In our past articles I talked about all the steps required to properly replace your old wood sash windows with energy efficient vinyl windows. I told you how to measure for the new windows. Then we discussed the removal of the wood sashes and parting bead. Finally, I told you how to install, seal, and trim the vinyl replacement windows. But, what if those old windows in your home are made of aluminum instead of wood? Is the process the same? No, it’s not the same at all. So, the next few articles are going to explain the differences between replacing wood windows versus aluminum 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 aluminium 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.

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 30, 2008 – As well as being FENSA registered Essex Trade Windows are also members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, giving you peace of mind that you are dealing with a reputable vetted organisation.

Weather you are looking for trade/DIY supply only or full installation Essex Trade Windows is the place for all your u-PVC, PVC, PVCU, Aluminium windows and doors.

At Essex Trade Windows we use only the best materials to manufacturer your windows and doors. All the frames are made from Profile 22’s 70mm fully sculptured suite and are all internally glazed, fully welded and reinforced to meet current British standards.

As well as brilliant white you can also choose from rosewood and antique oak internal and external finishes. All the frames are guaranteed for 10 years against warping a discoloration.

All windows are fitted with high secutity MACO R.A.I.L pincer locks and high quality Hoppe slimline handles which are avalible in white, gold, polished gold and chrome.

Hardware options include fire escape hinges, child restrictors and trickle vents. All hardware is guaranteed for 10 years against mechanical failure.

All doors are made in profile 22’s 70mm fully sculptured suite, matching our windows seamlessly and are available as single, French, sliding patio and bi-fold doors.

All doors are fitted with Safeware 7 point hook bolt locking systems which are PAS023/024 rated for your peace of mind. French doors also have shootbolts and fully locking slave doors as standard. All the doors are fitted with slimline 3 way adjustable hinges and Hoppe handles which are available in white, gold, polished gold and chrome.

As well as PVCU doors we also offer a range of high specification composite GRP doors, all of which have multipoint looking and are available in blue, red, green, white, black, antique oak and rosewood external finishes.

Essex trade windows Ltd. Trade manufacturers and FENSA installers of high quality PVCU windows, doors and conservatories. From our premises in Basildon, Essex, we can supply all your products at the best price. Every time.

If you are looking for good window coverings for your home then aluminum blinds may be your answer. They are great for blocking out the sun in your home. They look attractive at your windows and come in many colors and sizes to choose from. They are affordable window treatments that can be bought at department stores, home and garden centers, specialty shops, malls and other large retailers that deal in window treatments. You can also find aluminum blinds for sale online from many websites. By going online, you will have the greatest selection of aluminum blinds to choose from.

Aluminum blinds are popular because they offer many good options in a window treatment. They prevent the sun from entering your home. They can give you the privacy you desire in your home. They can be opened or closed to give you as much or as little light as you want in your rooms. They can help to keep out cold air in the winter from getting into your home.

They look great and can dress up the windows in your home. They are an affordable price for window treatments. The installation is an easy process and they are easy to keep clean and to maintain. They come with everything that you need to install them with very few tools required. They can be cut to a specific size to fit your aluminium windows perfectly.

Depending on your windows length you may need to have the aluminum blinds cut at the store where you purchase them. Sometimes you can call ahead and special order your blinds. This way you can be certain they are the right size for your windows.

You will be able to find an assortment of colors in aluminum blinds to match with the décor in each of your rooms. Most people go with the neutral colors like tan, off white, white, brown and beige to make sure that they match with everything in the room.

Aluminum blinds can easily become your favorite window treatments with all the benefits that go along with them. They are an affordable window treatment that can be used alone or with another window treatment like curtains. They are easy to adjust when you need just the right amount of light to shine through. They can also darken your room so that you can get the rest that you need. Aluminum blinds are the perfect window treatment for your home.

Further increase your knowledge about all kinds of window blinds, including vinyl blinds and outdoor blinds

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