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Question

i need to replace windows destroyed in a fire. the window opening on the inside of the room is flush with the wall. no frame remains. the old windows were the kind that had a rope pulley system that had long since broken. how do i measure? is it worth it to try to do them myself?

Submitted: 50 days and 5 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by The Home Smithy 50 days and 5 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXX;
Measure the rough opening and then subtract a half inch from that measurement. That is the size window you need to order.
If the measurement is not a standard window size then you will need to add furing until the dimention is within 1" of the standard window size.
Best, THS

47 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

first of all, what is furing? does the fact that it had that pulley system alter the measurements. also, i asked you if i should try to do it myself.

Accepted Answer

Furring is the term carpenters use when they add another piece of wood to decrease the size of an opening.
You can do this yourself. If you have never installed a window I strongly suggest that at minimum you find someone that has, and have them help you. You will need a helper anyways. Installing windows is a two person job.
The installation really isnt difficult, but in many ways it can become a nightmare. If you do not install it correctly it can cause problems in the future. It can leak if not properly flashed. It can jam when the house breathes with the weather changes. It can even break for no apparent cause.
The most important thing is to be sure that the window is square when it is nailed in. Check the reveal on the sliding part to the stationary part. This is basicly the eveness of the opening all the way acrost the the bottom with the window just about all the way closed. It shouild not be any doiffrent on one side as the tother. If it is then the window is not installed correctly.. You will need to shim it up so that the reveal is the same all the way actrost the bottom.
Best, THS

Edited by The Home Smithy on 10/7/2009 at 12:23 PM

Accepts:
Expert:	The Home Smithy
Pos. Feedback:	98.4 %
Answered:	10/7/2009

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