How to Install a Window

2 like shooting fish in a barrel ways to pull out one-time windows and put in new woods or vinyl replacement inserts or double-hung sash replacement kits.

Fourth dimension

A full mean solar day

Complication

Intermediate

Toll

$101–250

Introduction

Gear up to replace your drafty old windows with new energy-efficient units? We'll show yous the 2 easiest ways to pull out old windows and put new ones in—and you lot don't have to tear off the interior moldings or disturb exterior trim and siding to practice it.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Caulk
  • Fiberglass insulation
  • Minimal expanding foam
  • Shims

How to Replace Windows: Double-Hung

In this article, we'll show y'all step past footstep how to remove the erstwhile sash from double-hung windows and mount either a new sash kit or a wood or vinyl replacement insert inside your existing window jamb. Even a beginner can do information technology. Read on to learn how to replace windows.

Both the sash replacement kit and the woods or vinyl replacement insert mount inside your existing window jamb, in the place that was occupied by the sometime sash. They both fit in the space between the outside stop, called the blind stop, and the removable interior stop (see Fig. A). The sash replacement kit is designed to supercede the sash in double-hung windows only. Woods or vinyl replacement inserts, on the other mitt, are cocky-contained units with their ain jamb and sash, and can, therefore, be slid into almost any type of window jamb. They are available as double-hung, sliding or casement-way windows.

Either type of replacement window must exist installed in a solid, rot-free jamb. Audit your quondam window frame carefully for signs of water impairment. Pay particular attention to the sill. Probe with a screwdriver to uncover hidden soft spots. Normal exposure to rain and snow oft causes the exposed parts of poorly maintained windowsills or the lower sections of the exterior trim to rot. An experienced carpenter tin can commonly repair these areas with sections of new wood or yous tin utilize an epoxy repair system. Rot along the top or interior parts of windows, including the window jamb, is more difficult to repair and ofttimes signals a bigger problem. Don't mess with repairs when installing windows. Plan on fierce out the entire window and installing a new one.

Projection pace-by-step (25)

Footstep one

Window parts and how to replace a window frame

figure a replace double hung window how to replace a window frame

Effigy A will aid you to understand the parts of a window. Measure very carefully earlier you identify an order, no matter what blazon y'all install. In that location's nothing worse than discovering that your non-returnable, custom-sized window doesn't fit.

If your business firm was built before about 1940, you'll likely accept double-hung windows with sash weights and cords like the ones shown in this article. Newer double-hung windows may have springs or jamb liners instead, but one time these are removed, the replacing windows in old business firm process are the same.

Step two

How to Measure for Replacement Windows

measure for replacement windows

You can replace windows in just a few hours each, simply showtime, you have to go authentic measurements to society the new ones. It'south easy to measure the rough opening width and height once you remove the wood trim. But many DIYers make the error of not getting a precise depth measurement. If the window frame doesn't sit flush with the wall, y'all'll have to plane and sand the window frame or thicken the jamb depth with furring strips. That turns a relatively like shooting fish in a barrel task into an all-day affair. So take your time and apply a ruler to go the right depth.

Measure the width between the side jambs at the acme, middle and bottom and tape the smallest measurement. Mensurate all the style to the jamb, not the blind stop or parting end (encounter Fig. A). Now measure out the height from the height jamb to the sill (encounter Fig. A). Measure out both sides and the middle and tape the smallest measurement. Finally, make up one's mind the sill bending and specify this when you guild a sash replacement kit to make sure the jamb liners fit tight to the sill. This step isn't necessary for ordering forest or vinyl replacement inserts.

Your objective is to purchase a window that fits inside that opening. If you don't, you'll have to make the opening smaller, or worse, enlarge the opening to fit the new window. And that also means reworking all the outside trim, siding and interior wall surfaces. Have all of these numbers with you when you get shopping, and know that you can custom-order odd sizes if no stock sizes fit your opening.

Pace iii

Replacement Inserts or Sash Replacement Kits?

Both the sash replacement kit and the woods or vinyl replacement insert mount inside your existing window jamb, in the place that was occupied by the old sash. They both fit in the infinite between the outside stop, called the blind stop, and the removable interior cease (see Fig. A). The sash replacement kit is designed to supplant the sash in double-hung windows just. Wood or vinyl replacement inserts, on the other hand, are cocky-independent units with their ain jamb and sash, and can, therefore, be slid into almost whatever type of window jamb. They are available every bit double-hung, sliding or casement-style windows.

