How to Replace a Window for Cheap
If you have a window that's been accidentally broken, your first instinct is to have it re-glassed. But when you get the estimate, you find out it's just as expensive or less expensive to buy a new window. Then you realize, no matter which you choose, you'll still have to pay a contractor to remove the old pane and replace it with a new one. Your budget may not be flexible enough to incur the cost of labor, but you can do the job yourself and save a lot of money.
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Things You'll Need
- Replacement window
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Wood shims
- Rubber mallet
- Screw gun and screws
- Caulking gun and caulk
Instructions
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1
Check the weather forecast. If it calls for rain, wait until a clear day comes before you replace your window. Rain will compromise the caulking seal.
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2
Move any furniture away from the old window and take down any treatments and shades.
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3
Go around to the outside of the window and unfasten any flashing with a screw gun, if applicable. Slice into the interior caulk with a utility knife, scoring it deep enough to cause a slim line gash in the caulk's seal around all four sides. Then slide a pry bar into the scored gap and begin to work it between the window and jamb. Wedge all four sides, and then pop the window away from the wall once loose.
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4
Measure the "rough opening" with a tape measure. This is the hole in the wall the window left. Write the measurements down and purchase an inexpensive replacement window that fits inside the opening, and some wood shims, at your local home improvement store.
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Set the replacement window into the rough opening. If it has gaps, take the widow out and put wood shims on the bottom of the opening, then put the replacement window back up. Shim the sides and top if necessary. Hammer the shims to fit tightly with a rubber mallet.
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Secure the replacement window into place by fastening screws into the jamb through the window frame. Use several screws per side to fasten the replacement window in strongly. Caulk liberally on the inside and outside of the replacement window between the frame and the jamb. Refasten the flashing on the outside with a screw gun if you removed it before, then caulk around the edges of the flashing where it meets the window.
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Tips & Warnings
If the old window has an aluminum frame, you can defray the replacement window purchase cost by removing all screws and steel hardware such as cranks and selling the frame as scrap metal.
