Replies

1. 
   djpp | Apr 03, 2002 04:08am | #1

   Hi Tom ,      I do architectural millwork and remodeling for a living and recently had a job very similar to what you are taking on. My suggestion, since you are placing this material against a masonry wall, would be to use redwood or pressure treated lumber. PT is going to be much more difficult to paint.

      Installing the jambs can get tricky. If your sashes are small enough I would build a rough buck out of the PT or the redwood(depending on local code) install that and then build the window jamb out of what ever you want.

    When  I removed the windows  I discovered the original carpenter had removed a brick every few courses on the inner courses replacing them with a block of wood. I took those out and epoxied a new block of PT to have solid fastening for the buck/Jamb

    Using the rough buck also allows you to use a wider casing

                                     have fun, Dave

1. 
   IronDog | Apr 03, 2002 04:28am | #2

   Thanks Dave,

   I like the rough buck out of PT idea but when you say, "then build the window jamb out of what ever you want."

   What materials do you think are best?

   The old standby's or some newer material?

   Regards, Tom

1. 
   djpp | Apr 03, 2002 06:03am | #3

   The old standbys like pine would work fine,but i would lean towards a material that would weather better like redwood or cedar (i believe cedar is much cheaper right now). they both paint fairly well with a primer base (redwood knots blead so kilz is a good choice) and they would also look handsome on the interior with a clear coat.

   As far as a new material, I would stay away from MDF because when it is exposed to water it swells. I made the mistake of using MDF for fascia when I built my shop. After meticusly filling and sanding nail holes I was sick when after a few weeks every hole was visible from the street. MDO would hold up to the elements but you would have problems when you went to cut rabbets or dados for the appropriate stops to hold your sash and balance.

   You can by vynil jambs that are specifically for remodels. I believe they come with two jamb legs and sashes, but if you go to that expense you might as well buy a whole new window. Which does'nt make sense if you already have viable sashes.

   I hope this helps,

                                          Dave