Doors and Windows - Replacing side by side windows

I have 2 side by side doublehung windows that I need to replace. The wood in these windows are rotted and have to be taken out, so I can't pull out the sashes and put in replacement windows. My question is after I take out these windows I'll have just the rough opening, can I frame around the opening with 1X6 (or what ever size I need) and attach the windows to this? Wouldn't that be just like attaching it to frame of the old window? Also, I know that there is something that you can use to attach two windows together but I don't know what it's called. Can somebody help me with that.

Thanks

i just replaced the windows in my house. had to do the same thing. replacements weren't an option. i measured my existing windows. i took off my interior moldings to do so so i could get a better idea of what my rough opening was. i ordered a combination unit to fit as best i could the existing rough opening, combination unit meaning 2 or more units built as one unit. all the major manufacturers (pella, andersen, weathershield, marvin, etc) will sell windows this way. in this particular case i had 2 side by side dh windows. i got the new construction windows which come with a nailing flange. just have to nail the flange to the sheathing on the outside. weather proof according to the manufacturers instructions, and walla. this process does require the temp. removal of some siding and trim. wasnt to hard and can be done in a couple of hours.

when you say rotten, it's just the sliding part of the window only, or is the sill rotten to?

In any case, you can install 2 separate windows just like you have side by side with the existing mull jamb between them. Measure the inside where the window slides with and hight and deduct 3/8 to 1/2 on the with and 1/4 on the hight, making sure you measure from the smallest point.

Leave the interior trim on and remove any exterior trim " ie the 3/8 slats ect "
Remove the existing window, remove the nail flange on the new window with a razor knife ( giving you a box frame now ) and slide the window in place. 1 screw in each corner about 2 to 3 inches from the top and bottom sides, and caulk.I use 1 of the slats I removed to fill the gap at the bottom of the exterior ( do to the sloping ) but they also make a sill adapter you can buy to put under your window.

alot more easy than removing the exterior of your house and will look like it belongs.

If the sill is rotten we can tell you how to replace that to. It's not that tuff.

Actually yes the sills on both the windows are rotted and the jambs on the inside are in too poor shape to attach anything to them. They are splintered where nails have gone into them and they both have a long crack in them going from top to bottom. So I wouldn't feel comfortable attaching a replacement window to them. You talk about using existing mull jamb in the middle of the windows, is that an official name for it or is that just what you call any piece of wood that attaches the windows? Anyways, I have one for the inside and one on the outside and the one on the outside is rotten also at the bottom and will have to be replaced.
So I would apperciate the advise on how to replace the sill.

Thanks

Mull; jamb is a term used to indicate a jamb that connects 2 windows together. ie mulling 2 windows. Not my word, word used all over.
I've worked from Calif to Florida and the same term was used.

Given the state of your windows ( all the rot ) it would be best to tear out everything , inspect the studs , make sure they aren't rotted , and reframe the opening. This would also give you a chance to install almost any style of window you want ( if you don't care for DH windows )

glasman2

Just to get your advise on how to do this, and I appreciate your advise very much. You talked about reframing around the rough opening, could I just frame two boxes side by side in the opening and then install the replacement windows or is there a better way of doing it. Right now I plan on installing side by side double hung windows like what was in there before but I'm going to look to see if I can find something that I like that I can put one window in.

Again, thanks

Actually yes the sills on both the windows are rotted and the jambs on the inside are in too poor shape to attach anything to them. They are splintered where nails have gone into them and they both have a long crack in them going from top to bottom. So I wouldn't feel comfortable attaching a replacement window to them. Thanks

If you feel this way I would remove everything down to the studs and inspect the studs.Reframing around the rough opening IS down to the studs, and yes you could reframe them side by side like it was before, but remember your new box frame at the sill should have at least 1/4 to 3/8 tilt to the outside for water to drain out.. My only concern is your header. you need to know if it's 1 header for both windows or 2 headers.If it's 2, and you want to install 1 window the header should be replaced. You should be able to remove the rotted window frame with just a hammer, pry-bar, and a saws-all once you remove all the trim. You will see what I'm talking about when you get all the trim off.For someone that doesn't jnow what they are doing ( not saying you can't do it ) be prepaired to board up the window for a few nights, cause you may not get everything done.

If I take out the window and just have the rough opening wouldn't it be easier to put in new construction windows instead of replacement windows?
That way I wouldn't have to frame around the window, I would just put the window in the opening. I understand that with the new construction window that I will have to cut some of the siding on the outside for the trim but even if I put replacement windows in I'll have to do the same thing because the people who put this window in didn't cut for the trim and just put it over top of the siding and I would like to do it the correct way. So maybe putting in new construction windows might be a little easier.
Which windows cost more replacement or new construction.

they are 1 and the same window.
how was the dry rot?