Replacement Window Question

[alpha]

I have a 90 year old brick house that I plan to sell after it is fixed up. It has 30 windows that need to be replaced with double-hung vinyl windows. Since the windows need to be wrapped, it's more than I want to tackle.

I have a number of quotations. One contractor suggested to use "new construction" windows instead of the regular "replacement" windows. He said you just cut the nailing fin off, and basically install them the same way. I think the jams are not as wide as the "replacement" windows. Other than that the windows seem to be about the same with Energy Star ratings, etc.

What is the downside of using this approach?

Bob

[cabinetman]

I'm in the middle of replacing 21 windows in a house built in 1952. Since different mfg'rs call their windows different things as to type of installation, I took out one to see how they were installed before ordering. Of course I had to reinstall it til the new ones got in. Anyway, they are vinyl windows.

This construction is CBS and there is a 3/4" buck (strip of wood), that is mounted in the opening. I think our windows are called "for new construction - masonry). The actual window frame slides in-between the wood, and the actual flange on the face of the window lays on the face of the buck. The difference in where they wind up in the opening compared to the old windows is about the same.

For these, I just lay a bead of Polyseamseal white caulk on the backside of the flange so it squeezes out all around the window, and drill through the frame holes through the wood buck and into the CBS with a masonry drill and use Tapcons.

On the outside, wipe off any caulk. Then I finish the fill on the outside with a Sakrete product called "Resurfacer" which is a sanded cement that is fine and dries in about 30 minutes.

[vanguard]

I took out one to see how they were installed before ordering. Of course I had to reinstall it til the new ones got in.

I'd do what cabinet man suggests. I recently replaced two aluminum windows in a stucco sided house. I used Pella Thermastars from Lowes. I removed the glass panels, but left the aluminum frame in place. The windows slid inside the frame and per the directions I behind the retrofit flange and at the edges and screwed through the new window frame. I then trimmed the inside with MDF.

It was pretty easy. Shimming to level and plumb wasn't bad either. But what to use probably is best dependent on the situation your installing the window into.

[Hellrazor]

You have 3 choices for windows. New construction without flanges, new construction with flanges and replacement windows. I order new construction without flanges for brick openings. I order new construction with flanges for anything else.

[430752]

New construction me too

I use "new construction" windows for my replacement windows also. I have a wood fram, wood siding, then covered by aluminum siding home. I like the new construction windows better as they seem better built. Plus, wherever you can use the nailing flange is better. I either tuck it under the siding, if possible, of tuck it under the window itself. Rarely cut it off unless space is at an absolute premium.

curt j.

[alpha]

Thanks for the replies. The contractor I am using explained that you can order replacement windows either with or without a "J" channel on the outside edge. He will order without the channel. He will cut off the vinyl nailing fin and the window will look like a replacement window.

I am still at a loss to understand how the new construction windows could be cheaper than "replacement" windows since he will have to use additional labor to make them fit. Both styles have 3-1/4 inch jambs. Of course I asked him and his response was "They are just cheaper."

[cabinetman]

I am still at a loss to understand how the new construction windows could be cheaper than "replacement" windows since he will have to use additional labor to make them fit. Both styles have 3-1/4 inch jambs. Of course I asked him and his response was "They are just cheaper."

More than likely it's because they sell more of them.
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