New windows increase a home’s value and reward the homeowner with brighter views and lower energy bills. If you’ve chosen to replace your windows over updating them, embarking on a DIY window replacement can be rewarding but challenging.
Working with height as an element, replacing your windows yourself is a job for which you need meticulous measuring and planning skills. If you find that you’ve bitten off a little more than you can chew, you can find professional window installation service providers At Home Pros. The journey to a more beautiful and efficient home begins with a simple click of a button as our professionals can help you find the right service provider in no time at all.
Choosing the Correct Tools
For DIY window replacement, you’ll need a tape measure, level, pry bar, hammer, screwdriver, drill, nails, screws, caulk and caulk gun, and a ladder. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect against glass and debris and ensure your work area is stable. Always use ladders cautiously.
As to your tools, familiarize yourself with them so that you will handle them properly to avoid injuries. Always follow manufacturers’ guidelines for both window removal and installation. Additionally, make a plan as to what to do with the discarded windows and debris before you start your project.
Selecting the Right Windows
When choosing windows for replacement, there are five types of windows you’re likely to consider. The most common types of windows are double-hung, casement, sliding, awning, and picture windows. Each has its unique functionalities and aesthetic values.
- Double-hung windows – Double-hung windows offer enhanced ventilation and improved air circulation, as they can be opened from both the top and bottom, allowing fresh air to enter from the lower opening while warmer air escapes from the top. Additionally, they’re simple to clean from inside a home, contributing to better maintenance and thus longevity.
- Casement – Casement windows have a side-hinged design, providing excellent ventilation when fully opened. They also offer superior security as they have hook-shaped casement locks that produce a tight seal when closed. This makes them particularly energy-efficient as well, reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Sliding windows – Sliding windows offer the advantage of a wider, unobstructed view and easy operation, as they glide horizontally without the need for any crank or hinge mechanism. This design is an excellent choice for spaces where easy access to fresh air is essential. Their compact, space-saving configuration is ideal for limited spaces as they don’t protrude outward or inward.
- Awning windows – Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, providing the dual benefits of protection and continuous airflow. Furthermore, awning windows offer enhanced security and energy efficiency, as they seal more tightly than sliding windows when closed.
- Picture – Picture windows are renowned for maximizing outdoor views and natural light with large, fixed panes. Without sashes or breaks, you have unobstructed vistas for extra-bright interiors. Since picture windows don’t open at all, they’re more energy-efficient and secure than other models.
Once you’ve decided on your new windows, accurate measuring is an essential next step. Record height, width, and depth at multiple points, to ensure a snug fit. Correct measurement means smooth installation, preventing future issues like drafts and leaks, and securing the window’s structural integrity and performance.
How to Remove Old Windows
Initiating a DIY window replacement begins by clearing any furniture and valuables, laying down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to catch debris, and taping off adjacent areas to contain dust and particles.
If there’s trim and casing, use a pry bar or putty knife to loosen them, taking care to avoid damage to the wall or the pieces themselves, which can be reused. Your task now progresses to the sashes and frames. (Sashes are the moving parts of the window that hold the glass panes, while frames are the stationary structures that encase the sashes and attach the entire window unit to the wall.) After removing them, adequately prepare the opening by removing old debris to ensure a seamless installation.
Your next step is to make sure you’re working with a stable surface. When checking window frames for damage, inspect the frame for discoloration, cracks, or damage, as these indicate rot. Press a screwdriver against the wood at various points to identify soft spots, a clear sign of rot.
Moisture meters are another helpful tool; a high moisture reading, specifically above 20%, often signals rot in wooden window frames. Additionally, check for any presence of fungus or mold, particularly in places prone to moisture like the bottom of the frame, as fungus and mold can lead to rot.
To ensure a level sill during window installation, place a spirit level on the sill and adjust it by adding shims underneath at the necessary points until the bubble is centered between the lines. Check the levelness both from side to side and from front to back to make sure the sill is perfectly horizontal before securing it in place.
During a DIY window renovation, applying flashing tape is crucial to prevent water infiltration. Adhere the tape to the sill, extending to the frame’s corners, and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles for a tight seal. Then apply flashing tape around the sides and top of the window frame, overlapping the sill flashing, to create another barrier against moisture.
Installing the New Window
Placing the new window in the opening is an important step in a DIY window replacement project. First, you should carefully lift the new window and set it into the frame, ensuring that it sits evenly on the sill. While holding the window steady, begin securing it by inserting screws into the pre-drilled holes in the window’s jamb, making sure not to over tighten them, which could warp the frame.
Once the window is secure, it’s time to check for squareness to ensure the window’s tight fit. Use a carpenter’s square to check the corners, and adjust as necessary by tightening or loosening the screws. Also, place a spirit level on the bottom, top, and sides of the window to confirm that everything is level, making any necessary adjustments along the way.
After ensuring the window is square and level, turn your attention to insulating any gaps between the window frame and the opening. Expanding foam or fiberglass insulation can fill any gaps, but you must take care not to overfill as it can cause the frame to bow.
Finally, apply a bead of exterior-grade caulk around the perimeter of the window on both the interior and exterior sides to create a waterproof seal and complete the installation.
Finishing Touches
Once the new window is securely installed, the next step is to reattach the existing trim and casing or replace them if they are damaged (or if you want a different style). Trim and casing not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the window but also help seal remaining gaps, providing an additional layer of insulation.
Carefully measure, cut, and nail the trim and casing into place, making sure they are flush with the wall and window frame. Follow this with painting or staining the trim, casing, and potentially the window frame for a cohesive and finished look and protection against the elements.
After installation, you should clean the new window, removing any fingerprints, caulk residue, or dust that may have settled during installation. Use a gentle glass cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid scratching.
The final conclusive step of a DIY window replacement is to get rid of the old materials. Separate recyclable materials like glass and metal from non-recyclable components and dispose of them according to your local waste management guidelines, ensuring a tidy conclusion to your renovation endeavor.
Enjoying the New View
If every sill is level and all the trim is replaced and newly painted, you can finally enjoy the view your new windows afford you and the money they can potentially save you in energy costs or earn in increased home value.
If you’ve decided that your DIY window replacement project isn’t going quite to plan and you need backup to come in and assess, contact At Home Pros for a quick list of local home service providers that can help you. It takes knowledge, skill, and bravery to replace your windows on your own, but it’s wise to have a list of trained professionals in your back pocket if you find out it’s not an achievable project.