Replacement Window: An Easy Renovation

We are looking at purchasing a new home.  There are so many things to consider in making this purchase.  We love our current home and have installed replacement windows, siding and landscaping that we adore.  The problem is that there just isn’t enough space for entertaining inside or out.  It is becoming evident that we have outgrown our cozy home and that even with all the work that has gone into this investment we need to start looking for something with a lot more space.  The good thing is that we have renovating experience and the market is fair for what we are looking at. All of those things are in our favor.  We are also aware at how we can make certain renovations ourselves that others consider large deal busters.

 

In looking for a new home many potential buyers get caught up in new roofs, replacement windows and other purchases that they feel are deal breakers. We are fortunate to have the skills under our belt to tackle any home renovation project the new house will lead us too.  If new home buyers took a second and looked into things such as replacement windows they would see just how easy it is to replace them.  Now more than ever it has become one of the few home improvement project that people can look forward to.  It will not be a deal breaker anymore after you review these handy steps in dealing with the purchase and installation of your new replacement windows.

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First you will need to locate reputable replacement window dealers in your area.  You will want to get quotes from at least three dealers. Compare the type of windows offered, the quality of the product, the ease of installation, available warranties and how satisfied previous consumers have been with the service provided.  You will want to make sure that you premeasured all of the windows that you are interested in replacing and take your measurements in when you are speaking with the dealer.

 

When you are taking measurements you will want to measure your existing windows thoroughly.  Make sure your measurements include the left jamb to the right jamb from the bottom, middle and top of the window.  It should be the same but overtime windows often warp and shrink so measure everywhere to be safe.  You will want to use the same technique to measure the height of the window from the inside jamb to the inside window sill.  Make sure when you are ordering your windows that you specify that these are exact measurements.

 

The next step after you have ordered the new windows and received your replacement windows is to take off the old sash and remove the jamb liner from the existing windows.  This should be done one window at a time so that if you run in to a window that needs extra installation time you don’t leave your home open to the elements.

 

From here you prep the existing window frame and the area for the new window.  You will add a new jamb liner, spray in a low expansion foam insulation to seal the area within the wall if any gaps are present and caulk the opening for the window to be placed in.  You will be installing your new windows before you know it.

 

The installation of the window involves placing the window and fastening it in loosely at first.  You will want to shim around the window making sure that you have a completely level replacement window.  If the window is not completely level you leave room for movement and air leaks.  Once all the shims are in place and the window is completely level fasten all screws for permanent placement.  That is it.  You are done with your replacement window installation.  Now all you need to do is caulk the inside frame and add a finish to the interior of the window.  This finish can be paint or stain but you cannot leave your windows without any sealing touches.  If you leave room for the window frame unsealed your replacement windows will have a shorter lifetime then if it had been sealed.

 

Congratulations you have just learned to replace a window.  Now when you are staring at your dream home but see the windows could be replaced you won’t just walk away.  Pull on some boots and a hard hat and get to work replacing them. 

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