How to Install a Window

Two piece of cake means to pull out old windows and put in new wood or vinyl replacement inserts or double-hung sash replacement kits.

Time

A full day

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

Ready to supersede your drafty old windows with new energy-efficient units? We'll show you the two easiest ways to pull out old windows and put new ones in—and you don't have to tear off the interior moldings or disturb exterior trim and siding to exercise 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 stride by step how to remove the former 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 it. Read on to larn 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 old sash. They both fit in the space between the outside cease, chosen the bullheaded stop, and the removable interior stop (see Fig. A). The sash replacement kit is designed to replace the sash in double-hung windows only. Wood or vinyl replacement inserts, on the other mitt, are self-contained units with their ain jamb and sash, and can, therefore, be slid into near any type of window jamb. They are available equally double-hung, sliding or casement-style windows.

Either type of replacement window must exist installed in a solid, rot-free jamb. Inspect your former window frame carefully for signs of water harm. Pay detail attending to the sill. Probe with a screwdriver to uncover hidden soft spots. Normal exposure to rain and snow ofttimes causes the exposed parts of poorly maintained windowsills or the lower sections of the outside trim to rot. An experienced carpenter can ordinarily repair these areas with sections of new wood or you can use an epoxy repair organization. Rot along the top or interior parts of windows, including the window jamb, is more difficult to repair and frequently signals a bigger problem. Don't mess with repairs when installing windows. Plan on tearing out the entire window and installing a new 1.

Project pace-by-footstep (25)

Step one

Window parts and how to supersede a window frame

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

Figure A will aid you to empathize the parts of a window. Measure very carefully earlier you lot place an gild, no matter what type you install. At that place's zero worse than discovering that your non-returnable, custom-sized window doesn't fit.

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

Stride ii

How to Mensurate for Replacement Windows

measure for replacement windows

You tin can supervene upon windows in just a few hours each, but first, you accept to get accurate measurements to society the new ones. It's like shooting fish in a barrel to measure the crude opening width and height once you lot remove the wood trim. But many DIYers make the mistake of non getting a precise depth measurement. If the window frame doesn't sit affluent with the wall, you'll have to airplane 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-24-hour interval thing. And then take your time and use a ruler to get the correct depth.

Mensurate the width between the side jambs at the acme, middle and lesser and record the smallest measurement. Measure all the fashion to the jamb, not the blind stop or parting terminate (see Fig. A). Now mensurate the pinnacle from the elevation jamb to the sill (run into Fig. A). Measure both sides and the middle and record the smallest measurement. Finally, determine the sill angle and specify this when you social club a sash replacement kit to make sure the jamb liners fit tight to the sill. This stride isn't necessary for ordering forest or vinyl replacement inserts.

Your objective is to buy a window that fits inside that opening. If yous don't, yous'll accept 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. Take all of these numbers with you when y'all become shopping, and know that y'all can custom-guild odd sizes if no stock sizes fit your opening.

Step 3

Replacement Inserts or Sash Replacement Kits?

Both the sash replacement kit and the wood or vinyl replacement insert mountain inside your existing window jamb, in the place that was occupied by the onetime sash. They both fit in the infinite between the exterior terminate, called the blind stop, and the removable interior stop (see Fig. A). The sash replacement kit is designed to replace the sash in double-hung windows merely. Wood or vinyl replacement inserts, on the other hand, are cocky-contained units with their own jamb and sash, and can, therefore, exist slid into virtually any type of window jamb. They are bachelor as double-hung, sliding or casement-fashion windows.

Step four

Replacement Window Insert

Replacement window insert

Selection ane: Wood or vinyl replacement inserts

For a maintenance-complimentary window that doesn't require 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 can be 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 bachelor only to contractors. Make sure to audit and operate an bodily working model of the window before you order. Expect closely at details like the locking arrangement, weatherstripping, and sash and frame joints. Then consider the overall appearance. Some windows, like ours, have narrow vinyl sash parts that permit more than light and a better view than windows with wide sash frames.

Step 5

Sash Replacement Kit

sash replacement kit

Selection two: Double-hung sash replacement kits

If you lot want to retain the authentic wood expect of your former double-hung windows, sash replacement kits are the all-time pick. Sash replacement kits have 5 parts and fit into the existing window. Yous can club the sashes with grilles to match the rest of the windows in your house and paint or stain the wood. (You can choose grilles that either snap-in or are glued to the glass.) Only your old window jamb must be square and rot-gratuitous. Measure out diagonally. If the diagonal measurements differ by more i/two in., the new sash won't seal properly and you should replace the window or use a vinyl replacement window instead.

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

Stride half-dozen

Installing Wood or Vinyl Replacement Inserts

Caution! Houses congenital before 1978 may contain atomic number 82 paint. Earlier disturbing any surface, get a lab assay of paint fries from it. Contact your public health department for information on how to collect samples and where to send them. Do-it-yourself lead testing kits are besides available at dwelling centers and hardware stores.

Step 7

Gently Pry off the Interior Stops

pry off interior stops

First your replacement insert installation by removing the interior finish, sash and parting cease. Pry confronting a stiff putty knife to protect the wood. To minimize paint chipping on painted windows, score the joint betwixt the window frame and finish with a utility knife before prying off the end. Pull the nails through the behind of the stop with a nail nipper or pliers.

