Window installion help needed

[Doug19]

I have two old single pane windows in my garage that I would like to replace these with double pane. I understand the concept on how to install the new window by using bucking strips. The real issuse that is preventing me from starting this is i don't want to have to order custom windows. Anyone familiar enough with common window sizes to suggest bucking size and window size I should he using? The current window is 32.5"x43".

I would really appreciate any insight you guys have on this. Im hoping this will make it easier to keep the gagrage somewhat bearable in Pittsburgh winters. I have attached some pictures to show what I'm working with

 

[Tim Kennedy]

Bucking strips?? --- I consider myself knowledgeable enough about things -- but never heard of bucking strips. Maybe I know them by another name -- could you elaborate on what they are?

 

[srmofo]

Why do you not want to order a window? Its a pretty painless process even at HD.

 

[FMC]

bucking strips or cavity bucking is just a frame of wood attached to brick or block opening to set window in place, if your going right back to the block it shouldn't be that hard to measure, go for as wide an air space as possible, a 1/2'' air space is pretty useless in cold climates

 

[Doug19]

Buck strips are basically pressure treated 2x4's screwed to the block around the perimeter of the window opening. This will allow for something for the lip on the window to be nailed into. I always though that is how new windows were installed in existing block buildings.

Srmofo

I'd like to use a standard size window as I am under the impression custom ordered windows are costly.

 

[shanker]

i just went thru the same thing on my brick veneer house..

you'll need to get your Rough Out measurements, and order windows from whichever vendor/brand you want. You'll need replacement window's for that opening (no nail fin's on the frames)...there are holes on the inside of the new window where you'll use screws to attach the replacement window frame to the rough opening...pretty easy stuff

 

[Zeke]

Windows are sold in stock form in 6" increments. So, you will have to use a 2636 or 30 x 42. The net dimensions will be 1/2 less in both directions. That's pretty close to what you need. You CAN use the nailing fins since you are filling in the opening. Just nail to the edge of the bucks and cap with trim. You can leave out the bottom buck to gain some length if needed and trim the fin off with a utility knife. Set the window frame directly on the existing sill. Use some metal flashing at that bottom. Caulk it out and you're done.

Windows have been my business for 25 years.

 

[Falcon67]

Measure brick to brick and go to a home center and order a decent window. The process is painless and you'll get an excellent window. We did our entire brick house with new Ansderson double hung units for $2800. You disassemble the exiting window, cut and pry the frame out of the opening and install the new window, caulk, done. The bucking is an option, but for not that many $ more you can get a window that fits and seals the opening properly. HD regularly runs 10% or 15% off special orders.

 

[srmofo]

Buck strips are basically pressure treated 2x4's screwed to the block around the perimeter of the window opening. This will allow for something for the lip on the window to be nailed into. I always though that is how new windows were installed in existing block buildings.

Srmofo

I'd like to use a standard size window as I am under the impression custom ordered windows are costly.

Anywhere from $100 to $200 for that many united inches. Take your RO size to HD and get a quote for your quality requested. You may be surprised. I don't know your budget

There's also a difference between new construction and replacement windows

 

[Falcon67]

For example - one of our 72x36" vinyl, thermal break, double pane, double hung, Low E, Argon fill, thick pile, water resistant, frequency compensating, frost free, German engineered, I-don't-know-what-all Anderson custom windows was $203. The big ones - like the 72x72 in the bed room - were in the $560 range.

May not mean much in your shop - or might - but I'm sitting 24" from one of the Anderson's and it in the mid 30s outside. The inside of the window frame and glass is a little cooler than room temp (68F) because it's behind a good blind. The old builder aluminum frame double pane window that was in this room would have a frame temp around 45F and my feet would be cold. My feet are fine. HUGE improvement to the house.

 

[Doug19]

It appears that the window opening is pretty square. So if I measure block to block and go to HD they'll order the window I need. Then do I just slip the window in and put a few Tapcons through the window frame to the block shiming were needed. Then just caulk and I'm done.

 

[Tim Kennedy]

Doug19: Thanks for clearing that up - was just unaware there was a name for the framing. Just an idea but that would be an ideal candidate for glass block windows -- you're close to the ground so from a security standpoint they're hard to beat + you can get them in just about any configuration. Check Pittsburgh Glass Block -- they should be able to help -- I used them to supply mine in the basement. I live about 40 miles north of you & found them to be very helpful.

 

[Zeke]

It is true that most windows are built to order because of the many options. Off-the-shelf windows are largely the basic model with the grids installed. Windows are sold by the sq foot and a custom size costs no more. If you don't want the grids, you just about have to order your window anyway. If you want tinted glass, you order and window. That will cost extra.

 

[Doug19]

Guys, thanks form the info. It has give me a lot to think about. Still not sure which route im goig to go. I'll most likely wait till I see a sale for windows at HD. I will also try to take some picture of the install.