Wood Replacement Window Installation Tips
Key Tips for Installing Wood Window
Replacements
By Mark J. Donovan
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Over time wood windows fail
for one reason or another. Weather, careless sash painting, and/or
insects eventually make it so that the windows are inoperable. If your
wood windows have become inoperable or damaged you may want to
consider replacement windows. Replacement window installation is
affordable and relatively easy to do. If you are not personally up to
the task of installing replacement windows there are many companies
that provide this service.
When installing wood window
replacements it is important to measure the old windows properly and
accurately. |
If not, you will end up buying
replacement windows that will not fit your window sashes.
When measuring for replacement
windows use a tape measure to measure from side-to-side on the inside window
jamb. Make these measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the widow and
record the narrowest measurement. This measurement is the width number you will
use when ordering your replacement windows. You can always use shims to fill the
wider openings. However, you cannot insert a window that is wider than the
narrowest opening.
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Next measure the height from the
inside of the window sill (the top of the window sill) to the top of the
window jamb (the bottom face). Again, measure both sides and the middle and
record the shortest height. This is the height measurement you will use for
ordering your replacement window.
You can also check to see if the
window opening is square by measuring the diagonals from top to bottom of
the window frame. You can also use your carpenters square. |
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Once you have purchased your wood
window replacements it is best to paint them outside or in your garage as this
enables a much cleaner paint job and prevents the need from you having to climb
a ladder to paint the exterior edges.
To actually install the wood window
replacements first start by removing the window stop moldings on the inside of
the window sash. Note that you should first find out if lead paint was used on
the windows, and if so you may want to contact a lead abatement company before
installing the replacement windows. |
The window stops are located on the
sides of the window jambs. First use a utility knife to score along the edge of
the window stop where it is in contact with the window jambs. This breaks the
paint seal and helps for removing the window stop more easily.
You want to do this carefully using a
pry bar and your hands. It is best to start in the middle and work your way
outwards.
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Once you have pulled the window
stops out of the old window frame remove the nails with a pair of line
pliers and literally pull them through the window stops from the back side.
Do not use a hammer to pound the nails out the way they came in, as you will
damage the wood quite severely.
After removing the window stops you can then easily pull out the old windows
and install the new replacement windows.
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Photo by Mark Donovan |
Once the replacement windows have
been inserted into the window jambs with the counterweights connected to them
you can then reinstall the window stop moldings.
Finally, use a little wood filler on
the nail holes associated with the window stop molding and then repaint them.
For information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and
install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
Get Free Replacement Window Price Quotes,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on replacement windows from one of our prescreened and licensed window contractors. This
process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your
window replacement price estimate.
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