The great aluminum window retrofit
Q: What is the optimal way to replace old windows? Myhouse has outdated aluminum windows that I want to replace with new vinyl ones.Some installers want to remove the nailing fins from the new windows andinstall them by attaching through the sides of the windows into the studs. Thatway they won’t disturb my vinyl siding. Others want to cut back siding andinstall the new window with flashing. Is this overkill? –Mark E.
A: As far as optimalis concerned, the preferred method for installing a vinyl window is to flashthe opening and then install the window with the fins over the flashing. Thisis done to help create a seal around the window so that any moisture –wind-driven rain, for example — that might penetrate through the joint betweenthe window and the siding will not get all the way into the house.
That being said, retrofit windows are certainly anacceptable alternative. Properly fit and installed, and properly caulked andsealed into place, they should form a weather-tight seal that will be safe andeffective. Unfortunately, with the ridiculous proliferation ofconstruction-related lawsuits that builders and consumers alike are having topay for, some contractors have begun to shy away from retrofits because of thepotential liability.
If the cost difference between the finned window (includingall the work on the siding and trim) and the retrofit window is not too great,I would suggest going with the finned window. However, if it’s a substantialjump in price or there is a risk of damage to the siding, you should be finewith the retrofit alternative.
If you do go with retrofits, I would ask the contractor fora couple of references, and go check out one or two of their installations foryourself. Make sure you like the way the windows fit and operate, and like theappearance of the installation. After the windows are installed, you’ll need tocheck them once a year to make sure the caulking between the window and thesiding is in good condition, and recaulk the joints as needed.
Q: I just bought ahouse with a gas fireplace. I would love to use it, but I can’t get the thinglit. The previous owners didn’t leave any instructions, and the home inspectorsaid lighting a fireplace doesn’t fall into his scope of inspections, althoughhe did check to see that the fireplace seemed to be in good condition. Myneighbor pointed out a valve I should turn, but I’m wondering if I should justhave a technician come out and look at it? –Wyndye F.
A: You definitelywant to have the fireplace checked and receive proper instructions on its useprior to turning on any valves or attempting to light it. If you and your homeinspector are not suspecting that there are any problems with the fireplace andno problems were disclosed to you at the time you bought the house, I wouldbegin by contacting the gas company (the local utility that you purchase yourgas from) and ask them to come out and light it for you. This should be a freeservice from the utility company. Your other alternative would be to contact alocal fireplace shop or heating contractor – preferably one that’s a dealer forthe brand of stove that you have – and pay them a service call to come out tothe house and get things going for you.
Either way, I once again want to caution you to wait andhave the stove checked and lit by a competent person.
Q: I have a metalroof, and I’m curious to know if they are considered a lightening hazard. Isthere some kind of treatment that’s done on installation to reduce thelikelihood of a strike? –Marsha R.
A: I’m not aware ofany significant increase in lightening danger arising from having a metal roofon a house. I checked with the Metal Construction Association’s TechnicalBulletin 1040, Lightening and Metal Roofing, and I agree with the findings intheir report, which says, in part:
“The probabilities of a strike to a metal roofedstructure are no more or less than any other kind of structure, as theseprobabilities have to do with height and size of the structure and itssurroundings, rather than its construction materials.”
In any area that is prone to lightening, it’s always a goodidea to consider a lightening protection system that will safely conduct thelightening strike to the ground, but that would be true of homes with any typeof roofing.
Remodelingand repair questions? E-mail Paul at paul2887@hughes.net.
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Copyright 2006 Inman News
