How to Replace a Window
Measure the height of existing window., Measure the width of existing window., Finally, check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window at both sides., Know that if you buy a window that fits the existing window frame, you won't have...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Measure the height of existing window.
To measure the height of the existing window, go from the top of the sill to the bottom of the head jamb.
For a truly accurate reading, measure the window at three locations — the left, middle, and right of the window — and then take the smallest measurement (the measurements may not be different).Use this as your reading. -
Step 2: Measure the width of existing window.
To measure the width of the existing window, go from the jamb on left side of the window to the jamb on the right side of the window.
Again, measure across at the top, middle, and bottom, selecting the shortest distance as your true measurement. , Take a measuring tape and measure from the top left of the frame to the bottom right of the frame, and the from the top right of the frame to the bottom left of the frame.If there's a difference of less than 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) in the diagonal lengths of your frame, you can make small adjustments with shims when you install the new windows.
If the difference between the two numbers is larger than 1/4 inch, you should consider replacing the entire window frame. , This is why you measure the existing window before you remove it. , If you can, remove them without damaging them, as you'll reattach them once you've installed the new window.
If you happen to damage the inside stop pieces while removing them from the window, take a bit of wood filler and mold it onto the damaged part of the stop.
Once it's dried, sand it and the surrounding wood down.
Consider giving the stop a new coat of paint before reattaching to the frame. , Once the inside stops are gone, this should be a fairly easy procedure.
If, however, the inside sash is connected to a weight by a chain, simply cut the connecting chain or chord and let the weight fall down to its well. , Remove the parting bead and throw it away.
Then, remove the outside sash in the same way that you removed the inside sash, slashing any chains or chords that connect it to a weight.
Do not remove the exterior stops from the window frame.
These stops will help guide the window in installation and nest it afterwards. , To get the window frame prepped for its new upgrade, do the following before proceeding to installation:
Remove any weights from their wells.
Hoist the pulleys to the frame or remove the pulleys entirely.
Drive in any protruding screws or nails out.
You may want to cover them with wood filler and a putty knife, wait the filler patch to dry, and then sand and paint over it to make it inconspicuous.
Remove all the old caulking with a putty or utility knife, if necessary.
Make sure the opening is free of all caulking and other things that will get in the way of the new window. , It's probably best to try not to attempt this task without professional help. ,, Locate the bumper stops and begin to slide them over into the middle of the frame.
Do this until four mounting holes in the side jambs become visible. , Some people prefer not to work with the expander, also called a header, because it decreases the available space in the window and makes replacing the trim harder.
Use at your discretion. , Check to see if the window is plumb and level (using a level, of course). , There should be four mounting screws, one for the bottom and top of each side jamb.
Install them gently, taking care not to deform the paneling on the side jamb. ,, If you do notice gaps or faulty motion on the windows, check for any adjustment screws built into the side-jambs, using them to correct the window frame. , Your project is officially done. -
Step 3: Finally
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Step 4: check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window at both sides.
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Step 5: Know that if you buy a window that fits the existing window frame
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Step 6: you won't have to buy a whole new window frame.
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Step 7: Remove the inside stop pieces from the right and left sides of the window.
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Step 8: Take out the inside sash from the window frame.
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Step 9: Slide the outside sash down to the bottom portion of the frame.
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Step 10: Clean up the remaining window frame.
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Step 11: Double-check for rotting wood in the window frame.If you notice serious rot or water damage
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Step 12: consider calling a professional for a quote on replacing the window frame and any surrounding structure.
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Step 13: Run a bead of caulk along the inner part of the outside stops on the jambs.
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Step 14: Center both the inside and the outside sash vertically inside the window frame.
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Step 15: Place an expander on top of the window
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Step 16: caulking it (optional).
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Step 17: Place the window in the frame
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Step 18: shimming as necessary.
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Step 19: Put in the mounting screws in each jamb.
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Step 20: Expand the header so that is creates a seal between the top of the window and the old frame.
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Step 21: Check to see that the windows work properly and don't contain any gaps.
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Step 22: Caulk the inside of the window and reattach the inside stops.
Detailed Guide
To measure the height of the existing window, go from the top of the sill to the bottom of the head jamb.
For a truly accurate reading, measure the window at three locations — the left, middle, and right of the window — and then take the smallest measurement (the measurements may not be different).Use this as your reading.
To measure the width of the existing window, go from the jamb on left side of the window to the jamb on the right side of the window.
Again, measure across at the top, middle, and bottom, selecting the shortest distance as your true measurement. , Take a measuring tape and measure from the top left of the frame to the bottom right of the frame, and the from the top right of the frame to the bottom left of the frame.If there's a difference of less than 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) in the diagonal lengths of your frame, you can make small adjustments with shims when you install the new windows.
If the difference between the two numbers is larger than 1/4 inch, you should consider replacing the entire window frame. , This is why you measure the existing window before you remove it. , If you can, remove them without damaging them, as you'll reattach them once you've installed the new window.
If you happen to damage the inside stop pieces while removing them from the window, take a bit of wood filler and mold it onto the damaged part of the stop.
Once it's dried, sand it and the surrounding wood down.
Consider giving the stop a new coat of paint before reattaching to the frame. , Once the inside stops are gone, this should be a fairly easy procedure.
If, however, the inside sash is connected to a weight by a chain, simply cut the connecting chain or chord and let the weight fall down to its well. , Remove the parting bead and throw it away.
Then, remove the outside sash in the same way that you removed the inside sash, slashing any chains or chords that connect it to a weight.
Do not remove the exterior stops from the window frame.
These stops will help guide the window in installation and nest it afterwards. , To get the window frame prepped for its new upgrade, do the following before proceeding to installation:
Remove any weights from their wells.
Hoist the pulleys to the frame or remove the pulleys entirely.
Drive in any protruding screws or nails out.
You may want to cover them with wood filler and a putty knife, wait the filler patch to dry, and then sand and paint over it to make it inconspicuous.
Remove all the old caulking with a putty or utility knife, if necessary.
Make sure the opening is free of all caulking and other things that will get in the way of the new window. , It's probably best to try not to attempt this task without professional help. ,, Locate the bumper stops and begin to slide them over into the middle of the frame.
Do this until four mounting holes in the side jambs become visible. , Some people prefer not to work with the expander, also called a header, because it decreases the available space in the window and makes replacing the trim harder.
Use at your discretion. , Check to see if the window is plumb and level (using a level, of course). , There should be four mounting screws, one for the bottom and top of each side jamb.
Install them gently, taking care not to deform the paneling on the side jamb. ,, If you do notice gaps or faulty motion on the windows, check for any adjustment screws built into the side-jambs, using them to correct the window frame. , Your project is officially done.
About the Author
Daniel Richardson
Daniel Richardson specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 2 years. Daniel is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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