Old, single-pane
windows waste energy, require a lot of maintenance and are often difficult
to operate. New, vinyl replacement windows are at the opposite end of
the spectrum. They have many energy efficient features, are virtually
maintenance-free and operate smoothly for years. Do yourself and your
home a favor; replace those old, inefficient windows with new ones today.
Installation only takes about 45 minutes per window and you probably already
have all the tools for the job. Lowe's is happy to provide this information
as a service to you.
It is important
to have accurate measurements for every window in your home. Accurate
measurements ensure that your windows fit
properly for maximum energy savings and ease of installation.
Take all measurements from inside your home.
Inside View of Existing Window Be sure to measure all the way to the jambs on the left and
right. Measuring only to the stops would cause your new windows
to be too narrow.
To find
the width, measure from the inside of the jamb on one side of the window
to the inside of the jamb on the other side of the window. Measure at
the bottom, middle and top of the window. Use the narrowest measurement
for the width of your replacement window.
To find
the height, measure from the top of the sill to the bottom of the window's
head jamb. Measure at the left, middle and right of the window. Use
the shortest measurement for the height of your replacement window.
Using the
smallest measurements ensures that the replacement window will fit inside
the existing window frame.
Since the
replacement windows fit inside the existing window frame, you only have
to remove the sashes, parting bead and inside stop from the existing window.
To make the project easier and safer, install your new windows from inside
your home.
Remove
the inside stop pieces from the window. Take care when removing these
pieces; you will reuse them when installing the new windows.
Remove
the inside sash. If the old window uses weights, cut the sash cords
or chains. Let the weights fall to the bottom of their wells and simply
leave them there.
Slide
the outside sash to the bottom of the window. Remove and discard the
parting beads. Remove the outside sash in the same manner as the inside
sash. Do not remove the exterior stop from the window jambs. These stops
will retain the replacement window when you install it.
Clean
the window jambs and sill thoroughly. If the old window had weights,
either drive the pulleys into the frame or remove them entirely. Fill
any holes in the jambs or sill with caulk.
Poorly installed
or adjusted windows waste energy and are difficult to operate, so take
your time installing and adjusting your new window.
Lay a
bead of caulk along the inside of the outside stops on the jambs. Mark
the sill for the sill angle. Caulk and install the sill angle.
Center
the top and bottom sashes vertically in the new window frame. Slide
the bumper stops toward the center of the frame until the four mounting
holes in the side jambs (two top and two bottom) are visible.
Place
the header, also called the expander, on top of the window and caulk
its top.
Put
the header in place and secure it with the small screws provided
with the window.
Place
the window in the opening and check for square. If the window is not
square in the opening, shim as needed to square it. Install the mounting
screws at the top and bottom of each side jamb. Do not install the screws
so tightly that they deform the side jambs.
Slide
the header up so that it seals any gap between the top of the new window
and the old frame. Use the screws provided with the window to secure
the header in place.
Slide
the top and bottom sashes up and down to check for gaps and smooth operation.
If the sashes do not operate smoothly, use the built-in adjustment screws
in the side jambs to adjust the window frame. Precise adjustment varies
by manufacturer, so refer to the manufacturer's notes for specific adjustment
instructions.
Caulk
the inside of the window and reinstall the inside stops.
Energy
efficient windows and doors not only help retain comfortable air temperatures
inside, but they can help with appropriate moisture control and reduce
the level of noise coming from outdoors. An ENERGY STAR qualified
window or door product meets climate-appropriate specifications that
help keep your home cool in summer months and warm in winter months.
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These How-To's are provided as a service from Lowe's, the Original Home Improvement Warehouse of How-To information for the World Wide Web. The information in Lowe's "How-To" clinics is intended to simplify jobs around the house. Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.
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