Stride iv

Replacement Window Insert

Replacement window insert

Choice one: Forest or vinyl replacement inserts

For a maintenance-free window that doesn't crave any painting or staining, consider vinyl replacement windows. Replacement window inserts tilt into the existing frame and are pre-hung in a frame. Some companies fifty-fifty make a simulated wood grain interior. Since woods or vinyl replacement inserts have their own jamb, they tin exist installed in window jambs that are slightly out of square. Ask your window dealer for help measuring, though, since you'll have to downsize the window slightly to fit.

Shopping for replacement windows is a little trickier than buying sash kits because the quality of the windows varies dramatically and many are available only to contractors. Make sure to audit and operate an actual working model of the window earlier y'all social club. Look closely at details similar the locking system, weatherstripping, and sash and frame joints. Then consider the overall appearance. Some windows, like ours, have narrow vinyl sash parts that allow more light and a improve view than windows with broad sash frames.

Footstep 5

Sash Replacement Kit

sash replacement kit

Choice 2: Double-hung sash replacement kits

If yous want to retain the authentic woods expect of your old double-hung windows, sash replacement kits are the best selection. Sash replacement kits have five parts and fit into the existing window. You can order the sashes with grilles to match the remainder of the windows in your business firm and pigment or stain the woods. (You tin choose grilles that either snap-in or are glued to the glass.) But your old window jamb must exist square and rot-gratis. Measure diagonally. If the diagonal measurements differ by more than than 1/ii in., the new sash won't seal properly and yous should replace the window or use a vinyl replacement window instead.

Double-hung sash replacement kits consist of 2 new wood window sashes, two vinyl jamb liners and installation hardware. Features like energy-efficient low-E drinking glass, simulated divided lites and maintenance-free outside cladding are bachelor for an extra toll. Contact the manufacturer for more information nigh options and to find out where to order windows in your area.

Step six

Installing Wood or Vinyl Replacement Inserts

Caution! Houses built earlier 1978 may contain atomic number 82 paint. Earlier disturbing any surface, become a lab assay of paint chips from it. Contact your public health department for information on how to collect samples and where to transport them. Practise-information technology-yourself lead testing kits are too available at home centers and hardware stores.

Step vii

Gently Pry off the Interior Stops

pry off interior stops

Starting time your replacement insert installation by removing the interior terminate, sash and parting stop. Pry against a stiff putty pocketknife to protect the wood. To minimize paint chipping on painted windows, score the joint between the window frame and end with a utility knife before prying off the stop. Pull the nails through the backside of the stop with a nail nipper or pliers.

The departing stop is normally caked with paint and hard to remove. Utilise pliers to break out the lower section. If the upper sash is stuck, pry or break out the upper section of parting finish with a chisel. If your windows have spring balances or metal jamb liners rather than sash weights similar ours, start past removing the interior stops. And then look for the screws or nails that secure the sash hardware and remove them. The goal is to remove all hardware back to the blind stops.

Pace 8

Test the Fit

caulk window replacement replacing windows in old house

Slip the new window insert into place to make certain information technology fits. You don't have to worry nearly dinging up the jamb and sill because they'll be covered. If your window has a sash weight cavity, stuff it with insulation. Then remove the window insert and lay a bead of polyurethane window and door caulk forth the inside of the blind stop and the backside of the window stool.

Step 9

Place the Window

place the window

Rest the bottom of the replacement window on the sill and tilt the window into place against the blind stop. If your window includes a caput expander, position it over the height of the jamb get-go. Press the window tight confronting the caulked blind end.

Step 10

Fasten the Window

fasten the window

Your wood or vinyl replacement insert will exist slightly smaller than the window jamb opening to let for shimming. The key to a window that operates smoothly and seals properly is getting the frame perfectly square and the sides straight. Loosely fasten the window into the frame with partially driven screws in the lower left and upper right corners. Don't be afraid to remove the screws and readjust the window in the opening if necessary.

Step 11

Check for Square

check for square window replacement

Close and lock the sash. Mensurate diagonally beyond the new window. Slide shims backside the screw holes in the four corners and adjust them until the diagonal measurements from opposite corners are equal. Drive screws through the upper left and lower correct screw holes..

