wrote:
On Tue, 27 May 2014 17:06:35 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

wrote:
I need to replace the window on my vinyl sided house. I took the window
out temporarily and measures the square of the window that fits into the
rough opening. It measured 31 9/16 wide x 71 9/16 tall. I cant find a
window locally anywhere this size.

Is this an odd size and is my only option having one custom ordered?

One other point...

Many windows come with a head expander for the top of the window. It's a 3
sided vinyl "channel" that fits over the top of the window to fill the gap
between the top of the window and the rough opening.

When I installed my windows I tossed the caps and raised the window up,
leaving the gap on the bottom. I then filled the gap at the bottom with
insulation. I think the caps look ugly and they make installing the windows
stops harder.

All of my windows were sized so that when they were lifted up and supported
at the bottom, the trim still covered the bottom of the window. I just
think it makes for a neater installation.
The only way I will EVER install windows, or let them be installed
"on my watch" is a total tear-out to rough opening and replacement
with original construction type windows - any "replacement" that does
not go right out to the rough opening is "cheaping out" and looks like
it.

I'm confused by your comment. Are you saying that you only use new
construction windows (the ones with mounting flanges) as opposed to vinyl
replacement windows? Doesn't that mean that the siding and trim around the
exterior of the RO has to be R&R for each window?

A VRW requires tear-out to the RO (which you mentioned) and typically goes
"out" to within an 1/8" on both sides of the RO and within 1/2" of the
height, allowing the window to be tilted into the opening from the inside.

When I supplied my measurements I knew they were going to undersize the
height by 1/2€�, but I also knew I didn't need that much to tilt my windows
in. I padded my height measurements a bit just so that I would get as much
window as possible. That also meant that I didn't have to raise the windows
up too much to eliminate the head expander.

The head expander is not only ugly but it's a PITA to trim around.