How to Change Replacement Windows
If you have replacement windows in your home and they aren’t working correctly, you might want to consider changing them. A replacement window is created to fit into a window opening as a self-contained unit. This is easier than replacing the original windows.
Things you will need to change a replacement window:
- Metal cutting blade for saw
- Carpenter's level
- Wood shims
- Screw gun
- Mounting screws (with new window)
- Spray insulation (in can)
- Trim nails
- Caulk
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Reciprocating saw
- Measure the window opening. Next, take the widest span horizontally and vertically and subtract a ½ inch from both. You will find your new window using these measurements. Make sure to measure the outer frame of the opening and not in the existing window casing.
- Take off the border of the interior trim around the window. Leave the trim on and put it to the side.
- Use a reciprocating saw and go around the edge of the window casing. Make sure you are between the casing and house frame. Cut through the screws and hold the existing window in place. Then pull the unit in the room.
- Stand up the new unit on the bottom part of the opening. Be sure to push the top in so it remains against the outer border of the trim.
- Take a level and hold it vertically in the edge of the new unit. Then slide the shims under it and surround the sides. Make sure it is level.
- Take some mounting screws and put them through the sides of the unit. Check the screws go into the surrounding frame, too. Use the screw gun to do the job. Next, spray foam insulation in the spaces around the edge of the casing.
- Put in the interior trim with some trim nails and a hammer. Cover the gaps and run beads of caulk where the trim joins the window unit.