 |
Replacement Window Installer Offers Advice
by Robert Clarke
http://www.contractorsusa.info/replacement-window-installer.html
Are you thinking about taking on a good do-it-yourself home
improvement project? With some simple tools and a few tips
from a professional installer, you can take on the job of
installing your own vinyl replacement windows.
Advantages
The newer vinyl replacement windows have many benefits to
offer owners of older homes. First of all, it's all but
impossible to find stock windows at your local lumber yard
or home improvement center that fit the measurement of the
openings from your old windows. Since the newer vinyl
replacement windows are made-to-order, the size you get
will be a perfect fit.
Another advantage to considering vinyl replacement windows
is, you don't have to cut the window existing opening
bigger to accommodate a larger window or patch the inside
walls and siding because the new window is smaller than the
old opening. Since the new replacement windows will be
built to fit your existing openings, no other major
alterations need to happen. Usually, a little caulking and
some minor touch-up painting is all that's necessary.
Some other important advantages of installing new vinyl
replacement windows are also inviting. You can expect some
energy savings on your fuel bill because of the better
insulating properties of thermo pane glass. The glass can
also be tinted to reflect heat or to block UV rays. You'll
love the tilt-in panes for easy cleaning. No more risky
trips up the ladder. Newer windows usually have fewer
problems with condensation in winter time because of the
better insulating properties of the newer glass panes.
Measuring
You'll need to take an exact measurement, height and width
of each window frame to be replaced. Put a small piece of
masking tape on each window and give it a number for
identification. Write the number of each window on a list,
along with the height and width measurements for each
window. Tell your window supplier to tag each window
ordered with the corresponding number from your list. This
will be a great time saver later on when the windows
arrive. You'll know exactly where each window goes.
When measuring, use a carpenters framing square to check
each window for square. If a window is 1/8th inch out of
square, you'll need to deduct 1/8th inch from your
measurement(s). Use a small level also to check for level
and plumb. If the top and bottom of the window opening are
level, yet the opening is out of square, there's a good
chance that the side openings are not plumb. If the side
opening is 1/8th inch out of plumb, deduct 1/8th inch from
the "width" measurement. Usually, your window supplier can
give you a printed sheet with their measuring and ordering
guidelines. Don't worry; most windows are built with
sliding top or side moldings to make up for out of square
openings.
Installation
It's best if you have a helper, at least someone to hold
the window in place while you attach the mounting screws.
>From inside the home, use a flat pry bar to remove the stop
moldings on the sides and top of the window. Pull the
bottom sash inside. You'll have to cut the weighted ropes
on each side to release the window. The lead weights will
then drop down inside the wall cavity. Don't worry, you
won't need them. Once the bottom sash is out, remove the
top sash the same way. Use a paint scraper to clear away
any paint chips that might prevent the new window frame
from sitting properly. You should then brush and vacuum any
debris and dust from the opening.
Slide the new window into the opening to check the fit. If
all looks good, remove the window and prepare the opening
for installation. Each window manufacturer may have their
own specific instructions for installation. Generally,
you'll want to run a bead of caulking on the sill and sides
for the new window to "set" in. Most windows will have pre-
drilled openings in the sides for mounting screws, which
are also usually provided.
Next, set the new window back into the opening. Press the
unit forward to rest against the outside window stop
moldings. Check the window for plumb on the sides. Use
wooden shims to move the unit as needed. Once the frame is
plumb in the opening, check it with your framing square.
Again, shim as needed to get the unit square.
The next thing you'll want to check is that the unit is
plumb, from inside, to outside. Again, use wooden shims to
force your new window unit into plumb. You'll also want to
take note where the mounting screws will go and put wooden
shims in, as necessary, to fill any voids where screws will
be placed. After installing the mounting screws, check each
window for smooth operation. You may find it necessary at
this point, to remove or add shims for proper operation of
the window.
After you are comfortable with the operation of each unit,
you'll want to slide the extension moldings on the top and
sides, to take up any extra space. You can then apply a
bead of caulk around all four sides of the window, inside
and out.
Summary
To install new vinyl replacement windows is not rocket
science. With these tips, some simple tools and printed
instructions from your supplier, you can easily install
your own vinyl replacement windows.
About The Author
Robert Clarke has operated several home improvement
companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of
ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral
service at http://www.contractorsusa.info/ . Get more
information about vinyl replacement windows at
http://www.contractorsusa.info/replacement-window-
installer.html
Submit An Article
|
|  |