The parting stop is usually caked with pigment and difficult to remove. Utilize pliers to break out the lower section. If the upper sash is stuck, pry or break out the upper section of departing finish with a chisel. If your windows take spring balances or metal jamb liners rather than sash weights similar ours, start by removing the interior stops. Then look for the screws or nails that secure the sash hardware and remove them. The goal is to remove all hardware dorsum to the blind stops.

Footstep eight

Test the Fit

caulk window replacement replacing windows in old house

Sideslip the new window insert into identify to make sure it fits. You don't have to worry about dinging upwardly the jamb and sill considering they'll be covered. If your window has a sash weight cavity, stuff it with insulation. Then remove the window insert and lay a dewdrop of polyurethane window and door caulk along the inside of the blind terminate and the behind of the window stool.

Stride 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 bullheaded stop. If your window includes a head expander, position it over the top of the jamb first. Press the window tight against the caulked bullheaded stop.

Step 10

Fasten the Window

fasten the window

Your wood or vinyl replacement insert will exist slightly smaller than the window jamb opening to allow 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. Measure diagonally across the new window. Slide shims behind the spiral holes in the 4 corners and conform them until the diagonal measurements from reverse corners are equal. Drive screws through the upper left and lower right spiral holes..

Step 12

Plumb the Window

plumb the window

In addition to checking the window by 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 tiptop and lesser sashes are parallel to each other where they encounter in the middle. Concord a level confronting the side jamb and slide wood shims behind each remaining screw pigsty until the side jamb of the window is directly. Snug upwards all of the screws and check to make sure the sashes slide hands and marshal perfectly where they meet in the middle. Be conscientious; overtightening the screws could warp the vinyl jamb. Cut off the shims with a sharp utility knife.

Step 13

Reinstall the Trim

reinstall window trim

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

Step 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 cutting the vinyl filler strip to fit. Use a precipitous utility knife and straightedge or tin snips to cutting the vinyl. Press the filler into place.

Step 15

Caulk

caulk window insulation

Caulk the articulation between the new window and the blind stop and between the windowsill and filler strip using window and door caulk.

Step 16

Installing Double-Hung Sash Kits

The toughest part of sash replacement is tearing out the one-time window. You have to pry off the stop (carefully for reuse) and the parting finish (which you can discard). You tin either nail or screw the new liner clips in place. We chose screws because driving nails tin can be hard in old window jambs.

Step 17

Determine the Bottom Angle of the Sash

bottom angle of sash window replacement

Marshal the border of a heavy slice of newspaper with the window stop and fold the bottom to match the bending of the sill.

Step 18

Figure B: Find the Sill Angle

find the sill angle

Lay a protractor on the folded paper to determine the bending. And so mensurate the interior height and width of the window frame. Utilize these measurements to order your sash replacement kit.

Pace 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.

Step 20

Remove the Parting Stop

remove parting stop window

Pull or pry the departing cease from the groove in the window frame and discard information technology. Remove the top sash, cut the sash cords and accept out the sash weight pulleys. Remove the sash weight comprehend and weights. Stuff the crenel with fiberglass insulation.

Step 21

Attach Jamb Liner Clips

attach jamb liner clips

You tin can either nail or screw the new liner clips in place. We chose screws considering driving nails can be difficult in old window jambs.  Spiral the jamb liner clips to the jamb with No. 6 ten 3/iv-in. pan head screws. Position clips nearly four in. from the top and bottom and distribute the remaining clips evenly between them. Brand sure to get out a one/16-in. space betwixt the clips and the bullheaded cease to allow space for the jamb liner to slide in.

Step 22

Place Jamb Liners

place jamb liners

Snap jamb liners over the metal clips after 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 metal clips. If your jamb liner has a vinyl flap facing the outside, make sure it lays over the bullheaded stop. Press firmly over each prune location until you hear or feel the liner snap onto the clips.

Step 23

Add Summit Departing Stop

add top parting stop

Slip the new parting cease into the groove in the height jamb with the weather-stripped border facing the outside. Drill 1/xvi-in. pilot holes and nail the terminate in place with iii 4d end nails. Replace the forest interior stops on the sides and top of the window and boom them in place with 4d finish nails.

Step 24

Position the Sash Lifts

position sash lifts window

Slide the sash lifts down to within nearly 10 in. of the windowsill. Press downwardly firmly with a flat-blade screwdriver. Twist the screwdriver slightly from horizontal to slide the lifts. So twist back to horizontal to engage the lifts in their new locations.

Circumspection: Release pressure slowly to make certain the clips are engaged before you remove the screwdriver completely.

Step 25

Install the Sash

install window sash diy window inserts

Concur the top sash with the outside facing upwardly and the metal cams away from you lot. Tilt the sash a picayune and align the metallic pivots with the slots in the jamb liner closest to the exterior. Make certain the pivots are above the sash lifts. Tilt upwardly the sash and printing outward on the jamb liner while you snap the top of the sash into identify between the jamb liners. Slide the sash down until the metallic cams contact the sash lifts. Echo the process on the lower sash. If you take problem pushing in the sash subsequently y'all tilt it up, endeavor working with ane side at a fourth dimension.

How do you lot decide whether to repair or replace your old windows? Check out these FAQs about ownership new windows.