Replacing old window with sheetrock

[vampiro.atomico]

Last year, we got new siding on the house. I had 2 windows on the side that we deemed unnecessary, so we had them put up plywood, and the siding went on top of it. Now we want to remove the windows from the inside and replace the window with sheetrock. These are old double hung windows.

I understand the window has to be removed, but what will the sheetrock screw onto? Bear in mind, I'm totally new at this.

I know I have to take a prybar to the sill and moldings and remove the windows itself, but I don't know how to go about the sheetrock process.

Thanks.

[rick m]

I'd remove the windows and all associated framing. Then install some

2x4s (or whatever size they are) to the existing studs. Once you have the window off you'll see what I mean.

[aemeijers]

You shoulda removed the windows from the OUTSIDE, and framed the cavities in then. If they didn't at least pull the outside trim off, how did they keep the siding from bulging? Problem is, the windows are usually nailed/screwed to the house from the outside. Sometimes that is ALL that is holding them on. At this point, about all you can do is start removing the sashes and other parts from the inside until you can cut the frame out in sections. You have to get back to the rough opening to frame in a patch, insulate, and rock over. You don't need to remove the header or anything- just make up a

2x4 frame with studs in the right places, slip it in, in place of the window, and nail it in. This frame, and the edge of the old rough opening around it, is what the sheetrock will attach to This also makes it cheaply reversible, in case next owner wants to put a new window back in. Read any DIY book or web site for the sheetrock procedures- basically cut a peice to fit the hole, screw it in place, scrape away any high spots on the seams, and tape and mud till smooth. The sheetrock will be the easy part.

It doesn't say much about your siding company that they went along with this. A competent estimator or foreman would have explained the correct way to go about it.

aem sends....

[Eigenvector]

There should be studs that frame the window all around it. Once you remove the sill plates you'll see them.

[Larry Caldwell]

While you were blanking windows off, did you evaluate the floor plan for minimum standards of light and ventilation, and emergency egress requirements?

You might want to have a chat with your local building official before you go any farther.

[vampiro.atomico]

Thanks for the suggestions, the area is a front porch with 2 side windows (now sided over) and on large window facing the street. The 2 side windows really had no purpose, except to stare into my neighbor's window!