How To Install Vinyl Replacement Windows From Inside

Download Commodity

Download Article

Vinyl windows are a common and affordable type of window to install in your home. If your current windows are worn out or no longer function well, you can replace them and install new vinyl windows over the course of an afternoon, provided you have the right tools and supplies. A replacement window comprises jamb liners and sashes and will fit directly into the hole left by the old window.^[one] Brainstorm past removing the former windows from the wall and preparing the gap for the new windows.

1
Measure the width and summit of the window opening. Measure out the peak, the middle, and the lesser of the sometime window for width.^[two] Measure the right side, the left side, and the middle of the quondam window for superlative. Triple checking the measurements will ensure that yous purchase the correct size window.^[3]
- When purchasing your new vinyl replacement windows, always employ the smallest measurements. Otherwise, your window will be as well large for the hole.
2
Purchase a replacement window that fits the pigsty left by the old window. Replacement vinyl windows volition accept their dimensions clearly marked on the packaging.^[4] Buy a window at a local habitation-improvement shop, and make sure that information technology has 2 layers of glass for added insulation.^[five] For a correct fit, the replacement window should be approximately ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) narrower than the opening width and elevation. If your window measurements are in between sizes, round the measurement down.
- Measure the replacement window in three places with a tape measure to confirm that these measurements are correct. This will ensure that it fits in the window opening.
- If your windows are an unusual size and a corresponding size of replacement window is non in stock at the abode-comeback store, ask about custom ordering the vinyl windows.
Ad
3
Remove the inside trim, moldings, and stops with a broad chisel. Skid the broad chisel around the edges of the currently installed window. Wiggle the chisel dorsum and forth to loosen the paint and caulking betwixt the window frame and the sashing.^[6] And so, pull off the trim and molding.
- Once you've removed the trim and molding, don't throw it away. Salvage these items for later use.
- Not all windows have stops. If yours exercise non, don't worry. In this case, you only demand to remove the trim and moldings.
4
Remove old cords and weights from the lesser sash. Weights and balances are used on some older models of aluminum or vinyl windows, but non on most mod windows. Carefully remove these items from the frame, using a pair of scissors to cut the cords if needed.^[vii]
- You can throw old weights and cords abroad, since your new window volition come equipped with these items.
5
Pry out the parting stops at the top and sides of the window. Using your broad chisel once again, pry the stops away from the window frame. Once you lot've pulled the stops out, ready them aside. You lot'll reinstall them once the replacement window is in place.^[viii]
- Be certain non to damage existing stops or openings. Also be careful non to jam your chisel into the window frame, since you'll install the replacement window in the aforementioned location.
6
Remove the top and lesser sashes once the stops are out. The sashes should no longer exist held in identify against the window frame. Lift out the top sash first by pulling the bottom lip forward and out, abroad from the lower sash. Remove the lesser sash by pulling its upper lip upwards and outwards, straight towards your body.^[9]
- Dispose of the one-time sashes in one case you've removed them from the wall.
seven
Remove the securing staples that hold the aluminum tracks in place. If the existing window is fitted with aluminum tracks, use a pair of pliers to pull out the staples belongings the tracks in place. Once the staples are out, elevator out both the window sashes and the aluminum rails.
- If the tracks are held in identify with screws, remove the screws using a Philips-head screwdriver, then pull out the tracks.
Ad

ane

Scrape off any loose paint or stain. If the old window didn't come up out smoothly, there may be pigment remnants and loose caulk or expanding cream stuck to the window jambs. Run a paint scraper forth the interior and exterior surfaces of the door jamb. Go on the scraper at most a 30°angle and use house pressure level to scrape the jambs clean.^[10]
ii
Make certain that your replacement window fits in the frame. Close and lock the window sashes on the replacement window. Set the new window in the opening to verify that your earlier measurements were correct and the window fits snugly in the opening.^[11] Then, remove the window from the opening in your wall.^[12]
- If the replacement window doesn't fit correctly, return information technology to the hardware or home-comeback shop and buy the correct size.
3
Fill empty weight cavities with fiberglass insulation. You lot may detect that there are empty cavities on either side of the window frame one time you've pulled out the former window and removed the cords and weights. If this is the case, stuff fiberglass insulation into these gaps to prevent cold air from building up inside your walls.^[13]
- If y'all don't have fiberglass insulation already on manus, you lot can purchase it by the foot at a local hardware or home-improvement store.
4
Apply caulk to the inside and outside edges of the stool. Visit your local hardware store and buy one tube of professional-grade outside paintable caulk. Run a thin, even bead of caulk along the edges of the stool where it meets the window apron and the window sill. Too apply caulk to the outside blind-stops and along the pinnacle of the opening's header.^[14]
- Caulk will go along the stool of the window from existence damaged by water drops. It will also prevent drafts from entering.
Advertizement

