A Straightforward Guide On How To Replace A Window

If you’re the DIY type of person that needs to get window replacement in Edmonton done, it always helps to have a straightforward guide to assist you. 

If you’re considering window replacement in Edmonton on your own because you’ve received a couple of extremely high quotes that are out of your budget, then it always helps to have a guide that provides you with instructions on how to do it. While window replacement can be a complicated process if you’ve never had the chance to learn it before, it can be a fulfilling one in knowing you were able to do it yourself.

Installing windows yourself follows similar methods to how a window contractor would do it. As expected, a professional window contractor would do the job in probably under half of the time and with better results.

New Construction Windows In Comparison To Replacement Windows

New Construction Windows

With new construction windows, there will be fins attached along the perimeter of the window where you will be nailing through into the exterior of the house. These windows are specifically designed for installing on new homes or homes that are undergoing large renovations on the exterior.

You can usually get new construction windows in any builder’s supply store that you visit. You can also get them customized depending on your wants and needs out of the window.

Replacement Windows

Replacement windows are commonly referred to as insert windows or pocket windows. There aren’t any fins attached to the perimeter of the window that you’ll be nailing into. Installing replacement windows doesn’t require as much construction knowledge as new construction windows because they don’t require a frame around the window to be built.

The Do-It-Yourself Window Replacement Process

If you know someone that has ever done window replacement before, it always helps to ask them for assistance while you’re doing it. Some windows are large and difficult to handle, so you’ll want to always have someone help you lift them from point A to point B for an added measure of safety.

Keep Note

Window replacement is something that not everyone should consider doing. If you have no previous construction knowledge at all, it’s always best to get a professional window contractor to do the installation. Many things can go wrong, and windows are an expensive product that you don’t want to mistakenly install. Doing so could lead to a lot of money being wasted, among other things.

What Are The Pros Of DIY Window Replacement?

• You’ll save money on labor

• You’ll reap the satisfaction in knowing you were able to do it yourself

Cons Of Window Replacement On Your Own

• The windows aren’t always convenient to get

• Figuring out sizing can be complicated

• Weathertight windows are tricky to install properly if you’ve never done it before

DIY Window Replacement

Installing windows comes with a deep learning curve. The first window you install might seem like an eternity. After the first window, you’ll begin to get faster for each subsequent window you install and will realize that it’s just like everything else in life. The more you do it the faster you get at it. Choose a warm and dry day to install your new windows so you’re not fighting against the elements.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you’re replacing your windows. Some tools you’ll need are:

• Circular saw

• Cordless drill

• Level

• Hammer

• Caulking gun

• Tape measure

• Window

• Nails

• Shims

• Window trim

Window Replacement Steps

Measure Window Space

To measure the window space, you take a tape measure and start it at the inside of one window jamb and measure to the window jamb at the other side. The smallest measurement is the one you’ll be going with. If there are gaps, they can be filled in later in the process.

Take Off The Trim And Window Stops

Ensure to be delicate when you’re taking out the old window. You won’t want to cause any additional damage to parts of your home. Keep the window stops and the window trim because you might use them later.

Get the replacement window and begin putting it into the window opening to determine if it fits nicely in place with the shims. If you notice that the gaps are too large, a new window might be required.

Install The Window

Put some caulking on the sill of the window and then insert the window in place. Always use a square to ensure that the four corners of the window are square. Ensure that there is about an inch gap around the perimeter of the window while it is on the shims. Get your screws and begin screwing in on the bottoms, tops, and sides of each jamb. Don’t go overboard on tightening up the screws. 

Give The Window A Test

After you have the window in place, ensure that the sashes are sliding smoothly. If they are tight, make sure you make the necessary adjustment with the adjustment screws. If things are still too tight, you might potentially have to thin down the shims a bit.

Caulk And Trim

Insert caulk along with the interior of the window and then install your window trim surrounding the window.

Consider Hiring A Professional If Things Don’t work

Window replacement is a tough task to get perfect the first time you try it. Window contractors do it for a living and know the process so well that they can do a complete home window installation in a couple of hours. They are accurate in all of their measurements, and that’s one of the things that many DIY people mistake when they are installing windows.

A professional window contractor will also know what windows work best for certain window openings. As you might expect, the labor will be the majority of the costs involved. The costs can range from $150 to $800 per window depending on what contractor you go with.

Window replacement in Edmonton is a good way to increase the energy efficiency of your home while also increasing its resale value at the same time.