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Whether an errant baseball has knocked out the glass, a lifetime’s worth of stains and smudges have covered the surface, or you just want a fresh view whenever you look outside your home, replacing a window isn’t all that hard to do. It can take a bit of measuring and some work with the tools, but there is no reason why you wouldn’t be able to replace a window in your house without too much trouble.
Here’s all you need to do in order to get your window replaced, and soon that will be another thing you can add to the list of tasks around the house you can successfully pull off.
Determine What Window You Are Replacing
Whether you perform the installation yourself or have someone do it for you, you need to know what type of window you are replacing. Window Installation in Augusta GA works with two main types of windows: A full-frame window and an insert replacement window. For a full-frame window replacement, you need to take out the existing window pane and trim, while an insert replacement window lets you keep the trim and the frame.
Make sure you know which type of window you are replacing before you start, because it will save you a headache in the long run.
Measure Your Replacement Windows
No matter what type of replacement window you happen to be installing, you need to measure the dimensions of the window in order to make sure you are installing the correct size replacement. So measure from the width of the old window frame across the top, middle, and bottom and record the smallest measurement.
Then you need to measure the height of the frame from the top of the windowsill to the underside of the head jamb to the left jamb, the middle, and the right, and record the smallest measurement.
You should also make a measurement of the frame’s squareness by measuring the diagonals from corner to corner, and also use an angle-measuring tool to measure the slope of your windowsill.
Remove The Sashes and Prepare The Frame
Then you need to remove the old sash from the window frame, and either pry off or unscrew the interior wooden stops (be careful with them as they do break easily if you want to reinstall them). Then remove the old sashes from the window frame and also remove any trim and casing as well.
Then once you prepare the frame by fixing any cracks and sanding the jambs until they are smooth, you can install the window.
Installing The Window
To slide the window into place, you just need to place the bottom of the new window against the sill, and then tip it upward until it rests in place against the exterior casings. Hold the window in place with a screw drilled in through the upper side jamb of the window and into the framing, before locking the sash.
If needed you can insert shims underneath the sill until it is centered in place and closes and locks smoothly. Then measure the window from corner to corner diagonally and if the measurements are the same you can screw the window into the frame to hold it steady. Then you just need to fill any gaps with caulk for the outside and expanding foam for the inside and do any priming or painting you think is needed.
What If I Want To Change the Size Or Shape Of The Window?
Measurements are very important to windows and if you are content with the size and shape of your windows, then you might find that replacing a window is very easy for you. However, if you decide that you want some windows that have a different size or shape than you have, replacing a window can be very hard for you.
Proper installation is extremely important if you decide that you want a window opening increased, decreased, or reshaped, that is whenever you need to find and work with an expert. Because if you make a mistake while correcting your windows, then it can cause a lot of problems with the structure of your house.
Additionally, your window won’t live up to its full potential in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and durability… so if you aren’t sure if you can properly install a window, then you should get a professional to help you out.
How Do I Maintain A Window?
Finally, once you have your windows fully installed, then you need to maintain them so you won’t need to replace your windows so often. So make sure to inspect your windows regularly, especially after an event like a massive storm or a dip into freezing temperatures. You don’t want any cracks or damage to go unnoticed if you aren’t prepared to have a massive problem.
Additionally, you should also make sure to clean your glass windows every couple of years, and make sure to clean and lubricate the areas where your windows open so they don’t get stuck. You should also take a look at the caulking and the finish around your windows so they don’t become too damaged as well, and repair or replace it as quickly as you can so rot doesn’t develop.
Once You Replace The Window, You Will See A Brand New World!
While replacing and maintaining a window can be hard and you might find that you need to put in some elbow grease, you will be able to look outside and see the world in a new light. Much like cleaning a fresh pair of glasses and then putting them on to see that the world is much brighter, you will be able to have that same feeling whenever you look outside your new windows and see the world.
So don’t be afraid to replace your windows, either by yourself or with the help of a professional, and then allow them to work their magic in your home!