Replies

1. 
   ckorto | Feb 10, 2008 12:37am | #1

   I just did a Pella job like this 2 months ago.  Replaced 4 fixed windows around some double hungs.  It really depends on the exterior fascade.  First I took off all interior trim and saved.  Next I seperated the windows from the operating ones ( isn't Pella replacing those) Finally I had to remove all exterior cedar trim to get at the nailing flange.  You may be able to do this with a recip saw but cleanly I don't know.  Once I had the opening clean I installed proper flashing then clamped the new windows to the old and secured/checked for plumb-square and secured the nailing flange.  Installed Grace around nailng flange and reinstalled exterior trim and caulked.  4 windows (2 low-2   12' high) by myself in one 12 hour day.  Next day reinstalled int. trim and painted exterior trim, homeowner painted int.  2nd day 6 hours. 

   My opinion is it was a pain in the #### job and if I had to do it again I would have pulled the center window secured all 3 and then reset.  But weather wasn't on my side that day.  Be carefull though if it's a perfectionist, it's hard to splice in something new with something old and be perfect.  Nothing quick about it either and be prepared for interior/exterior touch ups or repainting.  I went time and material on the job, don't know what your going to run into.

   Hope any of this is helpfull, Chuck

1. 
   Willy50 | Feb 10, 2008 01:33am | #4

   Chuck,

   Thanks for your input. As I understand it, Pella is replacing any of the windows that they can replace such as the double hung windows, awnings, casements etc, just the operating parts of the windows, not the whole window with the nailing flange etc.

   They want me to replace the larger fixed panel parts, at least for the windows that have them. I just don't know how those fixed panel windows are attached to the larger frame?

   Bill 

    

    

1. 
   sledgehammer | Feb 10, 2008 02:46am | #7

   Call Pella they should be able to supply detailed instructions on replacement.

    

   Are the fixed units also failed? Are all the units the same size and manufacture date? Multiple failures on various sizes at the same residence is rarely a manufacturing problem from companies like Pella. You need to find out the cause before proceeding.

   I once had multiple Andersen casement seal failures. Andersen replaced with new sashes. Seemed to be an easy swap out right? Well it seems through unusual settlement of the house and poor installation, the frames  racked out of square over the years, taking the sashes with them resulting in seal failures. There was no way to get the new square sash into a parallelogram twisted frame. Thank God I write a good contract...

2. 
   ckorto | Feb 10, 2008 03:15am | #8

   Bill, I would find out how Pella plans on replacing the operating portions of the windows and not the fixed portions.  Seems like the exact opposite job you're faced with.  Big company like that, seems like they'd rather eat the material of a fixed window as opposed to the labor to splice in new windows to old and just install entirely new window units (fixed and operating). 

   Chuck

2. 
   calvin | Feb 10, 2008 01:18am | #2

   You talking removing the fixed sash or the whole fixed casement unit-frame and all?

   Pella has several "methods" of securing the fixed sash to the frame.  One is to screw through the jamb and into the sash.  Another, and the one you hope for is via clips that fasten to the sash and can be removed where they fasten to the jamb.  You remove the interior jamb cover and unscrew the clips from the jamb.

   Best take the glass info and consult pella as to the vintage of these units.

   A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

1. 
   Willy50 | Feb 10, 2008 01:36am | #5

   Hi Calvin,

   Replacing the fixed sash only. I guess I need to take your advise and find out the exact age of the window and how that fixed sash is attached. Makes all the difference if it will take 3 hrs per window of 8 hrs.

   I will ony do it on a time and material basis.

    

    

1. 
   calvin | Feb 10, 2008 02:11am | #6

   Willy.  Look between the panes of glass and read off any numbers / letters.  Should indicate date of manufacture to pella.  Some yrs it was a nightmare.  You would have to saw/cut the screws and that won't be easy.  WHY PELLA?  The clips behind the jamb trim won't be bad, but a painted interior might get boogered up with removal.  Might have to price out the trim too.

   Best of luck.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

3. 
   sledgehammer | Feb 10, 2008 01:24am | #3

   Are you replacing just the glass or the entire unit... frame and all?