subject: Window Replacement: Easier Than You'd Think [print this page] Window Replacement: Easier Than You'd Think
DIY your new window frames and save a ton of money. Replacing windows is the most feared project amongst British DIYers. In fact, it's really not that hard a project. When you've decided it's time to replace your windows, simply hire a scaffold tower to ensure you're safe throughout the project.This comes from the top: the government recommends using a scaffold tower when you're working at height, and construction industry standards echo the government. There is no reason for a do-it-yourselfer to be at greater risk than those who work in construction day-in-day-out?Scaffold towers are easy and quick to put together with a range of safety features that make working at height secure and comfortable. Accessing windows two stories up, you'll need a 5.2 metre scaffold tower.To accept the oodles of advice online that suggests you can only replace a window from the floor inside and with a ladder to do the work outside is somewhat daft. Of course, much of the work can be finished successfully from inside, but the outside also needs attention.Initially think about what you want to do with the old window when you've finished with it - you want to take it outside to dump or recycle, right? So why would go to the effort of dragging it into your home only to drag it through several rooms to get it back outside again? Does balancing on a ladder, carrying a large window frame sound like something you really want to do? Like a disaster waiting to happen.Consider what you're dealing with here - glass at height. First, you need to draft help to be certain the job is finished safely. Regardless of what window you're taking out, a scaffold tower makes removing then lowering the redundant window simple, and safe.Removing the Old WindowRemove the glass if it's a UPVC window, and take out the stops. The blind stop needs to be flush with the brick or the sash track will catch on the wood as you try to take it out.Raise the lower paart of the window and take out the top - it's often painted in, so it could need a bit of encouragement. The bit at the top of the window, the parting bead, should be removed.Work your way around the window, starting from the bottom right, and remove the sash stops, then take out any further nails or screws holding the window in place.With this done the window is ready to come out, so give it a good pull and pass it carefully down from the scaffold tower platform. Neaten the window jamb so it's ready to accept the new window. Putty any small holes and sand down very rough patches.Putting the New Window InNow, glass is heavy, so, instead of trying to haul the whole window into place, remove the sash from its frame. Lift the frame to the window hole and tilt it into place. Use a spirit level and shims to level the window, making sure the sides are plumb to the wall.With the frame in place, before you start fixing it in, put the glass sashes back into the frame. The sash frames will help the window to settle into its seat. Check the bottom of the window is completely level, then loosely nail or screw (depending on your window) the side jambs in. Jig the header until it closes the gaps between the new window and the frame.Pack around the window with fibreglass insulation or low expansion foam.Now, hop off your scaffold tower and pop inside. Before you over-tighten the screws or nails, lift and lower the sashes to check they slide smoothly; if they're too tight adjust the screws; if they're still too tight experiment with narrower shims. If the sashes move freely, then it's time to neaten the shims with a saw.Caulk around the inside of your new window and return the stops with finishing screws.Finishing OffIt's time to get back up your scaffold tower again to caulk around the outside and finish the window. Foam packing pressed into the space between the window and the frame will keep the window water- and draft tight. With all the gaps filled, the final touch is a layer of silicone caulk around the window smoothed with your finger or caulking tool.Finito!Don't forget this advice is generic, designed to help you decide whether it's a job you feel you can do. When you're fitting your new window be sure to follow the guidelines to the letter.So, now you know what you could be doing on your next DIY project, you just need to decide which kind of window you're going to get, and get your scaffold tower reserved.
