I am not an expert, I can only speak from my experience replacing my Pella windows. I had to do full tear-out and replacement, including the frames. My frames were rotted because the Pellas were poor quality. There was a class-action lawsuit on this topic. You better be sure your frames are still OK if you are leaving the original ones there.

Frankly, I would bite the bullet and hire a professional. One who has good ratings on Angies List. Just from your questions, this doesn't seem to be a project you should be undertaking. ("am not sure how to proceed. I’m not even quite sure how I need to measure for these windows" - yikes!). This project is big, it's complicated, it's not easy. If you don't do it 100% correctly, you will have to call in a professional anyway to fix what you've done.

Simple solution. Instead of trying to save money and do it yourself ( you never really save any money ) hire a true window pro and do it correctly. In my experience, most DIYers who claim to have some sort of construction background or claim to be " handy" , never seem to install windows correctly and also have an uncanny ability in choosing very poor performing products.

The fact that you are not even sure how to measure tells me you have no idea what you are doing.

To both replies above.

Your type of inputs are why many people avoid forums. You make assumptions about the people posting and you know nothing about their skills or back ground.

For the record. I built my house myself 30 years ago. I worked for a contractor at the time so yes I knew what I was doing. I installed ceramic tile (when almost nobody did ceramic) and taught myself how to do it. 30 years later no cracked grout, no loose tile and perfectly straight lines.

I also installed the windows. Just because I'm asking for input and ideas for how to do something I've never seen before doesn't make me incompetent. It only means I'm looking for ideas. Can I figure it out myself? Sure, why not ask for input from someone who has maybe seen these windows and has figured out what to do. Like I stated in my post: I've done many window replacements just never ones this new with vinyl jamb liners and aluminum cladding.

friedajune. Maybe I don't have the money to "bite the bullet" Then you laugh at my question about where to measure. Bet that makes you look real intelligent doesn't. Isn't that what forums are for to get ideas from others?

krypton : I'm going to make an assumption about you just as you did me. You must be a contractor who gets all worked up when anyone wants to do their own improvements. Your comments about DIY's sound like a whinny contractor who's pissed off because they aren't getting the job because a DIY . I know some people don't always do the best job but many are very skilled and do a BETTER job because they take the extra time and take pride in their own home. Something many contactors DON'T do.

My one suggestion to you both. If you don't have any constructive input for a person posting DON'T POST a reply. If you would read my post again, I DIDN'T ask if I should do this myself, I ask for any ideas or input on how to do the job. Neither of you came anywhere close to helping. PLEASE do everyone a favor in the future. If you can't help don't comment!

I am only replying in order to give my opinion based on experience. Not to defend the other two posters but you do come across as someone who might not be equipped to install a window properly. The pictures you posted depict a very simplistic install and simple measure so for you to ask for opinions, which is fine by the way, certainly does raise suspicion regarding your true level of experience.

as contractors, we see this kind of stuff all the time with homeowners who believe they can tackle all sorts of home improvement projects but when we view the end results in person, we mostly see shoddy work at best.

further, the products they choose are typically very low quality since most "do it your selfers " are just looking for cheap alternatives to quality.

i agree with the two others, hire a professional contractor who specializes in windows. I also have some real concerns with you injuring yourself.

by the way, your comment to krypton regarding contractors getting mad about losing business to do it your self home owners is false. We get more jobs from home owners that need to have us come in and fix their mistakes than you can imagine. I can make a good living rescuing weekend warrior mistakes.

i have no problem with a "do it your selfer" taking on some painting, basic land scaping, or hanging lighting. Its the higher skill level projects such as proper window installations that tend to get folks into lots of trouble.

Brianr - I am sorry you took my comments the wrong way. I sincerely, truly, meant them to be helpful. It is concerning that you are using the same window frames, not only because of their 30-year age, but because Pellas of that vintage had severe issues with rotting frames, resulting in several class-action lawsuits. I was just asking you to make sure about your frames.

I never laughed at your question. I do not see where I laughed at your question. Perhaps your reaction because I said "yikes". I wondered if I used the word improperly, so I looked it up. Mirriam-Webster dictionary says yikes is used to express a feeling of fear or surprise, which is exactly how I meant it. I was only responding to what you wrote. Your questions on such a serious job are alarming.

