Installing Replacement Windows

Replacement windows can be expensive enough without having to add in the extra cost of having a contractor come to your home and install them.  Contractors can charge a hundred or more an hour in addition to the several hundred per window that you already spent.  But with a half a day’s work, you can install  replacement windows on your own.  Not only will you save the expense, you will have the pride of knowing that you can make all improvements and renovations to your home for many years to come.

This how-to will assume that you have already measured your window and ordered the windows with these measurements.  First, you should examine the windowsill to make sure there is not wood rot.  There is no point in installing new windows into a rotten frame that needs replacing itself.  Now that you are sure the windowsill is solid, carefully remove all inside stops of the existing windows.  Be sure not to damage them or throw them out since you can use them again with the new windows.  Now remove the window sashes themselves, cutting through any nails that are holding them in place.  Remove and old caulk and clean the frame up as much as you can.  You need to either pull out any existing nails or completely drive them in.

Now you need to make sure the new window actually fits the frame opening.  Put it in place to ensure a proper fit and then remove it again.  At this point you should run the caulk along the inside edge of the remaining outside window stops.  Also run a bead of caulk along the windowsill.  Place the window back into place and ensure that it is level and square.  Use a level to make sure it is sitting plumb with the frame and measure diagonally from corner to corner each way to make sure it is sitting squarely.  Shim the window as necessary to hold it in place.  Now is the time to reinstall the inside stops, using new finishing nails, and caulk them where they meet the frame of the window.

Also be sure to check the outside of the new windows.  The window should either come with a naturally sloped frame or have an insert that you can use to cover any gap.  If neither of these things is the case, simply cover the gap with a piece of wood and caulk the seams where the insert meets the frame.  With just these few simple and straightforward steps you can save yourself a lot of hassle with hiring a contractor to install the replacement windows for you.  No expertise is needed, just some time and perhaps an extra pair of hands to help with placing the windows.