1
Set the replacement window into the frame opening. Set the lesser of the window in get-go and lift the rest of the window up into place. To secure the window, barrel the outside window frame up against the opening blind stops. Do this from the interior wall side, and have care not to button the window articulate out the other side of the wall.^[15]
- Make sure that the sashes are still locked when you set the window in place.
2
Use a level tool to ensure that the window is level. The replacement window may not sit flat in the window hole as once you lot've ready it in place. To determine if it'due south level, set a level on the peak of the lower sash and look to come across if the indicator bubble floats to the center of the tube. Even if the window looks level, information technology may be off-kilter to a very slight degree.^[sixteen]
- If you don't have a level, purchase one at a local hardware store. The tool resembles a metal bar that's roughly 18 inches (46 cm) long.
3
Insert shims beneath the window until information technology sits flat and opens smoothly. Shims are nearly flat pieces of wood that slightly raise the level of one side of the window. If the installed window doesn't cleanly open and close or if it's not level, place one shim at a time beneath the low side to raise it up. To secure the frame, also place shims at the middle of the frame and at the center of the acme and bottom sashes.^[17]
- Once the shims are in identify and the window is square and opens and closes smoothly, snap off the shim stems.
4
Install shims behind screw holes. This will preclude the frame from becoming warped when you tighten the screws through the window and into the frame. Identify shims directly behind the jamb where each screw volition be inserted. When you insert the screws, they'll pass directly through the shims.^[18]
- If the ends of the shims stick out once you've screwed the window into identify, snap them off.
Advertisement

1
Use screws to secure the window to the opening in your wall. Near replacement vinyl windows are screwed in place. Take your replacement screws and install them through the screw holes in the window sashing. Align the screws with the pre-existing holes in the wooden window frame. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver until they're firmly in place.^[nineteen]
- The replacement window should have come up with screws for installation when yous purchased information technology. So, you won't demand to purchase these screws separately.
ii
Install insulation around the window between the frame and opening. Utilise low-force per unit area expanding cream fabricated from polyurethane. Shake the can and adhere the narrow tube as directed. Stick the point of the tube in the gaps around your installed window, and clasp the trigger until the gap is filled with foam. Be careful if y'all're using traditional expanding foam for the insulation, as installing too much insulation on top and bottom may cause window to bow.^[20]
- Insulation will cake drafts and keep the window from letting hot or cold air you're your home.
3
Reinstall the stops, trim, and molding that you removed before. Depending on the style of replacement vinyl windows that you purchased, these items may need to be screwed into identify, or they may be held in identify by pressure. If they need to be screwed in place, the screws will be included in the replacement window packaging.^[21]
- Work gently with the stops, since they're relatively delicate and tin can break easily.
four
Stain or pigment the interior surfaces of the window sash and frame. The exterior surface of replacement vinyl windows will already be finished. So, choose a color of stain or paint that you like and apply it to the exposed surfaces of the sash and frame. Expect viii-10 hours for the pigment to dry.^[22]
- If the showtime layer of stain or paint is besides translucent for your tastes, apply a second layer.
Advertising

Add together New Question

Question

How exercise yous gear up a broken balance on a vinyl window?

Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of feel, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an manufacture leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.

Window Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

Balances wear out over time. Look at the residuum itself and go the number that's stamped on it. Then, reorder balances from that postage. If it's a screw remainder, you need to have it out and measure that. Then, you'll need to measure and counterbalance the sash so you can become the length and weight for the window. Once you take that, just supplant the balances and your window will work like new.
Question

How long does it take to install an average window?

Depending on size, it could take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes. It also depends on how good the framing is - information technology it'due south bad, it volition accept longer.
Question

What is the average replacement time for a window?

If you are replacing an existing window, allow yourself about an hour to remove the old window and prep the RO (rough opening) for installation of a new window. Permit another xxx to 45 minutes to insulate and caulk the new window.

Inquire a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to become a bulletin when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

To avoid getting snowfall or pelting inside your home, it'south all-time to tackle this project on a sunny day with no chance of atmospheric precipitation.

E'er habiliment safety goggles, gloves, and a face mask during removal and installation of windows. Without these protective items, you lot could inhale sawdust or become a serious splinter in your mitt or heart.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Broad woods chisel
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat-headed screwdriver
Pliers
Level
Safety glasses
Caulk gun
Professional person grade exterior paintable caulk
Drill
Paint scraper
Expanding foam insulation

Near This Commodity

Article Summary 10

Installing a vinyl replacement window is relatively straightforward, and you can practise it in an afternoon provided yous have the correct tools. To start, y'all'll demand to remove the old window by removing the inside trim, moldings, and stops with a broad chisel. Then, pry out the parting stops at the tops and sides of the window, and remove the top and bottom panes. You should also use pliers to remove the securing stapes holding the aluminum tracks in place. Earlier you install the new window, scrape off whatsoever loose paint, stain, or caulk with a paint scraper so the window goes in smoothly. Then, apply a thin, even line of caulk to the inside and outside edges of the stool. Gear up the new window into the frame, putting the bottom in first and lifting the residue of the window up into place. To secure the window, screw it into the wall, so add insulation around the frame and opening. To learn how to gear up a window that's not opening smoothly, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 272,818 times.