Working on a house built in 1905. Had the original sheeting over 2x4 studs with masonite lap siding. I am going to remove the siding, go back with 1 1/2 inch foamular rigid insulation and add new windows then side it with cement siding. The question i have is can i run the rigid foam right up to the rough opening of the wondows and then insert the window over it or do i have to just install the window inthe rough opening and then run the rigid insulation up to the edge? Thanks

run the foam up to the window opening, but install the windows with "masonry clips" into the jamb rather than fastening it through the flange. Tape the foam to the jamb, then after installing the window, tape the window to the foam using a long lasting tape such as Siga or 3M 8067.

Bob, will that be a secure install? I was thinking of putting 3/4 rigid on the exterior, and around the windows framing out using 1x4 or 1x4 ripped in half for a "frame" around the window for a wood nailing surface to install the window to. Your idea seems better to get more foam on the outside for the thermal break but I am curious (not being a construction guy) if the window will be secure this way? The masonry clips I am thinking of are basically the flat bars with 8 or 10 holes in them. Is this what you are referring to? Thanks.

We sometimes use Advantech around the windows for fastening, but either method will work. Clips fastened to the studs are a sturdier way of securing the windows than using the flanges, and enable you to put the window in parallel to the interior, something often hard to do when fastening thru the flanges. Some window companies send their own flanges that clip on or screw to their jambs. With wood windows you can screw the flat bars to the jamb.

So do you screw them in vertically, along the window frame, and one half (along the length of the clip) is screwed into the 2x6 the other half screwed into the window the opposite direction, or do you lay them across the window/wall interface at a 90 degree and screw one end into the 2x6 the other into the window? I assume the latter since the screws can be placed more toward the middle of the stud.

lay them across the window/wall interface at a 90 degree and screw one end into the 2x6 the other into the window? I assume the latter since the screws can be placed more toward the middle of the stud.

screw them all into the window, then set the windows into the opening.

Ok now I understand:

http://books.google.com/books?id=W3H8XSA-bJAC&pg=PA91&lpg=PA91&dq=window+%22masonry+clips%22&source=bl&ots=q_gAmaeDoM&sig=YSSC9KPuG6YohPuA8j1dzh2Vyy0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b7phUoLGEOTn2QWk-oHwDA&ved=0CEcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=window%20%22masonry%20clips%22&f=false

This picture explained it all...

Thinking about this more, this would be a nightmare to remove the windows later.mthe drywall would have to be torn out, yes?