FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Window trimming

jensenaw | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 9, 2012 11:34am

Hi all!

So I have acquired a Reno to finish. The ho was unhappy with the previous contractor and asked if I could finish what he started.  Here is my question. He ordered and installed windows that were built for a 2×6 wall however the wall is only a 2×4 wall. The window bucks are sticking into the house 2″.  The bucks are vinyl so I can’t cut them flush with the drywall. How would you trim those out? I have a few ideas rattling around in my head but just wondered if anyone has done anything like this before?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Jan 10, 2012 05:16pm | #1

    either remove and re-install more exterior and deal with it.....

    there on the outside.

    or

    Back up the casing so it's hugely thick.

    Perhaps with a splay to the sides so you don't block the view.

    1. DanH | Jan 10, 2012 07:08pm | #2

      Pushing them out would create serious flashing problems.  Probably better to deal with on the inside.

      One slightly (ahem) "off the wall" solution is to cover the walls with 1.5" foam and another layer of drywall (though you'd create problems for the outlets, etc).

  2. ki | Jan 10, 2012 09:25pm | #3

    window jambs

    sometimes these jambs are screwed into the window from the backside of the jamb, between the window and

    the rough framing, try cleaning out the foam or whatever they used and have a look. we ran into this problem except

    the opposite, 2x4 windows in a 2x6 wall, and the manufacturer sent out new jambs with a bevel cut in the back of the

    jamb and it was like pocket screwing the new jambs into the window. but ithink to save the most  time and

    aggravation, i would cut one of the windows free, take it out and have a good look see

    1. calvin | Jan 10, 2012 09:28pm | #4

      ki

      Vinyl windows?  with an added extension?

      1. TLE | Jan 12, 2012 09:20am | #8

        Vinyl windows? with an added extension? Yes.

        I have run into a couple of brands that offer it on their vinyl windows.

        I always avoid them as I feel there is to much of a chance of the extension jamb getting damaged. Way to hard to deal with damage in an installed jamb.

        Terry

        1. calvin | Jan 12, 2012 09:28am | #9

          Thanks Terry.

          Alas, there's the thing I didn't know that I hope to learn everyday.  How do they join to the jamb?

          1. TLE | Jan 13, 2012 06:33am | #10

            How do they join to the jamb?

             The one brand that was demonstrated just had the jamb preassembled with vinyl "patches" stapled to the backside of the jamb and window. Looked almost like they were using scrape vinyl.

            Another used a rubbery "hinge" that allowed each side of the extension jamb to fold against the window sides for shipping. You would fold the sections out and assemble the corners through predrilled screw holes.

            I had no problem with the quality of the jambs or their attachment - just don't like having finish goods installed at the roughin stage.

            Terry

          2. calvin | Jan 13, 2012 06:57am | #11

            Thanks.

            .

  3. DanH | Jan 10, 2012 09:46pm | #5

    Yeah, that's a good point -- look very closely at the windows and make sure they're not 4" windows with factory-installed jamb extensions (that can be removed).

    1. calvin | Jan 10, 2012 10:10pm | #6

      so

      they make vinyl windows similar to wood, with extension jambs?

  4. User avater
    MarkH | Jan 11, 2012 09:52am | #7

    Why can't you trim the jamb flush to the drywall?

    I'd whack it off with a multimaster or clone.

    You may have to treat the cut edge with some kind of a filler to hide the cut.

    1. jensenaw | Jan 16, 2012 04:56pm | #16

      This is kinda what I have been leaning towards doing.  The extentions are screwed to the windows, so to switch to the proper depth the windows would have to be removed.  To do that the vinyl siding would need to come off as the j-trim is tight against the window.  It is -40 out right now so the siding is very brittle and the HO probably wouldn't like having his windows removed right now.  

      So my idea is to cut the extention flush with the drywall, spray a little low expanding foam in the extention (they are hollow) to keep the extention somewhat rigid and maybe fill the last bit with some mud and then trim and paint as usual.

      Thanks for the input!

      1. DanH | Jan 16, 2012 08:02pm | #17

        You might want to rip some wood strips to fit in the hollow.

  5. dt20204 | Jan 15, 2012 08:18pm | #12

    Can you hack those plastic jams out and install a read wood jam?  If you just hacked ~3 away, could you install a pre-made jam box just inside of the existing plastic jams?

    1. calvin | Jan 15, 2012 08:20pm | #13

      and .......

      what about removing sash?

      Operating a casement?

      Holding the pc of shit together?

    2. TLE | Jan 16, 2012 09:00am | #14

      Not plastic jambs

      The ones I was referring to had wood jambs.

      In truth, the up charge for oak jambs were only about 15% more then the cost of the materials to build them conventionally.

      I just have seen damage when finish goods are installed at the rough in.

      That, and it can be difficult to stain and finish wood jambs in place against white vinyl.

      Terry

  6. patrick_mccombe | Jan 16, 2012 01:53pm | #15

    So are the "bucks" applied

    So are the "bucks" applied extension jambs or are they part of the vinyl frame? A picture would help.

    I'm not surprised your client was unhappy with the previous contractor.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data