

DIY Tips on Installing New Windows in an Old House

DIY Tips on Installing New Windows in an Old House

Older windows can allow the heated air, or the cool air, inside your home to leak out, and let the hot air, or cold air, on the outside to come in. This means that you pay higher utility bills because it will take more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Replacing your older, single pane, windows with newer double pane windows will allow you to lessen your utility bills so that the windows will actually pay for themselves in a short period of time.

Newer windows also increase your home's value because they look more attractive, and they can help to lower the cost of your insurance because they are harder to break into than the older style windows are. You cannot lose when you invest in new windows for your home.

New windows come pre-hung. That means that the windows are already set in a casing. All you have to do is remove the old window from the home and set the new window in the opening and then attach the window to the house. It is really that simple.

The most important part of replacing windows is for you to buy the right size. You need to measure the width and the height of the window that you are replacing so that you know what size to buy. Measure from the farthest points on each side of the window. Take measurements at the top of the window and in the middle of the window and then again at the bottom of the window. You want to use the smallest of the three measurements as your size, and then subtract one half an inch from that measurement so that your replacement will fit without having to make the opening in the siding any larger.

Remove the old window using a hammer and a pry bar. You remove the thin pieces of wood framing from the interior of the opening so that you can pull the sashes out. Be careful with the trim because you will replace it around the new window once it is installed. Do not remove the exterior trim.

Place a strip of bat insulation on the sill of the window. Stand the replacement window on top of the bat of insulation and lean the top of the window unit slightly towards you. Gently push the top of the window into place, and as you push the window in place tuck pieces of insulation around the sides of the unit. This will help hold it in place and will help to stop those drafts around the window.

Hold a level on the sides of the window and adjust it so that it is perfectly level. You make your adjustments by inserting thin strips of wood to shim the window out.  Once the shims are holding the window in place you will use three inch screws and screw them in the holes that are predrilled on the sides of the window unit. If any of the shims stick out past the window you will trim this with a razor knife.

Replace the trim and then hang your preferred window treatment.

Related Posts

Write Comments

To our email newsletter

Write for us


view all