How do you replace a window?
Question:An entire window, frame & all. It's a 4'X5' slide window. I'm replacing the aluminum framed one with vinyl clad insulated windows. I'm not sure how to remove the old one most efficiently & any tricks or hints for getting the new one level & sealed would be VERY helpful!!
thanks so much!!
Answers:
You will need to remove all of the trim, inside and out. Use a flat bar (pry bar) and thin piece of wood (to protect walls and siding of your house). Once the trim is off you should be able to see how the window is secured to the studs (most likely screws). Remove these and the window should come right out. Depending on when the window was installed, you may have foam insulation that you will have to cut away. A utility knife or even a keyhole saw will work well.
To install the new window, you will need 2 or 3 packages of shims (available anywhere doors and/or windows are sold) and screws to secure the window. You will also need a good level. If the hole for the window is not square, you may also need a plumb bob to help you figure out where you need to compensate for imperfections. Use the shims, two at a time. Place one facing in to the house and one facing out of the house, side by side (or one, ontop of the other for the top and bottom of the window). As you force the two shims in together equally, it will space the window from the studs. Do this in at least 3 or 4 places on each side and top and bottom if necessary. Work the shims in and out with the goal of having the winow square, even if it does not sit perfectly centered in the hole. Use a 4 foot or 5 foot level to make sure the sides are verticle and the top and bottom are horizontal. Once the window is square, secure it by driving screws through the winow frame into the shims and ultimatly into the studs.
I would suggest screwing the sides in opposition so you can make adjustments if you need to. Check to be sure the window stays square after every one or two screws. Once the window is square and secure with screws, put the trim back on one side (in or outside, it does not matter). With the trim in place on one side, inject the gaps with foam spray insulation (the popular brand is "Great Stuff" or something like that). As you spay the insulation, keep in mind that it is very expansive so you do not need to fill the entire gap. The color will go from bright yellow to gold when it dries. You can always add more if you need to. Once the window is insulated, hang the trim on the open side, re-install the flashing above the trim on the top of the window (outside) and your done.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more detail on a given step. Good luck!
call a contractor
There are two ways to replace windows, new construction windows and retrofit windows. New construction windows are installed the same way in original window was installed. This may be out of your league depending on what you exterior siding is. The process is VERY involved and unless it is done right, the window may leak (you would be cutting into the exterior waterproof seal of the house).
The other option is to install retrofit windows. Replacement of aluminum sliders with retrofit windows is a really simple process. Check out www.milgard.com for a good instruction manual on retrofits. The key as you will find out in the instructions, is measuring and ordering the correct window. A retrofit window will sit inside your existing frame and use the existing frame to keep the window watertight. The downside, is that you will loose about 2 inches of the inside window dimension.
I don't like retrofits for that reason, but the trade off is the ease of installation. Go to a home center or other window supplier and look at both options. Hope that helps.
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