[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe5ddlJBI8c]Replacing the windows in your home is one of the most significant improvements that can be made to it. It will help to add to the curb appeal and energy efficiency of the home, as well as adding to your own personal comfort when living in the home from day-to-day.
Choosing Certainteed replacement windows gives you a quality option that can be installed by the homeowner, with the right tools and some basic installation skills.
The first thing that you should do when installing replacement windows in your home is to gather all of your tools together. Having the tools that you need at your fingertips will help to reduce installation time significantly. Some of the basic tools that are needed for this job include a hammer, prybar, tape measure, cordless drill/screwdriver, drill bits, utility knife, caulking gun, paint scraper and putty knife. Have these tools prepared and available for the day of the installation.
The old sash that is on the window frame needs to be removed. You will either need to pry it off of the frame or unscrew it, depending upon the prior installation. You also need to remove the jamb liners, especially if the windows had been replaced at some time in the past. If you are replacing original windows in the home, you should leave the exterior and interior casings in place. Be cautious when removing the old window and have somebody to help you handle it to reduce the possibility that it will break.
Prepare the frame for the new window by filling any holes, removing old blistered paint and sanding the jams until they are smooth. Use primer and a high quality paint to further prepare the surfaces. Remove the old sash carefully.
Insulate the window properly with low pressure expansion foam and caulking in preparation for installing the new window. This will help to reduce energy transference around the building envelope, which can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of the replace the window.
Put the new window into place and fastened it loosely in position. Add shims to adjust the new frame for a smooth operation. After finalizing the attachment of the window in place, caulk the edges and add any finishing touches, such as priming and painting the area around the frame.
Sources:
- Carl Seville, “Should we insist that our contractor use expanding foam insulation around our new windows?” by Green Home Guide: ”http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/should-we-insist-that-our-contractor-use-expanding-foam-insulation-around-our-new-windows.
- “Certainteed Windows” by AAA Windows 4 Less: http://www.aaawindows4less.com/certainteed-windows/.
