| > | | | | supplier can give you a printed sheet with their |
| To install new vinyl replacement windows is not | | | | measuring and ordering guidelines. Don’t |
| rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools | | | | worry; most windows are built with sliding top or side |
| and printed instructions from your supplier, you can | | | | moldings to make up for out of square openings. |
| easily install your own vinyl replacement windows. | | | | Installation |
| Are you thinking about taking on a good | | | | It’s best if you have a helper, at least |
| do-it-yourself home improvement project? With | | | | someone to hold the window in place while you |
| some simple tools and a few tips from a professional | | | | attach the mounting screws. |
| installer, you can take on the job of installing your | | | | From inside the home, use a flat pry bar to remove |
| own vinyl replacement windows. | | | | the stop moldings on the sides and top of the |
| Advantages | | | | window. Pull the bottom sash inside. You’ll |
| The newer vinyl replacement windows have many | | | | have to cut the weighted ropes on each side to |
| benefits to offer owners of older homes. First of all, | | | | release the window. The lead weights will then drop |
| it’s all but impossible to find stock windows at | | | | down inside the wall cavity. Don’t worry, you |
| your local lumber yard or home improvement center | | | | won’t need them. Once the bottom sash is |
| that fit the measurement of the openings from your | | | | out, remove the top sash the same way. Use a paint |
| old windows. Since the newer vinyl replacement | | | | scraper to clear away any paint chips that might |
| windows are made-to-order, the size you get will be | | | | prevent the new window frame from sitting properly. |
| a perfect fit. | | | | You should then brush and vacuum any debris and |
| Another advantage to considering vinyl replacement | | | | dust from the opening. |
| windows is, you don’t have to cut the | | | | Slide the new window into the opening to check the |
| window existing opening bigger to accommodate a | | | | fit. If all looks good, remove the window and prepare |
| larger window or patch the inside walls and siding | | | | the opening for installation. Each window |
| because the new window is smaller than the old | | | | manufacturer may have their own specific |
| opening. Since the new replacement windows will be | | | | instructions for installation. Generally, you’ll |
| built to fit your existing openings, no other major | | | | want to run a bead of caulking on the sill and sides |
| alterations need to happen. Usually, a little caulking | | | | for the new window to set in. Most windows |
| and some minor touch-up painting is all that’s | | | | will have pre-drilled openings in the sides for mounting |
| necessary. | | | | screws, which are also usually provided. |
| Some other important advantages of installing new | | | | Next, set the new window back into the opening. |
| vinyl replacement windows are also inviting. You can | | | | Press the unit forward to rest against the outside |
| expect some energy savings on your fuel bill because | | | | window stop moldings. Check the window for plumb |
| of the better insulating properties of thermo pane | | | | on the sides. Use wooden shims to move the unit as |
| glass. The glass can also be tinted to reflect heat or | | | | needed. Once the frame is plumb in the opening, |
| to block UV rays. You’ll love the tilt-in panes | | | | check it with your framing square. Again, shim as |
| for easy cleaning. No more risky trips up the ladder. | | | | needed to get the unit square. |
| Newer windows usually have fewer problems with | | | | The next thing you’ll want to check is that |
| condensation in winter time because of the better | | | | the unit is plumb, from inside, to outside. Again, use |
| insulating properties of the newer glass panes. | | | | wooden shims to force your new window unit into |
| Measuring | | | | plumb. You’ll also want to take note where |
| You’ll need to take an exact measurement, | | | | the mounting screws will go and put wooden shims |
| height and width of each window frame to be | | | | in, as necessary, to fill any voids where screws will |
| replaced. Put a small piece of masking tape on each | | | | be placed. After installing the mounting screws, check |
| window and give it a number for identification. Write | | | | each window for smooth operation. You may find it |
| the number of each window on a list, along with the | | | | necessary at this point, to remove or add shims for |
| height and width measurements for each window. | | | | proper operation of the window. |
| Tell your window supplier to tag each window | | | | After you are comfortable with the operation of |
| ordered with the corresponding number from your | | | | each unit, you’ll want to slide the extension |
| list. This will be a great time saver later on when the | | | | moldings on the top and sides, to take up any extra |
| windows arrive. You’ll know exactly where | | | | space. You can then apply a bead of caulk around all |
| each window goes. | | | | four sides of the window, inside and out. |
| When measuring, use a carpenters framing square to | | | | Summary |
| check each window for square. If a window is 1/8th | | | | To install new vinyl replacement windows is not |
| inch out of square, you’ll need to deduct 1/8th | | | | rocket science. With these tips, some simple tools |
| inch from your measurement(s). Use a small level also | | | | and printed instructions from your supplier, you can |
| to check for level and plumb. If the top and bottom | | | | easily install your own vinyl replacement windows. |
| of the window opening are level, yet the opening is | | | | ARTICLE REPRINT PERMISSION |
| out of square, there’s a good chance that the | | | | You may reprint the above article in your electronic |
| side openings are not plumb. If the side opening is 1 | | | | or print newsletter; however, please include my byline |
| 8th inch out of plumb, deduct 1/8th inch from the | | | | and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all |
| width measurement. Usually, your window | | | | copyrights. |