Doors and Windows - Replace aluminum windows in a 50 year old brick home?????
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jonobo
11-26-05, 04:22 PM
Hi all,
I am considering purchasing a 50 year old brick home that is in excellent condition, but it does have the original double pane aluminum windows that should probably be replaced. I've read many threads about this but am even more confused. Some sites advise against "wrecking" the existing frame out since this will damage the seal and possibly cause problems with water leakage later on. Some give step by step instructions on how "wreck" the aluminum frame out. Some of the windows are quite large (one is over 13 feet wide). I want to make sure this is the highest quality but without having to redo the brick on the exterior (i.e., new construction windows). Any help in clarifying this will be GREATLY appreciated.
JDW
I am considering purchasing a 50 year old brick home that is in excellent condition, but it does have the original double pane aluminum windows that should probably be replaced. I've read many threads about this but am even more confused. Some sites advise against "wrecking" the existing frame out since this will damage the seal and possibly cause problems with water leakage later on. Some give step by step instructions on how "wreck" the aluminum frame out. Some of the windows are quite large (one is over 13 feet wide). I want to make sure this is the highest quality but without having to redo the brick on the exterior (i.e., new construction windows). Any help in clarifying this will be GREATLY appreciated.
JDW
XSleeper
11-28-05, 05:55 PM
jonobo,
Welcome to the doityourself.com forums. I hope you will find lots of good advice and helpful people here.
With few exceptions, aluminum windows seldom are compatable with vinyl replacement windows. Whether yours are compatable or not, it's hard for me to tell from here, since I can't see your windows! I can only give you advice based on my experience.
That being said, I would advise that the entire old aluminum frame be removed. I doubt you need to worry about the "seal" between the aluminum and the brick. Most aluminum windows are installed prior to the brick, and the masonry is just butted up to the window... in most cases, there isn't even any caulking keeping water out. And even if there is, that's not a reason to keep the aluminum frame. Aluminum is one of the most unefficient building materials as far as energy is concerned, so tearing it out is a good idea, in my opinion.
You CAN order a new construction window, provided it is a "custom sized" one with a nailing fin. What you would want to do is measure your brick opening (let's say it's 120" wide x 54" tall) and subtract 3 1/4" from the height and width to arrive at your exact window measurement. In the example, you would want a window that is 116 3/4 x 50 3/4. What this will allow you to do is center the window in the brick opening so that you will have approximately 1 1/2" of trim on every side so as to cover the nailing fin once the window is installed. This may mean that you will need to add a little framing to the rough opening, but that's the way it is. If you go this route, your windows would need new extension jambs and casing. With a little creativity, the interior of the window can usually be trimmed in a way that will cover up the old trim lines and still be asthetically pleasing.
If your aluminum windows are made up of aluminum "tracks" that are set in a wooden jamb, then it might be possible to just remove the aluminum from the wooden jamb, and fit a replacement window into the existing jamb. The main problem with that is flashing the exterior side, bottom edge of the replacement window where it "ends" and the "sill" begins. Replacement windows are meant to sit on sloped sills, and your aluminum windows likely do not have one. Another reason I would suggest you go with the total tearout.
Hope some of these suggestions get you started.
Welcome to the doityourself.com forums. I hope you will find lots of good advice and helpful people here.
With few exceptions, aluminum windows seldom are compatable with vinyl replacement windows. Whether yours are compatable or not, it's hard for me to tell from here, since I can't see your windows! I can only give you advice based on my experience.
That being said, I would advise that the entire old aluminum frame be removed. I doubt you need to worry about the "seal" between the aluminum and the brick. Most aluminum windows are installed prior to the brick, and the masonry is just butted up to the window... in most cases, there isn't even any caulking keeping water out. And even if there is, that's not a reason to keep the aluminum frame. Aluminum is one of the most unefficient building materials as far as energy is concerned, so tearing it out is a good idea, in my opinion.
You CAN order a new construction window, provided it is a "custom sized" one with a nailing fin. What you would want to do is measure your brick opening (let's say it's 120" wide x 54" tall) and subtract 3 1/4" from the height and width to arrive at your exact window measurement. In the example, you would want a window that is 116 3/4 x 50 3/4. What this will allow you to do is center the window in the brick opening so that you will have approximately 1 1/2" of trim on every side so as to cover the nailing fin once the window is installed. This may mean that you will need to add a little framing to the rough opening, but that's the way it is. If you go this route, your windows would need new extension jambs and casing. With a little creativity, the interior of the window can usually be trimmed in a way that will cover up the old trim lines and still be asthetically pleasing.
If your aluminum windows are made up of aluminum "tracks" that are set in a wooden jamb, then it might be possible to just remove the aluminum from the wooden jamb, and fit a replacement window into the existing jamb. The main problem with that is flashing the exterior side, bottom edge of the replacement window where it "ends" and the "sill" begins. Replacement windows are meant to sit on sloped sills, and your aluminum windows likely do not have one. Another reason I would suggest you go with the total tearout.
Hope some of these suggestions get you started.