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Homeowners spent an average of $60,400 on home renovations in the year 2016. Today, more homeowners consider customization as an essential part of improving their home’s aesthetic value. Windows are often at the center of this focus on home improvements.
Your home’s windows are often a projection of the exterior beauty. Apart from adding to the aesthetic aspect, windows also enhance your home’s lighting and energy efficiency. Replacing such windows can help you upgrade to a modern type.
Are you wondering how to replace a window in your home? The process of window replacement can be intricate. This is why it’s essential to call in an expert to handle the matter.
However, you can navigate your way around the process. But it depends on other factors such as the window size and the design’s intricacy. In this guide, you’ll learn how to replace a window from start to end.
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Measuring the Window’s Dimensions
Before you consider anything, measuring the window’s dimensions should be the first step. This will allow you to get the window’s right size before heading out to buy the replacement window. It would help if you took the measurements of the top, middle, and bottom of the window using a measuring tape.
The first step is to measure the width of the window. This should be one side of the window jamb to the other side of the window.
It’s essential to consider the possibility that the window’s size may have changed over time due to warping or skewing. For this reason, ensure that you leave a 1/8-inch of allowance in case of such differences.
The other important consideration should be the height.
The procedure should be the same as with the width. However, you should consider the vertical measurements. Ensure that you measure from the inside of the window sill to the top of the window jamb.
You should then measure the left, middle, and right of the window, taking into consideration the smallest vertical measurements. The need to take the smallest measure is to ensure that the new window fits into the openings.
Purchase the New Window
Are you wondering how to replace a window? The process of replacement depends on getting a perfect size. You can proceed with this vital step after establishing the exact measurements.
Ensure that you settle for an option that considers the size, design, and shape of the current window opening.
If you decide to go for a different design or shape, it will help to first redesign your home’s window openings in advance.
The average cost for window replacement in the United States is $650. It’s necessary to consider the cost of purchasing and replacing the window(s) beforehand. Once you identify the best fit for your house, it’s imperative to call in a window replacement expert to take the process up from there.
Remove the Trim and Window Stops
The process of removing the trims and the stops can be delicate. You don’t want to end up damaging the frame. As such, it’s essential to take your time during this stage.
It is easier to use a pry bar, screwdrivers, and a utility knife. These tools will help you remove the stops and the trims without damaging the window’s frame. The blade should come in handy when slicing the paint around the rim.
It’s also important not to destroy the stops. You can set them apart for later use. Once you remove the trims and the stops, the next step should be to remove the sash.
Get Rid of the Sash Weights
It’s essential to check the window frames after removing the trims and the stops. Some windows have sash cords or chains. Ensure that you also remove these cords and chains, especially if your windows are old-fashioned.
The first step is to remove the sash weights. However, to achieve this you should remove the parting beads and the vertical strips. This will help make the process of cleaning the inside faces of the window jamb easy.
Take off the Pulleys
Once you have access to both sashes on the windows, it’s easy to remove the window pulley. You can use a blade or sharp knife to break the seal.
The next step after removing the trim and the bottom sash should be to pry off the frame, which makes the removal of the pulley easy. At this point, you can now replace the new window.
Dry Fitting the New Window
Most window replacement procedures require expert input. This is due to the intricacy when replacing the new window.
The expert should be able to dry-fit the new window to ensure that it’s the perfect fit. It’s essential to focus on the shimming to ensure that the new window slips in well.
Install the New Window
If you’re wondering how to replace a window like a pro, shimming should come first after dry fitting the window. Ensure that the new window fits into the opening before nailing and sealing. The process of shimming will ensure that the window is as energy-efficient as possible by keeping it tight.
Did you know that 30 percent of your home’s heating energy disappears through the windows?
Ensure that you add enough bead of caulk along the exterior stops to enhance the new window’s grip. It would also help to counter-check that the edges of the new window sit on the sill before tipping the top into place.
The screws should also be securely in place before shimming the upper and lower side jambs. If you’re going for a modern window replacement, the holes are predrilled, which makes the process easier.
Replace the Window Components
It’s essential to open the sash when replacing the new window. This will help check for levelness and test that all the windows are working, as they should.
The next step should be to drive the mounting screws into each jamb. This should only happen once you’re sure that the new window works just fine.
You should then replace the trims and stops you had removed earlier. The last step in the window replacement process should be to caulk the exterior gaps between the window and casing. This step is vital, given the need to fix the window in a way that will serve you for years to come.
This Is How to Replace a window Like a Pro
Some of the most common minor home renovations are achievable through DIY. However, other procedures, such as learning how to replace a window, might require expert intervention. While you can go shopping for your favorite replacement window, it takes a seasoned expert to carry out window replacement.
Have you been wondering how to change a window at home? This systematic process can be overwhelming without the right skills. Your best bet should be to call in an expert with a wealth of experience.
Did you find this article informational? If so, read more on home improvements, design ideas, and gardening on our site.
