Run a reciprocating saw along the J channel to cut off the nailer on the aluminum windows.
Done it/don't like it,but I've done it.

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS Get a flush fin window or remove the siding.

 

Measure the opening for a flush fin window. Remove the glass and use your extractor to remove the frame. Remove the j chanel. Install a flush fin vinyl framed window .

OR measure the outside aluminum frame and cut the opening out for a full size vinyl window. Do not remove the j chanel.

 

I find that the easy way is the right way by removing the siding. Especially if if it's vinyl siding.

Any other way becomes to much of a hassle and in most cases is wrong.

 

I find that the easy way is the right way by removing the siding. Especially if if it's vinyl siding.

Any other way becomes to much of a hassle and in most cases is wrong.

If you knew how to remove and replace an aluminum window properly you wouldn't think your above thought. It takes us 15 - 20 minutes to remove and replace most any aluminum window in any house. There are a few methods to do this. The use of an extractor or the use of a saw are the way most companies do this. Get a LBM catalog and buy an extractor.

 

I agree. dom't want any service calls

 

figure in the labor to your cost of installing the windows , worth the results, take siding down , how many windows ? i would use a replacement style ,not new construction and insulate and cap exterior ,

 

I flush fin would not require wrapping It just back caulks to the aluminum frame. I think more wholesalers need to start pushing AAMA certification to their contractors. we so many installs where we are just left saying "why on earth would someone do it like this?"

 

i would remove all aluminum framing and make window to fit framing if it was my job , im sure the aluminum at a scap yard would help offset the cost , to save money as he stated then the other way .but removing all aluminum def preferred. do it the right way first ! you wont have a problem

 

LOL flush fin IS the right way, its AAMA approved, go out to California, thats gennerally the ONLY type of replacement window you will find as almost everyone has aluminum windows set in stucco where you cant just remove the siding

 

I've never used flush fin replacement windows but did a little reading up on them. how have you trimmed out the inside of the flushfin window?

 

Replacing Aluminum Windows

Learn the different options when replacing aluminum windows with vinyl windows.
When discussing the proper frame style for replacing the wood sash windows, I explained the difference between new construction frames versus replacement frames. When replacing aluminum windows, there is another option we have to consider regarding frame style. It's called a "retrofit" frame. Let's go over each frame type. First, we have the new construction frame with the nailing fin. If you choose to go this route, you have to remove the exterior around each window opening, pull out the nails holding the aluminum window to the studs, nail in the new vinyl window, apply flashing, caulk, and re-install the exterior around each window.(I get tired just talking about it!)In addition to being a whole lot of labor, you can run into major problems trying to install the exterior product around each window opening. If your home has stucco, you have to try and match the rest of the stucco. It can be done, but not by you. Even most professional stucco guys can't get a perfect match. What if you have wood siding? Well, you can cut away 2" of the siding around each window to get to the nail fin, then you can apply 1 X 2 or 1 X 3 trim around each window. Certainly not as much work as the stucco home, but probably more work than the average homeowner cares to tackle. What if each window is surrounded by brick? Let's not even go there! You would have to remove the bricks, then re-install them all when finished.

Trust me, you don't want to replace your old aluminum windows with new construction vinyl windows. You want to use either the replacement frame like the one used to replace the wood sash windows, or something called a retrofit frame , that is popular in the west where stucco is a common exterior. Since the procedure for measuring is the same regardless of the frame style chosen, this article will discuss the proper measuring procedure, and future articles will explain the difference in the installation process for replacement versus retrofit.

