Originally Posted by Superman (Post 10236760)

I have a question. It seems I may have two choices:

1) Install the windows into the wood wrapping atop the studs. Maybe this could allow for standard sized windows... or
2) Tear all that stuff out and attach the windows to the studs. This would require custom windows.

If I have this right, then which is best. I assume....attach the windows to the studs.

I think I have other decisions to make too. Premium wood windows. Wal-Mart windows. Something in between.

I'm going to connect with the folks Dan suggests, and also visit some websites. With all the available time on my hands. <rolleyes> Is anybody else's life jam-packed like mine?

Originally Posted by Zeke (Post 10236475)

Retrofitting is encouraged over ripping out the entire existing jamb and that's because the jamb is flashed behind the brick to keep moisture out. Don't break that seal unless it's broken.

Originally Posted by David (Post 10236914)

I wouldn't get hung up on trying to fit a standard size. Near as I could tell, unless you're building a new house, the windows will all be custom sized so it's not big deal.

Originally Posted by Zeke (Post 10236475)

A lot of members here remember that I sold and installed windows as a business up until the Great Recession killed it. I have installed some windows this year, but not like I used to, like a several hundred per year as a lone wolf installer.

Measuring is not tough. The real trick is to criss cross the opening you intend to leave in place to determine if it's a true 90º rectangle. After that, deduct what the factory recommends.

Some window companies have a line of stock sizes intended for new installations. Most vinyl windows are built to order at no additional cost because, 1) there are so many options that having all of those in JUST ONE SIZE on the shelf would take up a LOT of space, and 2) the factory is gonna build a certain number of windows every shift no matter where they are going. 3 to you, 10 to the next guy and so on.

Retrofitting is encouraged over ripping out the entire existing jamb and that's because the jamb is flashed behind the brick to keep moisture out. Don't break that seal unless it's broken.

If you go to my local distributor's site (1stwindows.com), you can glean a hell of a lot of info for free and not even have to sign up. How to measure, install, the whole ball of wax. He is set up to mostly sell to DIYer's and smaller contractors.

Funny, but hot links seem to be disabled.

Originally Posted by cabmando (Post 10236878)

Keep the current window frame. I think Zeke covered this, the current frame will be flashed for the brick. If you remove the window you might mess up the flashing.

Originally Posted by John Rogers (Post 10236975)

A couple things to consider, I haven't seen anyone mention the city/county rules for window replacement. If your area is like mine they even have rules on how to scratch your ass so I would check. In our case the city of Chula Vista says as long as the building's window opening is not changed then you do not need any permits. That is why we used custom made windows that slid over the 1/2 inch protruding aluminum old window frames. We lost a tad amount of opening size but not enough to notice. Plus we gained windows we can pull out and clean both sides of the glass.

Secondly, if you do this, a sealer made for installing windows and the stuff we used was not in a Home Depot or Lowes and has a 30 year life span so I guess the high cost of it is well spent. Use a LOT and remove excess later, way better than trying to add more.

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy (Post 10236930)

Really the only advantage of standard sized windows is that if you can find stock sizes, they are less money.

Originally Posted by jimwill911 (Post 10237010)

Zeke

By retrofitting, do you mean replace just the IGU (Insulated Glass Unit)? Thanks