How to Replace Porch Screens With Windows

Transforming a screen porch into a three season room can be a rewarding project. The window installation can be completed in a single afternoon. However, be aware that if you have to reorder windows, it could delay your project. By planning ahead and through careful measuring, this project can be completed without incident.

Things You'll Need

• Molding
• Nails.
• Hammer
• Finish nail set
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Framing square
• Miter box or miter saw
• Caulk and caulk gun

Instructions

Measuring for New Windows

1. Remove the screens, screen frames, molding and staples that held the screens in place.

2. Using the carpenter's framing square, make sure each corner of each window opening is a true 90 degrees.

   For non-rectangular openings, see Step 4.

3. Measure each opening, and record your measurements as width X height.
   Label each measurement to the corresponding opening to identify which dimension refers to each opening.

4. Measure the length of each edge of the opening and draw a corresponding diagram if any windows are not rectangles.

5. Reduce the width and length of each dimension by 3/4 of an inch when ordering the window. In other words, for an opening which is 24 in. x 36 in., order a window unit which is 23 1/4 in. x 35 1/4 in.

Prepare the Window Openings

1. Install the molding flush with the exterior edge of the window opening. The new window will install against this molding and be held in place by it.

2. Measure the width of the opening at the top and the bottom.
   Note: Cut a piece of molding 1/16-in. longer than the measurement and
   insert the molding by bowing the molding and allowing it to snap into place.

3. Nail in place with the finish nails.

4. Measure the height of the opening on the right and left sides.
   Cut a piece of molding for each side. Repeat the process for aligning, setting and nailing each side molding in place.

5. Repeat Step 2, 3 and 4, and cut four more pieces of molding for each opening.
   Measure and cut one piece for each of the top, left, right and bottom side of the window opening.
   Label and set this second set of window moldings aside for installation after the thermal window pane units are set in place.

Install Windows and Finish Trim

1. Test fit each window before completing the installation.

2. Place a small bead of caulk on the stop molding that was installed in the window opening.

3. Place the thermal window pane units in place, pressing them against the caulk to form a watertight seal.

4. Snap the molding, which has already been cut to size, in place to hold the window unit in the opening.

5. Carefully nail the molding in place. When the head of the nail is about 1/4-inch away from the molding surface, use the nail set to drive the nail home. By using the nail set, the hammer will be farther away from the window pane.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to successfully completing this project is careful measuring and opening preparation. By visualizing the entire project from start to completion, this process will transform a screen porch into a beautiful three seasons room.

References

• Types of Thermal Glass

Resources

• More Ideas for Three Seasons Rooms.