the window to the inside of the jamb on the other side of the window. Measure at the bottom, middle and top of the window. Use the narrowest measurement for the width of your replacement window.

To find the height, measure from the top of the sill to the bottom of the window's head jamb. Measure at the left, middle and right of the window. Use the shortest measurement for the height of your replacement window.

If X by X is simply not available in "off the shelf" replacements...you have 2 options:

1-Custom size replacements, these cost more but will fit perfectly.
2-Choose the next closest size smaller, these will require a little more work to make up the difference.

If you choose the next size larger, they will require a lot more work because you will have to re-frame the existing hole.

Right on the money.

 

[crazy_dan]

Take all measurements from inside your home.

To find the width, measure from the inside of the jamb on one side of the window to the inside of the jamb on the other side of the window. Measure at the bottom, middle and top of the window. Use the narrowest measurement for the width of your replacement window.

To find the height, measure from the top of the sill to the bottom of the window's head jamb. Measure at the left, middle and right of the window. Use the shortest measurement for the height of your replacement window.

If X by X is simply not available in "off the shelf" replacements...you have 2 options:

1-Custom size replacements, these cost more but will fit perfectly.
2-Choose the next closest size smaller, these will require a little more work to make up the difference.

If you choose the next size larger, they will require a lot more work because you will have to re-frame the existing hole.

Right on the money.

You can special order windows of any shape and size, they usually only stock the standard sizes of the time.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

We ordered special for our cabin. IIRC the price was about $70ea over the next smaller size and it made our lives easier by not having to add filler into the holes.

Matt

 

[johnn]

SMALLER,,,smaller,,,defininetly. However you have now created more work. Not just shoring up the inside and insulating the space but the outside area must also be flashed.Buying custom fit windows make life much easier and you could ellect to go with the plain sashes rather than those offered with simulated grating between panes to off-set the extra cost.
The bottom sill plate is typically one of two different angles which can be determined with a cheap plastic protractor. The brochures offered at your supplier, will show you where to measure and the up-and-down measurement is critical, at the spot you measure, as I have mentioned,due to the angle of the seal.
"pella" makes a replacement sash kit which has some different sizes that come stock,,,however this system may require that you are a bit more "handy" than the average joe. The end result is a window which looks more original, in that the size hasn`t changed any. A replacement window is like putting a box inside a box,,,it will initially appear like a smaller window,because it is. In another house ,I went with the larger "cost saving "stock window, which had a drastic visual effect of a larger window, however, all the trim boards will be too short and not wide enough.You can usually always tell if a house has had replacement windows, simply by driving by and looking at the outside flashing. It mostly will appear as though the window has a large picture frame around it, this due to the ease of breaking flashing that is wide and flat rather than following the original architecture of the trim boards,,,Which is laborous and drains the profit. Making a break of 1 or 58 inch in the middle of a piece is not easily done on a break, but can be done.The results are rewarding!

 

[chrisasst]

Well here is my problem. The windows I need to replace are old windows, one of them is half rotted and missing along with the window frame. So basically the one window I am going to have to reframe anyway. I know I can get them custom made at home depot or whatever but they are more than my budget. I have a bargain outlet store that has windows, they have one that is 28 x 46 or another one that is 32 x 46. I need (I think) windows that are 31 1/4 x 46. So I don't know which would be better.

 

[hensonconst1]

Well here is my problem. The windows I need to replace are old windows, one of them is half rotted and missing along with the window frame. So basically the one window I am going to have to reframe anyway. I know I can get them custom made at home depot or whatever but they are more than my budget. I have a bargain outlet store that has windows, they have one that is 28 x 46 or another one that is 32 x 46. I need (I think) windows that are 31 1/4 x 46. So I don't know which would be better.

What kind of siding do you have. Is it a brick home. what is covering the outside of the house

 

[chrisasst]

vinyl siding. what do I put on the out side to cover up the smaller hole? I had my dining room windows replaced last year and they put aluminum around the outside, so I guess I could do that.

 

[johnn]

Need to see first hand too really know, however 3 inch seems like something you could deal with. The bottom sill, will be built into the window so all you need there is a 2x4 for the window to sit on. By removing both side trim boards you can better see the construction, which may help if you are unfamiliar. The outside trim boards will have the siding up against them, making it tough to remove those. However it seems that you could take a sawz-all, or recipricating saw and just cut the finish nails holding the window frame to them.( it just depends on the type trim used, many windows have had thr trim removed before siding was installed and it goes right up to the window. At least you have a window to look at and decide whats best for flashing in a smaller window if you choose that route. (Yhe sawz-all is a handy tool for tight quarter work) I`ve used a hack saw blade and a pair of vise grips before to cut finish nails,, no-more.
You normally need a void between the rough opening and the window unit, as this allows for expansion and the need to place shims at the points you will be fastening the window unit, and in order to plumb and square it if necessary. The gaps can be filled with insulation, or the right type foam insulation before installing the trim. I`ll help with any specific question you may have, but right now i`m just guessing at the scenario and your knowledge level. Good luck