To save on costs, some homeowners consider installing their replacement windows on their own. And while it is recommended to leave this task to the pros, there’s no reason why you can’t try it on your own, provided that you have the right skills and tools.
Still, installing windows is a big enough project that you should never plunge into without serious considerations. This article offers you a detailed step-by-step window installation in Northern Virginia for a successful project.
- Get Your Tools and Materials
When installing windows, you’ll need the correct tools and materials. Here’s a list of the items you will need:
Materials You Need:
- Wooden window sill
- Double-paned window
- Insulation
- Trim molding
- Cedar shims
- Paint
- Silicone
Tools You Need:
- Drill
- Screw gun
- Pry bar
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- Miter saw
- Finish nailer
- Remove the Existing Window
If you’re replacing windows, then you need to make sure that the old windows are removed first. Using the prybar, remove the old window and the jamb extension. Unscrew the existing window from the jamb to remove it.
- Prepare the Opening
After that, you need to prepare and repair the new window opening. Inspect the condition of the jamb, ensuring that there’s no structural damage. It is common for an old window to leak, causing the jamb to rot. If that’s the case, then you first need to repair or replace the damaged areas of the jamb.
Also, you need to inspect and check the window stop. This is a piece of wood torn down and placed around the window jamb’s exterior side. It’s very likely that the original window stop is still usable. However, if you see any damage, then you might want to repair or replace it completely.
After that, make sure that the walls are dust-free and smooth. You need excellent surface conditions in order to ensure the perfect hold of seal and quality installation.
Also, you need to ensure that the opening accommodates your new window. Rough openings should be 3/8 to ¼ inches larger than the exterior dimension of your new window.
- Fitting the Window
Dry fit the new window to ensure that there are no alignment issues. If there are fitment issues, then make sure to address them and dry-fit the window again. This ensures that the window is positioned snugly into the opening. Never move forward with the installation process if you’re unsatisfied with fittings.
- Installing the Window
The actual installation of a new window is quite simple. Firstly, you need to run a bead of silicone on the inside of the window stop. Then, slide the window into place. Place a level across the window top and press cedar shims between the jamb and the window frame as necessary to get the window sitting level.
In general, the window should come with a hardware packet, usually consisting of 4 screws that should go through the sides of the window to anchor it to the jamb. Two screws will be drilled into each side of the window, one near the bottom and the other near the top. If you’re confused, you should look for the pre-drilled holes in the window frame for the screws.
- Adding Insulation
This is the perfect chance to insulate any gaps or openings around the original window frame. If there are larger openings, then you can cut pieces of the roll insulation and packing them into the openings and gaps. In case there are hard-to-reach spots, then you can use an expanding spray insulation foam.
- Adding Trim Molding and Extension Jambs
It’s time to add molding to create a frame around your window. Measure the length of each piece and trim them to the appropriate length with a miter saw. Make sure that you cut the molding on 45-degree angles so that the trims fit together with a picture-frame appearance.
Then, attach the trim to the wall with the finish nails. You might also need to add a thin strip of jamb extension inside the original frame. This helps cover the gap between the drywall and the new window.
- Add the Finishing Touches
The last step is to finish off the framing of the window. Fill any nail holes with wood putty. Then, prime and paint the trip molding around the window for a nice, finished look.
Conclusion
Installing a new window can breathe new life into your home while ensuring energy efficiency and higher performance. You can always hire a professional to do the job. Nonetheless, with the above steps, you can easily remove an old window and successfully install a new one in its place, all on your own and saving on costs.