If you own a house, replacing your windows and doors will almost certainly be on your to-do list at some point in the future. Old, single-pane windows can significantly increase your utility expenditures, and an old, outdated style window can affect the overall look of your home. While replacing an entire house’s worth of windows may not be feasible in a weekend, replacing a single window may be completed in a single day and make a significant impact. In order to replace a window, you will need various materials, like gloves, safety glasses, nails and screws, hammer, drill, expanding foam, flat bar and of course, the window itself just to name a few. The process of replacing a window is not as complicated as you think, here is how you do it.

Measure and Buy Window You Prefer

Begin by locating a window that is appropriate for your home. This isn’t always straightforward because each window is unique and many are custom constructed. Replacement windows are available in a number of sizes, with many designed to fit into an existing frame, but there is no assurance that the size you want will be available. Custom windows are also a possible option for you, but they may be costly and have extensive wait times, so it is best to prepare ahead. In other circumstances, modifying the current frame or coming up with another inventive solution may be essential. Before purchasing a replacement window, you must measure the frame dimensions of your current window. Examine the outside trim and make a note of what needs to be replaced. Furthermore, it is best to take note of the location of your window. You must be aware of certain qualities of the location because this will help you narrow down your possible options for a new window. For example, vertical windows cannot replace horizontal windows and vice versa.

Remove Current Window

Now that you’ve discovered your new window, it’s time to get rid of the old one. The window will be removed from the exterior in most situations of conventional construction, but because each window is unique, the necessary processes may vary. To begin, remove any flashing, trim, or brick moulding with a hammer and flat bar. Once these items have been removed, begin working on the window. Pry at the nail points with a flat bar until the window comes free. Before installing the new window, examine the surrounding wood frame to ensure it is sturdy.

Install Replacement Window

To start off, remove the screen and sashes before sliding the window into position. This facilitates frame movement and helps avoid material destruction. Then, insert the glass window into the aperture and use a level to ensure that it is level and straight. Next, slide wooden fasteners around the frame as needed to keep it in place. When you’re happy with how the window rests, fasten the window with screws along the flange. Before proceeding, replace the sashes to ensure that the window operates correctly. If this is not the case, the screws may need to be removed and the shims adjusted accordingly. Once installed, seal wide gaps around windows and doors with expanding foam and seal minor ones with silicone.

Install Exterior and Interior Trims

Because every home is unique and has a distinct outside finish, you must install the exterior trim for your window based on its design and specifications of. Once your trim is in place, it is recommended that you spray exterior-grade silicone around it to keep moisture and pests out, but leave the weep holes unimpeded. These small pores allow moisture to travel through the frame, preventing water from gathering in the window tracks. If required, prime and paint the moulding with exterior-grade paint. After all of that, replace any interior trim that was taken off to replace the window and seal the area using siliconized latex caulk. Once the caulk has dried, just paint over it and appreciate your new window.

Replacing your window is necessary at least once in a while for all homeowners. No matter what the reason may be, the general process of installing window replacements does not change. To replace your old window with a new one, you must first measure and buy a new window, then, you remove your current one to install the new one and finally, you install the exterior and interior trims. By following these steps, the process of changing your windows will be done quickly without any stress.