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How We Do Window Installations

The thought of having to replace all of your home’s windows can be overwhelming. Cost estimates can be improved by considering relevant factors like window style, material, and installation site. Replacement of a standard double-hung window costs around $600 on average, but can run as high as $1,200.

Calculating the approximate cost of a window replacement for your home is a good first step before you start contacting professionals to provide you with estimates. Materials and labor costs are affected by a wide variety of variables.

To replace a double-hung vinyl window, you can anticipate spending between $600 and $950, with labor costing an additional $100 to $300 per window. The going rate for a window installer or general contractor is about $40 an hour. An expert crew of window installers will need about an hour to finish a ground-floor installation of double-hung windows.

If you take care of your windows, they should last you anywhere from 15 to 25 years. Replacement windows typically yield between 71% and 78% of the initial investment upon resale, making them one of the most profitable home improvement projects possible.

Window Replacement Options

Vinyl replacement windows come in two varieties: full-frame windows and insert windows.

Full-Frame Replacement Windows

Replace the entire existing window all the way down to the house frame
Replace the entire existing window all the way down to the house frame
More difficult project because interior and exterior trims, as well as siding, must be removed.

Pocket or Insert Replacement Windows

Only replace existing sashes with smaller windows that fit inside existing frames
Existing frames must be in good condition
Because your existing trims and siding aren’t removed, this method is more user-friendly than full-frame replacements.

This project will walk you through the process of replacing a window insert or pocket window on the exterior of a house. Some replacement windows can be installed from either the inside or outside. To get specific instructions for your windows, consult the manufacturer’s documentation.

How to Measure for Replacement Windows

Using a tape measure, determine the height and width of the pocket opening.
Take the measurement inside the existing frame rather than between the stops that keep the sashes in place (you’ll need to open the lower sash to get the measurement).
Measure the height of the window at the left, middle, and right.
Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom.
When ordering your windows, use the smallest height and width measurements possible.

Do not proceed until you have received your new windows and measured them all to ensure that they will fit.

How to Remove the Old Window

The process of removing your window may differ depending on its design. For the window installation project we will be describing below; however, taking the existing windows out from the outside will be much more efficient.

Step 1: Take out the Storm Windows

Remove any storm windows you may have. Some storm windows can be lifted out of their channels and removed. Others may necessitate the removal of screws that hold them in place.

Step 2: Score the Window Edge

With a utility knife, score along the edge of the storm window frame, then remove the screws and frame with a pry bar or putty knife. A paint multi-tool (also known as a 5-in-1 tool) is also useful for this step.

Step 3: Take out the sash weights or springs

You may need to remove sash weights or sash springs from older windows.

If you have weights on your windows, cut the cords and let the weight fall inside the frame.
Carefully remove any sash springs from your window. Raise the sash near the window’s top. The springs might have plastic covers. Cut and remove them if possible. If you can’t get them off, they’ll break off once the springs are removed. Take out the screws that are holding the springs in place.

Step 4: Determine Stops

Identify any existing window stops. Stops hold the sashes in place in old wooden windows: interior stops, parting stops between the two sashes, and exterior stops. Remove the interior stops and leave the exterior stops in place if you’re installing from the inside. Remove the exterior stops but leave the interior stops in place if you’re installing from the outside, as in our project.

Step 5: Remove Stops and Score

Score where the stops meet the frame with a utility knife. You may be able to pry them free. If you can’t cleanly pry the stops off, they’re probably embedded within the frame and must be cut with an oscillating saw. Allow the saw blade to do the work while keeping an eye out for nail locations. Remove the top sash first, followed by the parting stop and the lower sash.

Step 6: Fill Holes and Attach New Pieces for Stability

Fill any holes with wood filler and make sure the area where you’ll screw the new window into the frame is solid wood for stability. Remove any damaged or rotten wood and replace it with new wood. Screws and wood glue are used to secure new pieces.

How to Install the New Window

Step 1: Clean Your Window Opening

Clean the window opening. If necessary, use a shop vacuum to remove any dust and debris.

Step 2: Put on the Flashing Tape

Tape the sill with flashing tape. Flashing tape serves as a barrier between the wood and galvanized metal components such as joist hangers. It also helps to seal deck fasteners and prevents moisture penetration, eliminates splitting caused by freeze and thaw, and provides a non-skid surface to make installation safer. The flashing tape should extend up the vertical leg of the stool and fit the length of the sill (the bottom ledge of the interior side of the window). Make sure to work it into the stool’s corner.

Step 3: Check that the sill is level

Make sure the sill is level and there is no bowing. Shims can be used to level the sill if necessary. Ensure that they are properly leveled and secured with screws and flashing tape to prevent movement.

Step 4: Install Your New Window

Dry-fit the replacement window into the opening. A small gap should occur around the frame. Set aside the window.

Step 5: Apply Caulk

Apply 3/8-inch bead of silicone caulk to the interior head (top of the frame), stops, and sill.

Step 6: Install and Secure the Window

Place the window in the opening, pressing it firmly against the caulk and resting it against the interior stops. To secure the window, insert shims into the pre-drilled frame screw holes. Screw into the holes and through the shims from the inside.

Step 7: Examine the Sashes

Make sure the sashes are evenly spaced in the frame. To adjust the frame of the new window, use additional shims at the meeting rails (the horizontal frame elements on the sashes that meet when the window is closed).

Step 8: Check That Your Window Is Even

Check the window for plumb (straight up and down), level, and square, and make sure it works properly. Shims can be used to make any necessary adjustments. When everything is in place, remove any remaining shims.

Step 9: Fill in the Blanks

Apply spray foam insulation recommended for windows into the gaps around the window from the outside. Fill in the gaps sparingly. For more information, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. To ensure that your house window replacement is airtight and waterproof, fill larger gaps with backer rod weather-stripping. Avoid using batt insulation because it can absorb water.

Step 10: Determine Your Height

To size the sill adapter, measure the height from the bottom of the window to the sill.

Step 11: Remove the Sill Adapter

Cut the sill adapter to the proper width with a sharp utility knife.

Step 12: Drill Weep Holes

Weep holes are small holes that allow water to drain. Drill two weep holes in the adapter’s bottom and then secure it to the window.

Step 13: Install Trim

Install exterior trim around the window frame with finish nails, and use a nail set to finish driving the nails to avoid denting the trim. Seal the trim’s edges with latex caulk, being careful not to cover the weep holes. Wood putty should be used to fill any visible nail holes, and the trim should be painted as needed.

Step 14: Caulk the Interior

To finish the installation, apply latex caulk along the interior trim.

Hiring a Professional

DIY window replacement is tempting, but we at Window Replacement Group advise hiring a professional instead. Contractors can save a lot of money by buying the windows in bulk, rather than at retail. Additionally, they can help you make sure you have taken into account all applicable local codes and ordinances and are better prepared for any unexpected challenges you may face on the job.

It’s recommended to get multiple quotes from contractors or authorized installers so you can pick the best one. The material price and an estimated labor price for the install should be included in all bids.

If any issues, like mold or rotting wood, are found during the inspection, our surcharges will be listed as well. Included with the warranty policy for the work done should be information on the cost of building permits, site protection, and clean-up.