On Wed, 28 May 2014 16:08:11 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

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?

That's what I'm saying, but the trim and siding doesn't have to come
off because on good windows the mounting flange is removeable. The
window goes in from the inside and fits perfectly to the outer trim..
The window is sealed in with low expansion spray foam. Custom jam
extentions are made to fit on site and fastened to the window frames
and to the framing, and the original inside trim can usually be
salvaged and re-installed - or new inside trim can be made to fit.
Depending on the fit, you can order the windows with an integrated
"brick mould", which is easily removeable - for a very low extra
price.. Can't remember if I used them on my windows or not - I know we
got the brickmould on some of the windows when we did mine and the
neighbours.

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.

I tell my supplier the size I want - not the rough opening size. That
way the fit is up to ME, not them.

The head expander is not only ugly but it's a PITA to trim around.
And totally un-necessary for a "custom built" window.

You need to see a sample of the windows in question so you can look at
and measure the "reveal" - so you know exactly what size you need to
make the window and the external trim work - you can always shim the
window to fit the RO if you require a window just a tad smaller to
make the outer trim work.

When I replaced my upstairs windows I re-used all the internal trim,
and the outer "reveal" of the window frame fit 1/8" all around to the
existing trim on the siding - which was easily caulked so it looks
like the windows went in before the siding went on - Can't tell that
they are not the originally installed windows in the house. When I got
the price to have my kitchen and lower bathroom windows done I went
over the setup with the contractor/supplier and told them exactly how
I wanted the job done. Guy said he'd never seen it done that way, but
was really impressed with the idea, and he's done it for many other
customers since.
When the neighbour had the addition put on their house I told the
contractor what windows were installed in the rest of the house, and
where to get them. He put in a non-matching window - not even the same
size - as the third window across the front of the upper floor. It
looked like HELL, and I made him tear it out, reframe it, and install
the right window in the right position. (and he had installed the new
vinyl siding between when I told him it was unacceptable and when he
ended up re-doing it - he wasn't happy) The neighbour said that's why
she had me monitoring the job - she "couldn't have done it to the
guy". Can't tell from looking at the front of the house that there
was an addition built - it all looks "original" (built bedroom, guest
suite/office and bathroom over the garage and family room)