In article , krw wrote:
On Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:40 -0400, Tony
wrote:

I am looking to replace my windows in my bedrooms. Right now, it looks like
there is the original
aluminum window on the inside and on the outside, it looks like a white vinyl
window was installed,
almost like a cap that has sliding windows on it. Please look at the pics and
see if you can make
heads or tales of what I got.

Interior pics:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...nterior1-1.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e.../interior2.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e.../interior3.jpg

Exterior pic:

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...3/exterior.jpg

I was going to buy replacement windows but my friend said new construction
windows are better. If I
were to get new construction windows, my he said to get it a little bigger.
But, what does that
mean? How much bigger? If I want to keep the existing j-channel siding trim,
is it possible to get
the exact size for the new construction windows?

New construction windows will have a 2-3" mounting tab around the
window. The mounting tab is nailed through the sheathing into the
frame members from the outside so they'll be impossible to install
without removing or cutting the siding back to accommodate the
mounting tab. Replacement windows mount to the frame members from the
window opening so there is no need to disturb the siding.

In your last picture you can see this tab and nails between the
J-channel and the window (siding wasn't installed very well). Think
about how you would get the window out without cutting the tab or
disturbing the siding. No do the reverse to install the new one.
....you can't. ;-)

New construction windows generally don't come in exact sizes since the
window openings are generally sized for the windows to be used.
Replacement do come in sizes to order since the deed has already been
done.

My window sizes are as follows (this is the exact interior measuremnets from
side to side:

46" (w) x 39 1/2" (h)
34" (w) x 39 1/2" (h)

You need to measure the rough opening, from stud to stud. You really
don't need to remove the window until the new ones come but you're
going to have to open the interior wall up enough to get at the rough
opening to measure it. Take several measurements of each opening
(thins are rarely plumb, square, and straight). Buy the windows
somewhat (see instructions) smaller than the smallest measurement
(again, see instructions).


Seeing the stud is the key. To do this on my house I had
to remove a lot for the bricked home. I did not have to remove the window
to see the stud. Just the outer storm window.

I replaced about 9 windows last year for about $1500 plus some materials.
Plus 40 hours labor on my part. Most of the windows were on sale
for about $120 each sold at local Busy Beaver, made by a Certain Teed company.
Two sliders coast a bit more than the standards.

greg