Replace a Window

A new window can brighten up a room almost as much as a new paint job, not to mention save you hundreds of dollars per month in energy bills. So if you were on the fence about replacing your old window with a new one because you didn't know the first thing about window installation, jump off. The following instructions explain how to easily and effectively replace an old window with a new one.

Steps

Measuring the Dimensions of the Old Window

  1. Measure the height of existing window. To measure the height of the existing window, go from the top of the sill to the bottom of the head jamb.
    • For a truly accurate reading, measure the window at three locations — the left, middle, and right of the window — and then take the smallest measurement (the measurements may not be different).[1] Use this as your reading.
  2. Measure the width of existing window. To measure the width of the existing window, go from the jamb on left side of the window to the jamb on the right side of the window. Again, measure across at the top, middle, and bottom, selecting the shortest distance as your true measurement.
  3. Finally, check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window at both sides. Take a measuring tape and measure from the top left of the frame to the bottom right of the frame, and the from the top right of the frame to the bottom left of the frame.[2]
    • If there's a difference of less than 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) in the diagonal lengths of your frame, you can make small adjustments with shims when you install the new windows. If the difference between the two numbers is larger than 1/4 inch, you should consider replacing the entire window frame.
  4. Know that if you buy a window that fits the existing window frame, you won't have to buy a whole new window frame. This is why you measure the existing window before you remove it.

Removing the Old Window

  1. Remove the inside stop pieces from the right and left sides of the window. If you can, remove them without damaging them, as you'll reattach them once you've installed the new window.
    • If you happen to damage the inside stop pieces while removing them from the window, take a bit of wood filler and mold it onto the damaged part of the stop. Once it's dried, sand it and the surrounding wood down. Consider giving the stop a new coat of paint before reattaching to the frame.
  2. Take out the inside sash from the window frame. Once the inside stops are gone, this should be a fairly easy procedure. If, however, the inside sash is connected to a weight by a chain, simply cut the connecting chain or chord and let the weight fall down to its well.
  3. Slide the outside sash down to the bottom portion of the frame. Remove the parting bead and throw it away. Then, remove the outside sash in the same way that you removed the inside sash, slashing any chains or chords that connect it to a weight.
    • Do not remove the exterior stops from the window frame. These stops will help guide the window in installation and nest it afterwards.
  4. Clean up the remaining window frame. To get the window frame prepped for its new upgrade, do the following before proceeding to installation:
    • Remove any weights from their wells. Hoist the pulleys to the frame or remove the pulleys entirely.
    • Drive in any protruding screws or nails out. You may want to cover them with wood filler and a putty knife, wait the filler patch to dry, and then sand and paint over it to make it inconspicuous.
    • Remove all the old caulking with a putty or utility knife, if necessary. Make sure the opening is free of all caulking and other things that will get in the way of the new window.
  5. Double-check for rotting wood in the window frame.[3] If you notice serious rot or water damage, consider calling a professional for a quote on replacing the window frame and any surrounding structure. It's probably best to try not to attempt this task without professional help.

Installing the New Window

  1. Run a bead of caulk along the inner part of the outside stops on the jambs.
  2. Center both the inside and the outside sash vertically inside the window frame. Locate the bumper stops and begin to slide them over into the middle of the frame. Do this until four mounting holes in the side jambs become visible.
  3. Place an expander on top of the window, caulking it (optional). Some people prefer not to work with the expander, also called a header, because it decreases the available space in the window and makes replacing the trim harder. Use at your discretion.
  4. Place the window in the frame, shimming as necessary. Check to see if the window is plumb and level (using a level, of course).
  5. Put in the mounting screws in each jamb. There should be four mounting screws, one for the bottom and top of each side jamb. Install them gently, taking care not to deform the paneling on the side jamb.
  6. Expand the header so that is creates a seal between the top of the window and the old frame.
  7. Check to see that the windows work properly and don't contain any gaps. If you do notice gaps or faulty motion on the windows, check for any adjustment screws built into the side-jambs, using them to correct the window frame.
  8. Caulk the inside of the window and reattach the inside stops. Your project is officially done.



Tips

  • Depending on size of window will determine the size of level you will have to use. Use a level about the same size as the window.
  • Try to place the shims where the factory pre-drill holes are so when you put your screws in the screw will hold the shims in place.

Warnings

  • Wear safety glasses and hand protection when working with any power tools and for removing and replacing the window.
  • Always have help when lifting old window out and new window in to place

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Utility knife
  • Flat bar
  • Drill (various bits)
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Silicone gun
  • Silicone
  • Expanding foam
  • Wooden shims

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/cd_Install+a+Replacement+Window_798105703_
  2. ↑ http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20171587,00.html
  3. ↑ http://www.diynetwork.com/windows-walls-and-doors/preparing-to-replace-a-window/index.html
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