How to Replace a Window Step-by-Step
Over time, windows may become difficult to open and the frame may slip out of place. Old windows are also notorious for having poor temperature resistance, allowing the interior heat or cooling to easily escape to the outside. While replacing a window may seem like a job for a professional, with just a few simple tools almost any do-it-yourselfer can get the job done. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Pry bar
- Pliers
- Elastometric caulk
- Weatherproofing tape
- Drill
- 2-inch wood screws
- Wood shims
- Measuring tape
- Spray window and door foam
- Nailer
- 1-inch finishing nails
- Backer rod
Instructions
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1
Slice open the paint between the inside window molding and the sash stops. The sash stops are small pieces of wood that line the window on the inside and prevent the sash from moving. Once the paint is split, insert a pry bar underneath the stops and pry them out. Be careful while you do this, as you will need to use these stops again after you replace the window. Be sure to leave the bottom stop in place, as you will need it secure to attach the replacement window.
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2
Pull out on the lower part of the window, called the sash, to remove it. Then do the same for the upper sash. Some windows will let you remove both at the same time, while for others will you must remove a small strip of wood in the middle of the window frame, called the parting bead. Pull out on the bead with pliers to remove it, then remove the top window sash.
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3
Insert the pry bar behind the liners on the left, right and top of the window. These liners contain the tracks on which the sashes move. Push on the pry bar to remove the liners. Some liners will come out when you remove the sashes. In that case, skip this step.
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4
Apply a bead of caulk to both bottom corners of the window opening. Put a piece of weatherproofing tape equal to about 6 inches wider than the window opening, remove the backing and place it on the bottom of the window opening. Smooth the tape with your hand and be sure to make it tight with the corners so it seals against the caulk.
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5
Apply a bead of sealant on the inside ledge formed by the outside molding. This ledge runs up both sides of the window opening and across the top. Also apply caulk to the back side of the lower sash stop. Then apply more caulk to the two bottom corners, on top of the tape.
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6
Pick up the replacement window and bring it to the opening. Tile the window back slightly and set the bottom against the sash stop on the window sill. Push the top of the window---while holding the bottom steady---to set the window in place.
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7
Drive one 2-inch wood screw through the side of the frame, near the top. Tighten the screw just enough to allow the sash to operate, then test the sash to make sure it opens and closes.
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8
Measure the window along both diagonals. Add wood shims around the bottom and sides of the window until these measurements are exactly the same. Locate the pre-drilled holes on the sides of the window and insert shims behind them---not enough to tilt the window, but just enough to give the screws something to bite into without warping the window.
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9
Drive 2-inch wood screws through the pre-drilled holes and into the shims and window casing. Use your utility knife to cut off the parts of the wood shims that extend up past the window.
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10
Spray foam into the gaps between the edge of the frame and the window. Be sure it is low-expansion window and door foam, as other types of foam may warp your window opening. Place the sash stops back against the window and nail them into place using 1-inch finishing nails.
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11
Go to the outside of the window and inspect the gap between the window frame and the casing. For gaps greater than 1/4 inch, push foam-rubber backer rod into the gap and then apply a bead of caulk over it. For gaps less than 1/4 inch, just apply the caulk.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