If you look at the portion of the aluminum frame that goes around the window opening into your surrounding walls, you will see three separate "legs" that form two pockets. The outside leg and the center leg form the first pocket. Your screen and stationary panel will be in this pocket. The center leg and inside leg form the second pocket, and your sliding panel is in that pocket. Find the "leg" that is the widest on all four sides. When measuring the width, run your tape measure from the widest leg on the left to the widest leg on the right. This should be the narrowest measurement. Then, subtract 3/8" from that measurement. This is the width of the replacement window. Measure the height the same way. When measuring the height, measure as close to the center of the window as possible. This is especially important on windows wider than six feet, because the top wood header has a tendency to sag over time, making the center of the opening the narrowest. You don't need to deduct 3/8" from the height like you did on the width. 1/4" is fine. These are the dimensions you use when ordering your vinyl window. If you have any picture windows(windows without a vent panel), there will only be two legs and one pocket. You still measure the same way.

Next week, I will discuss whether your home is a candidate for retrofit frames or replacement frames. John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

By John Rocco
Published: 12/17/2006

 

Im confused now, You told me that using a "flush fin" window would not be the proper way to replace an aluminum window, then you go and post an article by a well regarded expert, who i happen to know, AND who happens to be from California as I said, AND he recommends using a retrofit frame, which is the same as a flush fin..... Make up your mind buddy!

 

Trust me, you don't want to replace your old aluminum windows with new construction vinyl windows. You want to use either the replacement frame like the one used to replace the wood sash windows, or something called a retrofit frame , that is popular in the west where stucco is a common exterior. Since the procedure for measuring is the same regardless of the frame style chosen, this article will discuss the proper measuring procedure, and future articles will explain the difference in the installation process for replacement versus retrofit.


this is more of what i was quoting , regardless i would remove frame and use replacement style window s as stated before

 

Trust me, you don't want to replace your old aluminum windows with new construction vinyl windows. You want to use either the replacement frame like the one used to replace the wood sash windows, or something called a retrofit frame , that is popular in the west where stucco is a common exterior. Since the procedure for measuring is the same regardless of the frame style chosen, this article will discuss the proper measuring procedure, and future articles will explain the difference in the installation process for replacement versus retrofit.


this is more of what i was quoting , regardless i would remove frame and use replacement style window s as stated before.

I have been saying over and over again to use a "flush fin window" which is the same as a "retrofit window" neither or which look the same, or install the same as a new construction window OR a replacement window

I am not a remodeler/carpenter, I sell and install hundreds of windows every year. a Flush fin window, which is the same as a retro fit window has a smooth vinyl fin flush with the outside face of the window, which covers over the old aluminum frame, making for a fast, easy, clean, water tight install.

25 year old vinyl siding and J channels are not something that you want to be removing and reinstalling.

 

boy this is too funny-Ggrant is everywhere...and he blames his wife for typing errors. That's ok, the flashing on a door was messed up, water leaked down the basement wall onto the electrical panel and burned the house down...but my wife messed up the flashing :w00t:

Back to my original question in this post, believe it or not, my suppliers don't have a window for replacement in aluminum frames. I even spoke to the regional Simonton rep who was strolling through and he thought it might be an option but wasn't sure at that! I ended up quoting out a new construction window with built in 'J'-a nice little touch would make the dated siding job look nice.

Interesting tidbit, the Simonton rep said they will be having a new construction window out (either all ready or coming out soon) that has built in 3.5" lineals as an option for about $50 more-sounds like a bargin compared to messing w/ the 20' lineals. Anyone sold/used these windows yet?

 

Back to my original question in this post, believe it or not, my suppliers don't have a window for replacement in aluminum frames. I even spoke to the regional Simonton rep who was strolling through and he thought it might be an option but wasn't sure at that! I ended up quoting out a new construction window with built in 'J'-a nice little touch would make the dated siding job look nice.

Usually with a flush fin you would measure the inside window opening minus 1/4 inch on the net width and height. You would also remove the aluminum frame before installing the new window. The new window will slide into the opening and the flush fin will cover the edges of the siding. Most all major window manufacturers make a flush fin.

On window frames that can not be extracted such as some steel framed windows a flush fin usually works the same way as above except you take a net measurement off the inside of the steel window frame and qt round trim the inside opening.