How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

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Divic
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Joined: Tue May 24, 2016 3:47 pm

How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#1 Post by Divic »

Newbie here I apologize if this is a topic that has been gone over before. I tried to search old topics first with no luck.

I'll start with the FACTS

The windows in my home are original 1983 double pane single hung aluminum frame.
J
I plan on replacing them with vinyl double hung.

The exterior of my home is brick veneer.

(Here is the question part)

The exterior brick opening is SMALLER than the interior rough opening.

The current window sits inside the brick completely.

Which opening do I measure for my replacements?

Just as important help me understand why one VS the other?

I'll attempt to post images below... THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP!

http://imgur.com/r6RaKA9

http://imgur.com/H0j3Q1z

http://imgur.com/LeTYdTE

http://imgur.com/c9QmtGr

http://imgur.com/e7uzHAy

http://imgur.com/w8yrOzO

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toddinmn
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#2 Post by toddinmn »

Go with the masonary opening, because it is easier to add drywall /plaster/ trim than it is to remove brick

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Windows on Washington
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

Todd's option is correct if you want to pack in the sides as well as the top/bottom.

We find that you can just adjust the height and be fine.

Most times you can measure the drywall jambs and set inside them on the width and make sure that you measure the height in a manner than allows the sill to drain onto the brick sill.

If the sides sit behind the brick, it is not that big a deal as most of the water is flowing off the sill of the replacement window.

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Randy
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#4 Post by Randy »

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an offset that severe, as in the first photograph. I agree with the other guys, set to the brick and build in the interior to match. I think that first opening will have to be framed out within the original framing, in order to fasten the new window.

Delaware Mike
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#5 Post by Delaware Mike »

I agree with Randy's advice. Some pretty unique masonry work for sure and I don't recall every seeing anything like that in my area. The interior build out shouldn't be difficult or all that costly and could wind up looking nice with some transitional molding tying into the pack out lumber as it meets the sheetrock returns.

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TheWindowNerd
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#6 Post by TheWindowNerd »

If I was concerned about max visible glass, and I usually am. I would find out what the screen track dimension are for the type/mfg frame that I would use. I would use the vertical brick as a stop for the window.
Lets say your MO is 36" and the new window has a OD screen frame of 35 1/2" with frame size of 36.5". That would be my preffered approach.

theWindowNerd.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#7 Post by Windows on Washington »

Randy wrote:I don’t think I’ve ever seen an offset that severe, as in the first photograph. I agree with the other guys, set to the brick and build in the interior to match. I think that first opening will have to be framed out within the original framing, in order to fasten the new window.
Happens here quite a bit. They bring the bricks right up to the screen track on the exterior.

If you don't want to build in the sides, you don't really need to as there isn't much water push through on that side. Most times we will push the window in as there is enough of a reveal between the frame and the screen track.

Key think is to make sure the sill drains onto the brick sill and we do sometimes have to build up that lower measurement.

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Randy
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#8 Post by Randy »

Are you saying to install the window from the interior, fastening to the framing that is already in place and just let the brick cover part of the window frame?

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Windows on Washington
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Re: How to properly measure with 2 different size openings

#9 Post by Windows on Washington »

The latter.

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