Just the thought of replacing windows can strike fear into the average person’s heart. But there isn’t a real reason to worry. Armed with the right information and the right tools, this job can be performed with a bit of elbow grease and determination. Because windows can be purchase relatively inexpensively at local home improvement stores, the installation costs always seem to make this project a bigger issue.
Some companies want to charge tens of thousands of dollars for their high quality product and high quality installation. While it’s important to get help from a professional if you are completely unfamiliar with home improvement, the adventurous do-it-yourselfer can accomplish this one step at a time.
Before starting work be sure to purchase energy efficient windows. Also remember to measure window size from the interior of the house. Measure inside the framework to get an accurate measurement. If you have odd shaped windows then you may need to special order or create filler when putting in the newer ones. It is not recommended that you create a filler larger than a couple of inches unless you want to redo the siding on your house.
The first step to replacing windows in removing the old ones. Working from the inside out, remove all trim work. If you have sash weight windows you must remove the weights as well. Once all of this and the window have been removed look for wood rot. Anything rotten will have to be replaced before installing the new window. If you have storm windows attached them unscrew them and lift them out. On older style windows you will need to remove any outside molding.
Don’t try to remove nails from the frame. Simply use a reciprocating saw to cut through them. Take out the entire frame along with the old window sill. If you are going to replace rotting wood or put in a filler now is the time to do it.
If you are using single windows in place of larger or double windows then you will need to frame out where the new windows will go. Make sure that the new studs are at a 90 degree angle, meaning they are “plumb and square” with the opening. You may need to put in filler strips to help make the edges of the studs even to the original sheathing.
Before installing the new windows be sure that all of the edges are caulked. Even though the window is caulked you must also apply caulk to the opening where it will be placed. Be sure that the window and the opening match up or in construction speak, they would be “plumb and square”.
Put exterior screws through the flange of the windows This will anchor it into place. Next apply installation tape around the edge of the siding and the flange. Now you can replace the exterior trim work.
Back on the inside you can put in new insulation, replace the sheet rock and any new trim work. Now that you have one of the windows replaced the rest will be easier to install because you already have the process worked through.
Replacing windows is a great way to save on air conditioning costs. It\’s on my top ten list of best home improvements. It\’s expensive at first but pays off in the end.
Home remodeling like changing your windows needs an expert person to do it. But in our house, I do it personally. I don’t say I’m an expert but from the help of other people and the internet, I did it perfectly!
If you have the know-how and time, doing it yourself is a great solution. I had neither of these, so I went with a local company called DK Boos Glass http://dkboosglass.com that had been serving my Olympia Wa location for 2 generations. I like the idea that they are accountable to properly completing the project – and have a business reputation or uphold. It gives me piece of mind.