Windows are an extremely important part of every house. They can completely change how your house looks, from inside or outside. How amazing do those enormous windows that cover one entire wall look? They can also lower your electric bills by not letting the heat escape the room. But for them to be practical and aesthetically pleasing, they need to be of high-quality. Wooden frames look great, but they need to be maintained properly.
Replacing the windows on your own can be a demanding task, but it can be done if you have the knowledge, the right tools, and enthusiasm.
1. Be honest with yourself about your skills
For this project to go well, you need experience, skill, and knowledge. Different types require different levels of skill and experience. While a full-frame installation is more complex and time-consuming, installing a replacement window is a much easier task. It allows you to keep the original frame and trim, while a full-frame replacement means you’d have to take out everything. There are a lot of tutorials and DIY videos online that might help you figure out just how complex the process is and whether or not you should do it alone. If you have some friends or family members who are in the business, ask for advice.
2. Choose the right kind
There are many places where you can do the purchase. One store that allows you to place the order is Window e-store. All you should do is:
– Measure your openings
– Select the grade
– Choose the configuration and type, then input size, color, options, and quantity
– You can choose the delivery method
When measuring the window, make sure to accurately measure both the width and the height. Run the tape from one side to the other. Measure from the inside of one jamb to the inside of the opposite jamb. This will give you the width. The same goes for measuring the height, only do it vertically.
For a simple replacement, you want a window that goes by three different names: replacement, pocket, or insert window and it will easily fit into your existing frame. New-construction windows require some radical changes.
3. Have the right tools
You can find the lists of the necessary tools online or ask a professional and it will depend on the work you’re doing. Some of the most important pieces of equipment include
– Safety glasses
– Small pry bar
– Hammer
– Tape measure
– Level
– Power drill
– Utility knife
– Caulk gun
You can either buy the equipment that you don’t have or simply borrow it from friends or neighbors.
4. Do a rough install first
Before making any irreversible changes, put the window in the opening and see how it fits. Check how the shims fit and make the marks on the wall to see where they should go. Do this before any nailing, caulking, or similar.