Questions about jump frames, getting into the biz

[andy123602]

Hi there, I remodel houses (licensed contractor) but looking to niche into window and door replacements. Have done over 100 full-frame replacements (masonry, wood siding, some stucco) windows so far. Me and my guys have been learning as we go for the most part, but I did frame houses for years so having that background means I generally know how to take them out and put them back in. For the stucco, I generally** do full break out. a lot of guys just cut the flange and use a block frame to replace but I don't like the idea of relying just on a caulk joint to waterproof.

I'm wanting to get into flushfin/jump frame installs, have some Q's for the guys more experienced in these.

Q1; how do you do jumps for houses that have pop-out returns? IE, block returns or stuccoed 2x4's on top of the original window frame causing the old window to be "inset" into the frame. my first guess would be to order the stucco/jump frame then scribe/trim the fin to the opening size.

Q2; how much play do you usually order? IE, if the window frame is 50x50" w/o the sashes, do you order 1/2" small or 1/4" on each dimension, assuming it's pretty square?

Q3; are jumps possible for picture windows? had a quote request to replace a double pane picture window and couldn't see a way to take out the sash. I ended up quoting it as a full-frame replacement.

Q4; any advice to someone trying to gear their business to window replacements? I'm really trying to niche down and hope this works out. Have ordering accounts with Milgard and Alside already set up. The reps arent too helpful with tech Qs but meeting with them to go over their software and ordering nuances next week

Thanks for your help and any advice. For what it's worth I'm in phoenix.

[TheWindowNerd]

Q1 you are good with that.

Q2 if the frame is square I would order the width tight ( 1/8" deduction), the heigh 1/4" deduction if I have to wrack the unit.

Q3 what was the frame material? was it direct glazed? It can be done.

Q4 Better companies are going to be harder to get in wit. You have no volume and little experience yet. Try to find the best products( performance, warranty, durability, service) in your market).
theWindowNerd.com

[andy123602]

Hey man, thanks for the advice!

Yeah, for now I'll stick with those two but as I grow I might try to get in w/ better brands as well. The alsides have some nicer lines that are still affordable enough with lifetime warranty, planning on mostly pitching those. I understand growing the volume will get harder as we exhaust the pool of customers we have already worked w/ and who trust us.

For the picture window, it was an aluminum frame inset into a stucco popout. fairly new construction (20 yrs old). It looked like there was about 3/4" of aluminum visible from the exterior and the only way I could see to take it out would have been to cut or pry that lip of the frame out then suction cup out the panes. maybe the popout was covering part of the frame. there was enough of a roof overhang that I figured it would be OK to replace w/ a block frame after cutting it out.

[toddinmn]

You should join the contractors forum. You will get the same answers but won’t look like
Newb when homeowners search you .