How to Do Replacement Vinyl Windows
Make sure you measure your current vinyl window frames before you purchase the window replacements. Vinyl windows typically are custom-made, so making an error in your measurements means you might have to order another window and lose money. Most vinyl window manufacturers offer increments of 1/4-inch each when producing vinyl windows.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver
- Knife or scissors
- Door stop
- Wood board
- Saw
- Hammer and nails
- Carpenter's square
- Caulk and caulking gun
Instructions
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1
Hoist up the lower sash and take three measurements from jamb to jamb. Measurements should be taken at the base, the top and at the middle of the frame. The height can be measured from the slanted sill where it attaches to the window stool to the upper jamb.
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2
Measure each window individually to ensure you don't make any mistakes when ordering your new vinyl windows. Even though your windows may look alike, don't take it for granted that they all will measure the same.
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3
Take out your old sash window by prying off the inside stops that secure the lower sash with a screwdriver, then remove the blind stop that divides each of the sashes. Sever the ropes that support the sash and take out the lower sash. Take out the upper sash after removing the blind stop.
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4
Fit the new vinyl window into the opening so that it rests on the stool and the external stops that supported the old window. Use a door stop as a backing for the front window edge if your vinyl windows are flat in that area. Some vinyl windows are fitted with sloped areas that jut out at the base of the window and adapt to the shape of the sloped sill.
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5
Cut an angled support if the insertion of a door stop does not adequately fill the gap between the sill and the window opening. Determine the gap from the lower edge of your vinyl window to the slanted sill with a tape measure.
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6
Make a support for your new window by planing the edge of a wood board. Make sure you plane at an angle identical to the slant of the sill. Cut a segment of wood that fits the size of the gap. Nail the support strip in place below the area where the front edge of the vinyl window will lie.
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7
Place the window in the middle of the opening. Test the window is square with a carpenter's square and shim the window edges behind jamb screw holes. Secure the window in place by inserting screws through the side jambs.
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8
Fit the replacement inside stop that comes with your vinyl window. Go outside your house and apply a layer of caulking to fill the gap near the outside stop. Your new vinyl window now should be fitted securely.
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References
Resources
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