How to Replace Old Windows in Your House

Every year you scrape, paint and seal your old casement windows. Routine maintenance is time consuming, and still you are loosing the battle. The windows let in all the street sounds, they rattle in the slightest wind, and the crank sticks. The time has come to reclaim your time and your money. Replacing those old windows with modern vinyl ones will dramatically increase energy efficiency, lower your utility bill and reduce reverberations from outside noise.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Channel lock pliers
• Vice grip
• Hacksaw
• Fiberglass insulation
• Exterior grade adhering trim

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Instructions

Preparation

1. You need to order your new windows before removing the old ones. Crank the window open. There is a ½-inch frame protruding from the drywall all around; you are not going to remove this part (the new window will sit inside it).

2. Measure the width and height of the frame from lip to lip and subtract ¼ inch from each measurement to get the dimensions for your new window. Repeat this procedure for all windows you are replacing.

3. Order your new windows. Retrofit frames are preferable, but in some areas of the country only replacement style frames are available.

Remove the Old Windows

1. Open the window and remove the screen.

2. Cut off the metal piece attaching the pivot pins to the assemblies at the top and bottom of the window. This allows you to remove the entire frame and glass from a single casement window with no fixed panels.

3. Remove the crank assembly from the window and break off the protruding metal studs with channel lock pliers or a vice grip.

4. Take the glass out of a fixed window by scoring it, from the inside, with a glasscutter and tapping it out onto a tarp with the handle of a screwdriver or hammer. Knock out any remaining glass protruding beyond the lip. Use a hacksaw to cut off the vertical metal bar where it meets the frame.

Install the Replacement Windows

1. Place the new window frame on the bottom lip of the old one and adjust the placement, outside of the old frame, to achieve the inside sill space you desire.

2. Hold the window in place with a screw-driven top center. Make sure the new window is straight and drive a screw bottom center.

3. Fill the space between the wall and window with fiberglass insulation on all four sides.

4. Secure the trim to your window frame; be sure to seal it to the wall inside and out.

5. Repeat for every window you want to replace.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from injury.

Resources

• Installer Advice