Window replacement - nominal measurements on rough opening?

[cstreit]

Hey,

So I am looking to replace the windows in our sunroom. The rough opening between the studs measures exactly 59 11/16" x 36 14"

I think the standard 36 x 60 replacement windows will work but not 100% sure. They appear to have a 35.5 x 59.5" actual measurement. Can anyone confirm if this is common?

[DanielDudley]

That should fit, but you can trim the opening a bit with a sawzall if you need to.

[cstreit]

THose are the measurements stud to stud....

[John Rogers]

Check your code.....if the window ORIGINAL size opening is altered, you need a permit in many localities.

[cabmandone]

Is it an exterior nail flange window or is it a replacement type that slides in against a stop on the exterior side?

[dad911]

Chris,
You need some wiggle room in the R/O to shim the windows, to make sure they are hung plumb/level/square. That is why spec is typically 1/2" larger all around.

A lumber yard/supplier can get vinyl replacements made to order, but they will be more expensive.

As it's a sunroom, you can step down a size, trim the inside, and use Azek trim around the outside. Or sawzall/shave the studs as needed. We do either/both.......

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by John Rogers

Check your code.....if the window ORIGINAL size opening is altered, you need a permit in many localities.

If you break the original seal (flashing) is the starting point for permits. Other situations factor in as a well such as newer egress rules and where tempered glass is required.

I did a lot of 'sash only' replacements leaving the original sill and jamb. I was able to get away with calling that a "repair."

Chris, check your RO for square before assuming.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by dad911

Chris,
You need some wiggle room in the R/O to shim the windows, to make sure they are hung plumb/level/square. That is why spec is typically 1/2" larger all around.

Right - but the question is, when the window says 60x36 does that mean it is actually 59.5 x 35.5 where it fits in the rough opening?

I'm planning on finding off-the-shelf windows for this room...

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Right - but the question is, when the window says 60x36 does that mean it is actually 59.5 x 35.5 where it fits in the rough opening?

I'm planning on finding off-the-shelf windows for this room...

Yes, windows are sold minus 1/2" in both directions so that the framer can frame the RO to the call out dimensions.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by John Rogers

Check your code.....if the window ORIGINAL size opening is altered, you need a permit in many localities.

Originally Posted by Zeke

If you break the original seal (flashing) is the starting point for permits. Other situations factor in as a well such as newer egress rules and where tempered glass is required.

Permits to swap out a window?!?

Yup, the guys from California.

I love being out here in a rural area. Outbuildings less than 1000 sq ft, require no permit.
The county's only concern is to insure adequate setbacks.
What I'm currently building is several hundred feet from the nearest property line. I think I'll be okay.

[John Rogers]

If I remember last it was New York, New Jersey, Maryland AND any place that is tornado prone. And yes you can cut and resize UNTIL the house gets sold, then what the heck do you do??!!But....CA has a rule if window size is not modified and then you can use the slide in vinyl (or other materials) and that is how we got our huge front window with a seat built in. Of course my wife never sits there but Bob the Iguana loves it! If you use those buy the sealer the window shop sells.....NOT Home Depot stuff.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by John Rogers

If I remember last it was New York, New Jersey, Maryland AND any place that is tornado prone. And yes you can cut and resize UNTIL the house gets sold, then what the heck do you do??!!But....CA has a rule if window size is not modified and then you can use the slide in vinyl (or other materials) and that is how we got our huge front window with a seat built in. Of course my wife never sits there but Bob the Iguana loves it! If you use those buy the sealer the window shop sells.....NOT Home Depot stuff.

Not anymore, at least up here in fooking La la land. they want your money, honey. You replace that sash, they will nail ya for the permit. I suggest to people, if you can get away with a few windows in the back of the house, just replace with vinyl sash and enjoy the new window. Don't give those bastards any more of your money.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Right - but the question is, when the window says 60x36 does that mean it is actually 59.5 x 35.5 where it fits in the rough opening?

I'm planning on finding off-the-shelf windows for this room...

No. Depends on the brand. Need to check the specs. For example, below are Silverline (Formally Anderson) popular vinyl windows for this area (NJ)

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by dad911

No. Depends on the brand. Need to check the specs. For example, below are Silverline (Formally Anderson) popular vinyl windows for this area (NJ)

Right. I’ll measure before purchase.

[Zeke]

Andersen was always weird. The RO for old fashioned wood sash windows followed a couple of formulas depending on whether it was a double hung or casement. In the case of the DH it was the overall sash size that was the call out. So you would add 2" to the width and 4 to 4 1/2" to the height.

That was a new construction window which is not the subject at hand.

Old wood casement windows could be either swing in or swing out. You don't see wood SI casements these days because they leak. But the RO was different for each. My biggest problem replacing original wood sash casements was retro fitting with a historically correct window when the old casement had already been taken out in favor of a 60's and 70's AL insert window.

Architectural standards today call for RO's to be nominal, e.g., even numbers in 6 inch increments starting at 12". Some of the old line companies are not in step.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Andersen was always weird. The RO for old fashioned wood sash windows followed a couple of formulas depending on whether it was a double hung or casement. In the case of the DH it was the overall sash size that was the call out. So you would add 2" to the width and 4 to 4 1/2" to the height.

That was a new construction window which is not the subject at hand.

Old wood casement windows could be either swing in or swing out. You don't see wood SI casements these days because they leak. But the RO was different for each. My biggest problem replacing original wood sash casements was retro fitting with a historically correct window when the old casement had already been taken out in favor of a 60's and 70's AL insert window.

Architectural standards today call for RO's to be nominal, e.g., even numbers in 6 inch increments starting at 12". Some of the old line companies are not in step.

Milt, that's great info, but I think that info may confuse the OP more then he wanted to know.

[look 171]

If you are unsure of the dimension of the sash size, I always tell home owners who are DIYs order the window sash or window replacement with the exact dimension, so there's no subtraction and confusion before home owner and window supplier. What's this window look like? Got a pic?