Replacing a window - Part 2

Start over with Part 1

So now that we have the opening restructured on the inside, we are ready to cut back the vinyl siding and trim on the outside, and then enlarge the rough opening. Here is where we are currently inside:

So lets go outside and start to remove the trim. Vinyl trim is usually nailed under the siding, and clipped into a retainer along the window, it helped that i pounded the nails out from the inside first. Be gentle when bending the siding, it's flexible, but it will break if you go too far.

so I have saved the house wrap as best I could and removed the trim, then cut back the siding on the left here. The next step is to do the same thing on the right side

Now our structure is done, the siding is removed, the electrical has been moved, everything is ready to cut the new rough opening...grab the sawz all and...

A brand new rough opening for the window, lets test fit it now to see if adjustments are needed.

Test fits OK outside...

 Test fits inside pretty well too

Ok now that we know it fits we can remove it and prep the opening, we need to seal the bottom under the window to prevent water from getting in, I used Grace Ice and Water shield here, it's great stuff. 

I also ran a bead of silicon sealant around the entire window because I'm a little paranoid. Here it is in place, check and double check for level and plumb at this stage then secure it with a few nails. As your nailing around the window replace the strips of hold down clips (no idea what its called) by nailing through them and the window nail fin at the same time. when you get the window secured, I then sealed over the window at the top with more Grace. You can also see a piece of the trim retainer there, since the trim is also nailed to the sheathing, it's not 100% necessary that the retainers run the full length of the windows.

At this point you will have to slide the trim in behind the siding, clip it into the retainers then nail it down by holding back the siding and reaching underneath to nail it. This will be probably the worst part of this job, this siding system is not meant to be altered in place like this, it goes on great from the bottom up in new construction, but getting it all to clip back together will take a lot of pushing, pulling, banging and swearing. But it can be done, here is my window nearly complete.

And then the inside all buttoned up, insulation replaced and all potential air gaps sealed with minimally expanding foam to avoid potentially warping the jams. I also run a bead of silicon around the window inside, see previous comment on paranoia.

All done!