Many DIYers install their own ceramic tile, even if they've never done any DIY project before. Windows installation is not comparable to that project, due to the difficulty and expertise needed, and the amount of money invested. Your questions raised flags, and I was only trying to help you avoid a big expenditure that, as others have pointed out, will likely have to be re-done. I am sorry you took so badly the honest responses trying to save you trouble down the road.

Regarding having the money, I am the last person to give flippant advice about paying for windows installation. I had to replace 8 Pella windows and a Pella sliding glass door. I could not afford it, no way. I had to do it in stages. I saved for a year just for the sliding glass door, to do first because it was the worst one. Then I saved for another year, and did 5 more windows. Then I saved for 9 months, and did 3 more windows.

Since you sound like a very good son to do those windows for your mother, why don't you read your post out loud to her, and see how she would feel if you spoke to her that way. I was trying to help you, and your response was undeserved.

Due to brians questions regarding what seems to be an overly simplistic installation, my main concern is with Brian injuring himself trying to install a window.

Hey Master, great reply once again you support what I said. Criticize but don't help. Your words...."The pictures you posted depict a very simplistic install" and "questions regarding what seems to be an overly simplistic installation" It's so simple but you can't offer any help, great response. I find it hilarious that you say it's soooooooo simple and yet you can't offer any insight as to how to do it? Oh, I forgot you're afraid I might hurt myself. Once again you know nothing about me. That's the thing, if you do it all the time and see something a lot ...of course it's simple.I cut meat for a living and I get asked a lot of "simple" questions by people wanting to save a little and cut up a larger primal cut. Instead of degrading them I HELP them and explain what they need to do. The fact that they ask doesn't mean they can't do it it's just a case of they haven't tried and it's not second nature to them.

Oh and by the way thanks for your great concern that I might hurt myself installing a replacement window, it's soooooo dangerous. Coming from a "PRO" rated poster I'm honored that you care so much.How arrogant can you get.

Thanks for your GREAT input. Have a nice day.

Brian

you said you are a meat cutter? We just dont want you to get in above your head and risk hurting yourself or anyone around you. Please, hire a window pro.

Brianr - if you'd said in your second post that you were looking for more help, and added more info, you would have gotten it. There are thousands of posts on this forum where people took the time to give free expert advice. Instead, you are so angry and threw a childish tantrum, imagining insult where there was none--had you been on the receiving end of it, you wouldn't have helped that person either.

It's actually a blessing that Brianr will not be hiring a contractor for his windows installation. Can you imagine how he'd make some poor contractor's life miserable.

Now that everyone seems to have caught their breath, let's get down to helping you.

Friedajune brought up a good point. If you have excessive rot in the Pella frames (not the sash), you are looking at complete tear outs not just replacement windows. Assuming you don't, the only thing about your pictures that puzzle me is the sill but that doesn't seem to be a big hurdle.

Here is how I would proceed:

1) Choose the vinyl window that you want to use. You don't need exact measurements to get pricing. Measure the width (where you see the exposed wood) and the height to the inside or short point.

2) Once you choose the company and supplier, see if you can borrow a corner sample of the window (a side jamb and sloped sill). This will enable you to better understand how the new frames with sit in your opening as well as the measurements needed. The industry uses two very different dimensions and this is how things get screwed up.

• Frame size - this is what your window will be. Sometimes called "make size". Determine if the company you are using determines the height from the inside or short point on the height or the long point.
• Opening size - this will be the jamb to jamb and head to sill measurements. Deductions are then taken to get to frame size.

3) If you have the time, I would probably start with one small window (bathroom). Measure, order and install that one and if it goes smoothly you have a template for the rest. Better to be safe than sorry. We don't want to discourage DIY and there is room for both of us here.

4) One last point. You want what is called Block Frame Replacement Windows. Normally a good sales person will ask the right questions as what you replacing but not always. I have seen block frame ordered when they should have been zee bar or retrofit and vice versa.

Good luck and let us know how your project proceeds!

Yes, good luck.