Step 12

Plumb the Window

plumb the window

In improver to checking the window past measuring the diagonals, open and close the sashes to make sure the tops and bottoms are parallel with the sill and top jamb and that the elevation and lesser sashes are parallel to each other where they meet in the middle. Hold a level against the side jamb and slide wood shims behind each remaining screw hole until the side jamb of the window is directly. Snug up all of the screws and check to make sure the sashes slide hands and align perfectly where they meet in the center. Be careful; overtightening the screws could warp the vinyl jamb. Cut off the shims with a precipitous utility pocketknife.

Step 13

Reinstall the Trim

reinstall window trim

Replace the interior stops and nail them in place with 4d finish nails.

Footstep 14

Insulate

insulate window replacement

Stuff fiberglass insulation in the gap under the sill of the new vinyl window. Measure the size of the gap and cut the vinyl filler strip to fit. Utilise a sharp utility knife and straightedge or tin can snips to cut the vinyl. Press the filler into identify.

Step 15

Caulk

caulk window insulation

Caulk the joint between the new window and the blind cease and between the windowsill and filler strip using window and door caulk.

Step 16

Installing Double-Hung Sash Kits

The toughest function of sash replacement is fierce out the old window. You have to pry off the stop (carefully for reuse) and the parting cease (which you can discard). You can either blast or spiral the new liner clips in identify. We chose screws because driving nails can exist difficult in quondam window jambs.

Step 17

Make up one's mind the Bottom Angle of the Sash

bottom angle of sash window replacement

Align the border of a heavy piece of paper with the window stop and fold the bottom to match the angle of the sill.

Step 18

Figure B: Find the Sill Angle

find the sill angle

Lay a protractor on the folded newspaper to make up one's mind the angle. Then measure the interior height and width of the window frame. Use these measurements to order your sash replacement kit.

Stride nineteen

Remove the Lower Sash

remove the lower sash diy window inserts replacing windows in old house

Remove the lower sash and cut the sash cords. If your window has weatherstripping or hardware other than sash cords, pry out or unscrew these to remove the sash.

Footstep xx

Remove the Parting Stop

remove parting stop window

Pull or pry the departing stop from the groove in the window frame and discard it. Remove the elevation sash, cut the sash cords and take out the sash weight pulleys. Remove the sash weight comprehend and weights. Stuff the cavity with fiberglass insulation.

Footstep 21

Attach Jamb Liner Clips

attach jamb liner clips

You can either blast or screw the new liner clips in place. We chose screws because driving nails can be difficult in sometime window jambs.  Screw the jamb liner clips to the jamb with No. vi x 3/iv-in. pan head screws. Position clips about iv in. from the peak and lesser and distribute the remaining clips evenly between them. Make certain to leave a one/xvi-in. space between the clips and the blind stop to let space for the jamb liner to slide in.

Step 22

Place Jamb Liners

place jamb liners

Snap jamb liners over the metal clips afterward installing the sash stops and gaskets according to the instructions included with your window. Align the jamb liner so its outside edge fits between the blind stop and the metallic clips. If your jamb liner has a vinyl flap facing the exterior, make sure information technology lays over the blind terminate. Press firmly over each clip location until you lot hear or feel the liner snap onto the clips.

Pace 23

Add Top Parting Stop

add top parting stop

Slip the new parting end into the groove in the top jamb with the weather-stripped edge facing the outside. Drill 1/16-in. pilot holes and smash the end in place with three 4d cease nails. Replace the wood interior stops on the sides and top of the window and nail them in place with 4d finish nails.

Stride 24

Position the Sash Lifts

position sash lifts window

Slide the sash lifts down to within near ten in. of the windowsill. Press downwardly firmly with a apartment-blade screwdriver. Twist the screwdriver slightly from horizontal to slide the lifts. Then twist dorsum to horizontal to engage the lifts in their new locations.

Caution: Release pressure slowly to brand sure the clips are engaged before you remove the screwdriver completely.

Stride 25

Install the Sash

install window sash diy window inserts

Hold the top sash with the exterior facing up and the metallic cams abroad from you. Tilt the sash a little and align the metallic pivots with the slots in the jamb liner closest to the outside. Make sure the pivots are in a higher place the sash lifts. Tilt up the sash and press outward on the jamb liner while you snap the meridian of the sash into place between the jamb liners. Slide the sash downwardly until the metal cams contact the sash lifts. Repeat the process on the lower sash. If you take problem pushing in the sash afterward you tilt it upwards, endeavor working with ane side at a fourth dimension.

How practise you decide whether to repair or replace your old windows? Check out these FAQs near buying new windows.