subject: Installing Replacement Windows [print this page] Installing Replacement Windows Installing Replacement Windows
Fancy replacing your own windows? Here is a guide on how to install replacement windows. Apart from the replacement windows, the equipments you will need to aid you in the installation are a reciprocating saw, chisel, utility knife, level, caulking gun and caulk, shims, pry bar, hammer, set of nails and finishing nails of 1 inches, and a tape measure. You will also need some drop cloth.
The first thing you will need to do is to decide on the style and type of material to use for your new windows. The materials that replacement windows are made out of are usually vinyl, wood or composite, and they can come in various styles, like single hung, double hung, or even casement.
Next, you will need to measure the height and width of the windows you wish to replace. The width measured should be from jamb to jamb, which are the two vertical sides of the frame. Measure the top, middle, and bottom as the size may slightly vary if the existing window was not properly built. Then, measure their height from the sill, which is the bottom part of the frame, up to the top of the frame. Do this for the left, middle and right side. The measurements that you will want to use when finding a replacement window would be the smallest one, deducted by a inch. You may now order the replacement windows using these measurements.
In the meantime, make sure that the windowsills are solid, and are not rotting. You may remove the inside stops of the window which can later be used for the replacements. Then, remove the window sashes by cutting through the nails that keeps them in place, and clean the window frame. Old caulks and nails should be removed, and you are ready to install the replacement windows.
How to install replacement windows is not too difficult. First make sure that the replacement window does fit into the opening by fitting it in. If it fits, then you may remove it and begin the installation process. Have the inside edge of the outside window stops and along the windowsills caulked. Then, place the replacement window into the frame. To ensure that it is placed nicely, use a level and then measure the edges diagonally to make sure they are the same length to see that it is square. Use shims to keep the window in place. Then reinstall the earlier inside stops with the 1 inch finishing nails, and then put in the nails. Caulk the area where the stops meet with the frame.
Do also check the outside part of the window to make sure that the slope of the window should match the sill's slope, otherwise there should be an insert that can be used to cover the gap. If none is available, use a piece of wood to cover that gap. Complete the installation by caulking the seams in which the insert go against the frame.
