Enlarging a Brick RO from the inside

[mobiledynamics]

House is built around the 1960's.
It's brick construction with ? . Not sure if it's cement block inside, or possibly formed walls.

Anyhow, I have a window RO.
I have 2 options with window replace

Option A: not preferred. Get a custom spec local built window built to the existing RO

Option B: Buy a Window by Marvin. IMO, their fit and finish is built better than the local joints. However, their smaller unit they will make it, I will need to enlarge the Width by 2 inches.

It's on a 2nd story and ladder access is not a option

I suppose I could angle grinder ....open the RO from the inside. Any loose holes in the resulting sides would need to be patched. Sounds like a sh1tty plan but just short of having someone come out, pull scafooling from the roof and open the brick from the front - I think this has to happen in order to make it look right..

 

[kblazer87]

What's a ro?

 

[hybred355]

option A they measure they make they instal good luck. Larry

 

[mobiledynamics]

RO = rough opening.

As per the OP....the local joints doesn't fabricate a window that seems to be on par fit/finish wise that Marvin windows. There are other players out there....my fried is building a house and spent 650K just in windows alone !

 

[sophijo]

You can get a decent vinyl or fiberglass window made to fit.

 

[ishiboo]

House is built around the 1960's.
It's brick construction with ? . Not sure if it's cement block inside, or possibly formed walls.

Anyhow, I have a window RO.
I have 2 options with window replace

Option A: not preferred. Get a custom spec local built window built to the existing RO

Option B: Buy a Window by Marvin. IMO, their fit and finish is built better than the local joints. However, their smaller unit they will make it, I will need to enlarge the Width by 2 inches.

It's on a 2nd story and ladder access is not a option

I suppose I could angle grinder ....open the RO from the inside. Any loose holes in the resulting sides would need to be patched. Sounds like a sh1tty plan but just short of having someone come out, pull scafooling from the roof and open the brick from the front - I think this has to happen in order to make it look right..

What's the brick above the window? No decoration such as an arch? Is there a poured or brick stool? Usually changing a brick RO requires some brickwork and not just cutting a hole.

I have a double layer brick house with air gaps, all my windows and most doors are custom. To change the arches above each window is a substantial undertaking. If you don't have it, feel free to cut to make it wider. Otherwise, custom windows are available... you can order them in any quality or manufacturer. With most mainline manufacturers, custom sizes are the same if not better quality than standard sizes.

 

[blkhonda1991]

what kind of window are you replacing?

 

[fotoflojoe]

I know it would probably cost an arm and two legs, then take six months of Sundays to complete, but doesn't Marvin do custom size fabrication of their standard designs?

 

[buddyboy]

From Marvin's FAQ page

Q. I need a unique size or special shape window. Can Marvin help?
A. Yes. Marvin specializes in special shapes and custom windows. A Marvin Authorized Installing Retailer will take detailed measurements to ensure that the new window is an exact match to the existing window.

 

[buddyboy]

is the frame damaged or something? usually you can have just the glass replaced, single, double, triple pane whatever you want

 

[pmiranda]

re bubbyboy: Could be the original window is a crappy single-track unit that won't take a better replacement or he just has a rough opening left from a single-unit AC.

In any case, it's usually easy to cut down to make a rough opening bigger, but if you need to widen more than a fraction of an inch, you usually have to replace the lintel that supports the brick above the opening. Which can, of course, be done. It's just one more chunk of work that has you chipping out mortar and sourcing a new piece of steel.

Least effort is definitely a custom-ordered window.

I'd most likely try to find one within an inch of fitting in the R.O. and just shim it out, or buy one that's built with extra trim designed to be cut down to fit the opening, given that brickwork RO's are often not perfectly plumb.

 

[scottydosnntkno]

just find a good local company or national company. Many companies online are national and make good windows. Get a custom Pella ordered or something and it'll fit perfect.

 

[Zeke]

This will be an interesting thread for me having spent 25 years in the window sales and installation business. It's already funny. You can PM me for some advice, but I won't go public with all these experts here.