All of the Crestline casements in my 20 yo 2 story Colonial tract home are rotting and need replacement. I removed the brickmold on one to measure the rough opening and discovered no housewrap and no water barriers around the window. I could see daylight into the unfinished basement behind the window. Additionally, my window supplier tells me that Crestline built oddly sized windows, so fitting new windows into the existing rough openings will probably mean customs. Big $$$.
The house has aluminum siding in good condition. It seems to me that removing the siding around the windows would allow me to do a proper job of flashing, taping, etc, would give me the option of reframing the openings to standard sizes, and would increase my options for trimming out the new windows.
What can you tell me about removing and replacing sections of the alum siding around the windows? I envision doing the job in horizontal segments, replacing all the windows at one level at once. A recent article in FHB (new window in an existing wall) defines my project and makes it look easy to unzip vinyl siding, but I am concerned about paint damage and kinking/deformation if I try to to the same with aluminum.
Thanks for you advice.
Dan MacDaniel
Replies
Dan, you mention trimming out the new windows. You could certainly cut back the aluminum siding to where the trim line would be, install the new window and then trim it out to that cut. And as a comic aside, there's no window manufacturer that has exactly the same window size. You just might make it with new construction windows that fit your R.O. size, make up the exterior by cutting back siding and adding trim. Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Occasionally we run the siding down prior to window replacement. Depends on some variables.
More often we cut the siding twice. First remove old window, modify framing as required. hold window in opening plumb level square. Trace flange, cut siding with 4 inch grinder with diamond blade. Set window, hold trim (perma shield casing, or whatever) against window and trace. Cut with grinder. Install head flashing for trim and felt splines sides and bottom. Install casing. Caulk siding to casing.
Tom