Helpful Tips for Installing a Replacement Window

You may need to get new windows because your old windows are drafty or you may just want to replace a window with a different style. Either way installing a window is not difficult. Here are a few tips to help you install a replacement window.

Your first step is to measure the window that you want to replace. Measure from top to bottom and across the center. The replacement window needs to be approximately a quarter inch smaller for the width and height.

Next gather together the supplies and tools that you will need for installing replacement windows. You will need a hammer, screwdriver, level, chisel, utility knife, tape measure, exterior and interior caulking, caulking gun, shims and safety glasses.

Stick your putty knife between the inside stop molding and window casing to remove the interior stop molding that is on both sides of the window.

Next remove the window's lower sash. If the window has rope cord, remove the cord and pulley. Cover the hole with tin. You also need to take out the parting stops. These are pieces of wood that divide the outside and inside sash. There may be one on the top of the window as well. Use a chisel to remove the parting stops. The jamb of the window should be flush.

Now you need to remove the window's outer sash. If there are any cords and pulleys, cut and remove them. Don't take out the external stop extending from the window jamb. This is where your new window will rest. You may also need to shim the window jamb to adjust the window opening's width.

Next you will want to test to see if your new window fits inside the opening. Center your window in the opening to ensure it is a good fit, with room for adjustments. Take the window out and use your caulking gun to apply caulk over the bottom sill and exterior stop. This will ensure that there is a tight seal around the exterior of the window.

Put your window into the center of the opening again. Measure diagonally from bottom to top on each side of the window to double check that it is square. If your measurements are not equal use wood shims to adjust. Also check that your window is level and plumb by using your level. Once you have your window square and level, screw the window in. Attach vinyl molding with adhesive caulk and caulk the outside window frame. Your new window is now installed.

You may need to get new windows because your old windows are drafty or you may just want to replace a window with a different style. Either way installing a window is not difficult. Here are a few tips to help you install a replacement window.

Your first step is to measure the window that you want to replace. Measure from top to bottom and across the center. The replacement window needs to be approximately a quarter inch smaller for the width and height.

Next gather together the supplies and tools that you will need for installing replacement windows. You will need a hammer, screwdriver, level, chisel, utility knife, tape measure, exterior and interior caulking, caulking gun, shims and safety glasses.

Stick your putty knife between the inside stop molding and window casing to remove the interior stop molding that is on both sides of the window.

Next remove the window's lower sash. If the window has rope cord, remove the cord and pulley. Cover the hole with tin. You also need to take out the parting stops. These are pieces of wood that divide the outside and inside sash. There may be one on the top of the window as well. Use a chisel to remove the parting stops. The jamb of the window should be flush.

Now you need to remove the window's outer sash. If there are any cords and pulleys, cut and remove them. Don't take out the external stop extending from the window jamb. This is where your new window will rest. You may also need to shim the window jamb to adjust the window opening's width.

Next you will want to test to see if your new window fits inside the opening. Center your window in the opening to ensure it is a good fit, with room for adjustments. Take the window out and use your caulking gun to apply caulk over the bottom sill and exterior stop. This will ensure that there is a tight seal around the exterior of the window.

Put your window into the center of the opening again. Measure diagonally from bottom to top on each side of the window to double check that it is square. If your measurements are not equal use wood shims to adjust. Also check that your window is level and plumb by using your level. Once you have your window square and level, screw the window in. Attach vinyl molding with adhesive caulk and caulk the outside window frame. Your new window is now installed.