Window installation replacement is a complicated project that requires a lot of time and experience. It is not recommended that you do this yourself unless you have the proper tools, which include power drills, circular saws, and levelers.

Fill the window weight pockets with insulation to reduce energy loss. It is also recommended that you caulk the edges of the window to further enhance its functionality and protect your home from air leaks.

Preparation

Before any work is done on the window installation replacement, it’s important that you have a clear working area. Make sure that the window professionals are able to access the area easily by moving furniture and any other items located in close proximity of the windows. This will help prevent them from having to deal with obstructions and may also keep your valuables safe from any accidental damage that could be caused during the window installation process.

You will need to remove any curtains, drapes or other window treatments from all the windows that are being replaced. You should also take down wall hangings, pictures and other decorations that might get in the way of the installers’ work on the day of the window installation.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that the window opening is clean and free of debris, nails, loose trim, dirt, dust and other materials. If the new window is wider than the existing one, you will need to prepare the frame by installing flashing tape. The purpose of this is to shed water that makes its way between the sheathing and the exterior trim of your home.

Using a heat gun, the crew will start by heating up the caulking around the window. This will allow it to become flexible and then they can start to pull out the old window. The crew will also use the heat gun to warm up any glazing bead (aka glass stop) that is holding the glass in place. Once this is done the glass can be removed and the adhesive used to hold the window in will be sanded down to reveal the bare wood.

Installation

A high-quality contractor will take the time to walk through the scope of the window replacement project with you and reconfirm any details. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any last-minute questions.

Next, the window installation crew will place drop cloths or tarps where needed to protect floors, furniture and carpeting from dust. They’ll also set up barriers inside and outside the work area if you have flowers or shrubs you wish to preserve. They’ll also clean up the work areas and haul away job-related debris.

Then they’ll remove the sash from the old window, starting at the top and working down. They’ll take out the sash weights or springs (if there are any), and they’ll cut off the plastic covers that cover the sash springs near the top of the frame.

Once the window is positioned, the installers will use a level to make sure that it lines up with the opening and that the sashes are even with the frame. They’ll also place shims at the meeting rails if necessary to correct alignment.

They’ll then finish the frame with a bead of caulk along the bottom edge and six inches up each side, and install a sheet of weatherproofing tape to shed rainwater from the sides of the sill. They’ll also nail the trim pieces in place using small finishing nails, then stain or paint them to match your home’s style.

Final Inspection

A good window contractor will schedule a technical appointment before starting work on your replacement windows. This is a chance for them to walk through the scope of your project with you and to reconfirm any details that were discussed during the initial consultation. It is also a good time for you to ask any questions that you may have.

Once the new window has been installed, the crew will carefully inspect it to make sure everything is correct. They will check for sashes that move freely, tight seals around the perimeter of each window, and proper shimming to ensure that the window is level and square in the frame. They will also test the operation of each window by opening and closing it several times to make sure that there are no problems with sagging or binding.

The crew will then finish the cleanup work and haul away the old windows. They will also review the warranty with you and make sure that you understand how to operate your new replacement windows properly. A high-quality window company will also take the time to show you how to care for your new windows and doors. This is important because it will help ensure that your investment in the home improvement is protected. It will also provide you with peace of mind that your new replacement windows will last for many years to come.

Maintenance

Keeping your windows clean, lubricated and operating smoothly will help them last longer and keep them looking as good as new. It’s a good idea to follow maintenance procedures recommended by your window company.

The window installation process varies depending on the type of wall opening, materials used on your walls and more. In general, replacement windows are installed using two methods.

Full tear-out with stucco cutback

When you have a wood-framed house with stucco or siding, this is the most common installation method for replacement windows. The original window frame is cut back 3″ around the nail fin to expose it, and the new window is then screwed into place. A new moisture barrier is then installed and the stucco repaired to make sure the window looks original.

Jump frame

Some replacement windows are designed to fit right over the old window, hiding it from view. We call these “jump frames.” The original window screen, sashes, glass and dividing bars are removed from the frame. The glazing bead, which is glued to the edge of the glass and holds it in place, will need to be heated to soften before it can be separated from the window.

Once the new window is in place, we use a level to check that it is square and the corners are straight. We then insert shims under the sill and behind the side jambs to adjust the window until it opens, closes and locks perfectly.