Installing Insulated Windows
You can save a lot of money installing windows yourself. And if you choose to install insulated windows, you will have the satisfaction that comes with completing a home improvement project yourself that also saves on your energy costs.
Installing insulated windows requires basic tools and skills, and several hours of your time. Window replacement companies often charge five hundred dollars, or more, per window. The window itself usually costs about two hundred dollars, so the remaining overhead is simply that; labor and overhead. If you're thinking about installing insulated windows in your house, here are some great tips:
- Measure. Raise the sash of your existing window and measure the width at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom, noting the measurements on a piece of paper. Then measure the height of the window from the jamb to the sill. If you're replacing more than one window, measure all of the existing windows. Do not assume the measurements will all be the same.
- Remove. Pry away the inside stop. If your existing windows have outside stops, they are not removable, so do not try to remove them. Save the stops, as you can reuse them. Cut the ropes of the sash with heavy-duty scissors or a sharp knife, and remove the lower sash.
- Clean. Inspect the sill and window opening for wood cracks, defects, old caulking, and residue, and clean as necessary.
- Install. Set the new replacement window into the clean opening and check for a snug fit, ensuring that there are no gaps. Use shims or nail a strip of wood to fill gaps.
- Center. Just before screwing the window into place, center it with a carpenter's square and outside stops.
- Position. Pry away the blind stop, remove the upper sash, screw the window into place, ans then replace the inside stops.
- Inspect. Work the window up and down to ensure proper alignment and functionality. Once the new window works properly, caulk all around it to seal any gaps between the outside stop and the window.
Before replacing any window, always check the condition of existing frames. If you discover rot, or if the window frame is out of square, the entire unit may need to be replaced. If so, you might consider calling a professional window installer to tackle that job.
Author Bio
April Reinhardt
An administrator for a mutual fund management firm, April deals with the written word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attended Morehead State University to pursue a BA degree in Elementary Education. Learn more about April...
Must-Have Vegetable Garden Supplies
If you've ever planted a vegetable garden, then you know that regular maintenance is essential for growing vegetables ...
Discover More
Understanding Xeriscaping
We all understand that plants need water to grow, just as they need sun and proper nutrients. But you can conserve water ...
Discover More
Preparing Mushrooms for Cooking
Mushrooms, though they may look a little icky to many children, are a great ingredient for just about every kind of dish. ...
Discover More
More Home Improvement Tips
French Window Treatments
Window treatments are both decorative and functional. When choosing treatments for your French doors, remember that you ...
Discover More
Fixing a Broken Window
A broken window is a serious problem, which can be an extremely costly one. Here is how you can replace your own window ...
Discover More
Ideas for Window Treatments
Window treatments can add a lot of personality to a room. Consider your needs when deciding which type is best for your home.
Discover More
Comments