Replacing the windows in your home may seem like one of those do it yourself jobs that you’d be better off hiring a professional for, but this is simply not the case. Armed with the right information, you can remove that old window and install a new one yourself, without paying an arm and a leg for a professional.
Where to Begin
Before you start unscrewing things and ripping wood out of the wall, there are some planning steps that must be taken into account.
The first thing you want to do when you replace windows is to figure out what kind of window you want. In terms of style, you can go with wood, PVC, or vinyl, amongst other materials. You’ll need to find out the coloring you want and the window type (a single glass pane, or multiple panes separated by wood trim).
Then you’ll need to find out whether you are going the full frame route, the pocket route, or the tilt sash route. All of these require unique installations and won’t be covered in depth here, but to help you with the basics:
- A full frame replacement means replacing the whole window and frame down to the studs, including the removal of any caulking and mortar sealant. This is the most extensive, but in some cases, when a frame is showing its age, this strategy is the best option. This is also a good option if your frame isn’t the proper fit for the window opening. The full-frame replacement method is usually done from the outside of your home.
- The pocket solution is much simpler, since the millwork doesn’t need to be replaced (the sashes and trim). You can keep the same window treatment, and in fact all you really need to do is remove the old window sash, since the pocket window has a sash already included on it. The pocket simply needs a piece of interior trim and a few screws.
- The tilt sash installation is also simple. You need to remove the old sash and parting stops. You need to install a number of clips and a jamb liner before you install the new sash. This option is excellent if you are looking to install energy efficient windows in your home, but you either want to keep the millwork or you want a less expensive option than replacing your frame all together.
Measuring
The next thing you’ll need to do is order the window, but for that you need the measurements. This can be a daunting task since not everyone knows what to measure and where to measure a window to get a correct measurement. There are a few tricks involved in doing this:
#1: Measure from inside the window jam. That means you measure from the lowest point possible, to the highest point possible. This is facilitated by removing the stops, which you will find on both sides of the window and the top of the window as well.
#2: Take multiple measurements, top to bottom, and side to side. For example, when measuring width, take two measurements: first near the top, and then near the bottom. If there is a discrepancy in the measurements, you will want to use the smallest measurement. This ensures that your window will fit, as there are things you can do (such as caulking and adding insulation) that will fill in the spaces.
A Basic Install
Not all windows are created equal, so look up how-to videos specific to your windows style and size. That said we want to mention a few crucial things that you will need do when taking down the window, and then installing the new window.
Remove the Necessary Parts
- If you are replacing the entire frame, than you’ll need to remove the old frame as well as all of the caulking that was left over. You will also need to thoroughly clean the area and make sure no debris is in the way.
- If you’re installing a pocket or tilt sash, you won’t be removing the frame, just the old sash and screws.
Install the window
- This is a two-person job, so make sure you have someone to help you steady the window and get it in place. Depending on which kind of installation you’re doing, you will need to remove additional screws, and you may also need to remove the sill from the new window, since it will make it lighter and thus easier to hold while being installed.
- With a full frame job, you will need a window and door foam sealant as well as mortar caulking. The foam sealant is applied first, followed by the mortar. You can easily smooth out the mortar later, so don’t worry if it looks messy when you do it. As a tip, make sure you add tape to the sides of the new window so the mortar doesn’t get on it.
You will need some more specifics to get this done right. YouTube is your friend during a Do It Yourself install! And remember, measurements are really critical when you replace windows. You may think you have an exact fit, but it is always better to go a quarter inch to a half inch smaller in both width and length. As we said above, there are ways to make a smaller window fit. The same does not hold true for a larger window.
