New Replacement Windows

Building a Greener and Brighter Future

Getting Ready to Replace Windows

Replacing windows isn't a difficult task if you follow the rules. It doesn't take a lot of do it yourself know how to be able to do the job right. All you need is a little good information a little patience and the right materials. Most anyone can complete a window replacement job if they have just basic skills and are willing to learn what it takes.

Once you have decided to replace a window there are just a few basic things you need to know. The first thing you need to know is what type of window you will be replacing and what type of window you'll be replacing it with. You need to determine what type of window you have whether it is double hung, is it casement, is it single hung or is it some other type of window.

You'll also need to inspector your window to determine how much of your window would need to be replaced. Typically only the sashes are replaced it the framing is good. If the framing around your window is not salvageable a considerable amount of work will be involved in replacing your window. Closely inspect the framing around the sashes of your window. Look for cracking, checking or rotting of the wood that holds the sash in. If you find any of this, it may be you need to replace the window to its inner framing which is a much more difficult job and may cause damage to the inside and outside surfaces of your wall that will need to be repaired.

Once you have determined the condition of the framing around your window and whether it can be salvaged, you would then need to determine how large the window is. You need to be precise in how you measure your window for replacement. The better your measurement is the easier replacing your window will be.

To measure your window properly it may be necessary to remove the sash stops from one side of the window. Measure from the outside of the sash in several places from top to bottom, if the opening is square these measurements should be about the same within a small margin. Measure the sashes from bottom to top on both sides of the window.

Then take the measurement from corner to corner diagonally from both sides of the window. These diagonal measurements will give you a very good idea of how square the opening is. The closer these two measurements are the more square your window opening is. Typically these measurements should be the same or within one 8th to inch of each other. If they are more than that you may have difficulty replacing your window in the normal manner.

If you're unsure of how to make these measurements correctly, your local building supply company will usually have an expert who can help you. Measuring properly is without a doubt the most critical step into replacing your window. If the initial measurement is wrong everything else you do from that point on will be wrong as well and your window will not fit properly.