How to Install French Windows

French windows have a similar look to French doors, only they are smaller. These charming window casements can add a French country aesthetic to kitchens, breakfast nooks or living areas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the old window. You'll need help for this. Remove the window's trim, and have someone brace the window as you remove the screws or nails that secure the window's flasking to the frame. Use a crow bar to pry the window casement from any insulation between the frame and the casement. Place the old window in a safe location, out of the way.

2. Create an opening big enough for your pre-hung French Window. If the French window is the same size as your old window, you just need to clean the old frame. If the French windows are larger than the old opening, enlarge the opening. Using the dimensions of your new window drill a hole for each corner. Use a carpenter's level to connect the dots. Cut along these lines. You don't have to frame out the opening because your window comes preframed. If the new window is smaller than the old window, reduce the size of the opening with two-by-fours and plywood. Cut a new opening to fit the French window.

3. Install the moisture stripping. Use 8-inch moisture seal to line the perimeter of your window jam. Make sure that it is fitted between the siding. After lining the perimeter cut diagonal slits at the corners so that you can fold the moisture seal over the frame and staple it down. The moisture seal must be flush with the edge of the window opening.

4. Nail down 2 shims at the base of the rough frame. Create a pilot hole before nailing down the shims so that they don't split. Cut these shims flush with the outside wall.

5. Center the window in the opening. Soft nail the outside flasking just enough so that you can check for level and plum. Adjust as needed, and then install the outside trim. Follow the manufacturer's directions for caulking and installation.

6. Move inside. Use shims to stabilize the window and adjust for plum and level. Then secure the window by driving nails through the jam, shims and into the trimming studs. Use insulation or pieces of drywall to fill the gaps between the window and the studs. This will prevent energy leaks.

7. Complete your project by installing the trim. Once your project is complete you can remove the bracing that is attached to your French Window and check that the two window panes can swing open freely and completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Read through the instructions that came with your French windows. These instructions will tell you how to frame and prepare your wall for the installation of your French Window casement. They will also include information about what types of tools you will need.