How to Install Replacement House Windows
Installing replacement house windows can save you a lot of money on your heating and cooling bills, but it is an expensive project. One way to make it more budget friendly is to install the replacement windows yourself. It will require around two hours a window and some basic skills.
Things you will need:
- Replacement window
- Air compressor
- Framing nailer
- Finish nailer
- Reciprocating saw
- Level
- Shims
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Caulking gun and clear caulk
- Box cutter
- Pliers
- Remove the interior window trim. Start by cutting the caulk with a box cutter between the wall and the trim. Use the pry bar to lift the trim off the wall. Repeat all the way around the window. You can reuse the window trim if it is removed without damaging it. Next, remove the windowsill by striking it upward from below the sill until it can be pulled out. Remove any exterior trim on the window by cutting the caulk with the box cutter and prying the trim up with the pry bar. After the trim has been removed, you should be able to see the screws or nails attaching the window to the frame.
- Cut the nails or screws between the window and frame with the reciprocating saw. Take out the window carefully and set it to the side.
- Set the replacement window in place. Starting at the bottom of the window, insert shims between the window and the frame at each corner and in the center of all four sides until the window fits snugly. Insert shims alternating from the inside to the outside so that they overlap.
- Check the window to make sure that it is straight and level. Place the level horizontally on the top and bottom and vertically on both sides. The shims can be adjusted until the window is level.
- Use the framing nailer to fasten the window to the frame everywhere you inserted shims. After the window is secure, cut the shims flush with the window.
- Attach the outside window trim with the finish nailer.
- Go back in the house and reinstall the windowsill and interior window trim with the finish nailer.
- Place a bead of caulk around window trim on the inside and outside of the house to seal it.