Replacing old windows is always a win-win situation, whether you are staying or selling your house, or whether you live in a cold or warm climate. You’ll save between 10 and 25 percent each year on energy bills whether you’re heating or cooling, qualify for a tax credit, and increase the value of your home if you do decide to put it on the market in the future.
Window replacements can be a do-it-yourself project, especially if you have budget constraints. Learn the ropes first by starting with that unassuming window at the back of the house before going for the rest.
First consideration would be to pick the right kind of material for the frame: vinyl, wood, or fiberglass?. As always, you will get the appropriate value for your money. Vinyl might be the lowest in terms of cost, is relatively maintenance free and comes in a wide range of colors to choose from. Although it won’t be able to keep the heat or cold out as well as wood or fiberglass. Wood that is stained or painted will look best on an older house. Fiberglass frames, which lasts longer than wood despite lesser maintenance, can also be painted with any color.
Measure the sizes of your windows first before visiting the home improvement store. Run a tape measure from the inside jamb (window jambs make up the top, bottom, and sides of the window like a frame) of the right side of the window to the inside jamb on the left side at the middle of the window; double-check your measurements at the top and bottom of the window in case there’s been any warping, and go with the smallest measurements. To measure the height, measure from the inside of the window sill to the inside of the top window jamb.
Once you have your new window, take out the old one. Start by removing the stops - the thin, vertical pieces of wood that hold the sashes (the framed part of the window that holds the glass) in place. You’ll need to use a pry bar - gently - a screwdriver, and a utility knife. You will use the stops later for the replacement, for now you may set them aside.
Clip the inside sash cords, the ropes that allow the window to go up and down. Allow the weights to fall into their pockets. Slide down the outside sash and remove the vertical strips holding the sashes in place. Leave the outside stops in place.
Look for holes and cracks when you inspect the window. Sand the wood to remove any small cracks, and fill larger ones as well as holes with wood filler or putty.
Put in the replacement windows and see if your measuring skills were up to the task. Center the window sashes by moving the bumper stops toward the middle and locate the four spots for side mounting holes. Both sides as well as the inside of the jamb’s outside stops should be applied with caulk. On top of the window, place the header and caulk before screwing it into place.
When you put the replacement in the hole, use a level to make sure all corners are square. You might need to tap in shims to help make sure all four corners are at 90-degree angles. As you tighten the mounting screws at the top and bottom, adjust the header across the top to make sure there’s no space between the window and the frame.
One you’ve checked the sashes slide smoothly, install the inside stops and caulk inside the windows, and you’re done.
To help you with your project refer to the step-by-step manual that comes with the windows, or you may check out the do-it-yourself videos that most major dealers have online. Once that first window is in, the rest will be a breeze.
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