Window Replacement Measuring For

[Denny]

Is it better to measure windows from the inside or the outside of the house?
What is your experience with Better Built windows?

[Rich]

I would say inside - from inside of jamb to inside of jamb and then add 2" to get rough-opening size. No experience with Better Built.

[Tom R]

Not familiar with 'Better-Built' either, but what Rich said is correct if your installing 'new construction' type windows. If your installing 'replacement' windows (installed from the inside), you would still measure from inside to inside of your jambs, and submit that as your 'opening' size.

P.S. I spent several years (altogether) in Daytona. Used to maintain a 40 room motel (the 'Cove', it was called, right on A1A) and about 150 apartments around town. That was about 25 years ago, I'm sure it's changed a lot, but what a great place! I did work all around there, Port Orange, Ormond, Flagler, even down New Smyrna way. Still miss driving my car (68 Camaro at the time) right on the beach!

[grumpydasmurf]

Depends. I measure replacements from the inside and I measure "new construction" from the outside.

The measuring techniques are slightly different for a replacement window vs a new construction window.

[Denny]

Thank you, Rich, Grumpy, and Developer for the information. Better Built is a brand purchased through either Lowes or Home Depot, that a local stucco contractor told me about. I live outside DC, so I am trying to accomplish the window replacement from long distance. I was in Florida for three weeks getting work done. And I have a trustworthy contractor who has taken window measurements inside the house. Do you recommend contacting window mfgers. with my measurements, in order to compare prices based on the measurements--I have 15 windows?

Developer: My rental property, that I eventually want to live in, is located between Driftwood and University, on a street that runs behind Atlantic Ave. I too love the area. I have to work a few more years before moving there. You may have been to ASI Building Materials in Ormond. They offer two brands of windows. Have you heard of Stanley or Simonton? I would appreciate any other recommendations regarding my project.

[Tom R]

Denny,

You can call me Tom - - 'Developer' is a tag this site associates with 'motor-mouths' , :lol: like me. Not familiar with ASI but as far as the choice of windows, there are so many out there, it's hard to be able to separate the good from the bad until you 'take a beating', so I would recommend you trust your contractor's choice, he's not going to keep buying a brand that 'defies' performance standards. Quality first, Price second. The money 'saved' will be from doing the job only once.

[doyle]

Better-Built is the "stock" window that's on the shelves at HD and Lowes here in the south. They appear to be a good, quality window. If money is an issue, I wouldn't be afraid to go with that line as they have been selling them for years.

I see the familiar BB (the first B is backwards) logo tag inside many window of houses being built here...however it's usually on your typical tract home.

Aren't there special building codes for windows in your county in FL as far as being able to withstand hurricanes? Perhaps that's only applies to new construction...hmmm

[Tom R]

That's interesting, Doyle, around here the H.D.'s stock a brand called 'American Craftsman'. I do think it was Denny who mentioned in another post they required tempered glass in the Daytona area.

[Denny]

Doyle and Tom R
I would like to direct my contractor regarding which windows to use. I'm looking for windows that, while on the low end of cost, are double pane glass and, most importantly, are sturdy and durable. There is a new requirement in this area, when a permit is pulled, to install a window with tempered glass, or affix shutters, or have plywood cut to fit over the windows. Personally, I like the look of the Bahama shutters.

[doyle]

Yeah, it's wierd how the brands vary from one region to the other. All the GA stores quit carrying Owens-Corning roofing shingles in favor of the GAF brand (wrapped in paper! UGH!!) yet the Mississippi Home Depot's still carry the Owens-Corning brand. Go figure.

[Tom R]

I guess they have enough 'strong-arms/extortionists' to be localized, that's part of the problem with these 'price-dipping' box stores - - you buy a product, then go back two months later to match it, and they've already changed suppliers.

[Tom R]

I would at least narrow it down to the windows the 'local yokels' in Daytona carry - - ordering windows from too far away can be a real nightmare if and when there's a problem. Personally, I require someone who's 'neck' is within my reach!

[Denny]

Thanks again for discussing this topic...I've decided to compare value between the Better-Builts and the Simontons, both offered by the "Locals."

[grumpydasmurf]

I'm not familiar witht he better built. it's obviously been discused in detail but Simonton are the Cadillac of vinyl windows.

[kauphymug]

Most popular window here in FL for builders is the KINCO http://www.kincowindows.com
The "Stormking" for the high impact glass. The BB is an equivalent less cost. As far as measuring, if it is a true "Masonary" you measure from the outside, and select the masonary window, (flange type), if it is frame you measure from the inside (fin type).

The RO (rough opening) for the flange is 1/4",1/8" either side, and the RO for the fin is from 1/2" to 3/4", 1/4" to 3/8" each side, both the BB and KINKO are aluminum. The American Craftsman is a vinyl window here in FL but has the same attributes at a little higher cost.

As far as quality I have had many in the test chambers and there is little or no difference in quality and performance, mostly it is the value added items that make the difference, "tilt out", warranty, service ect.

[kauphymug]

Yikes! OK I typed Masonry 100 times to make up for the misspelling. :mrgreen:

[Rich]

haha.. I was going to say something but decided I better not :)
Welcome to the forum kauphymug

[Tom R]

Maybe it's phrom drinking that strong Kauphy :D Welcome!