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Home Improvement > Doors & Windows > How to Install a Replacement Window

Improve the Energy Efficiency of the Windows in Your Home

As heating and cooling costs continue to rise, it is more important than ever to ensure that as many of your home's features as possible are energy efficient. One great place to start is with the windows. Replacing your old single pane glass windows with new, top of the line, energy efficient replacement windows is a project that you can do yourself, and one that will pay for itself over time with the money saved in energy expenses.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

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Step
1

Remove the Storm Windows

Start by removing the sashes from the storm windows. This step must be done from inside of the house. Once the sashes have been removed, move to the outside of the house to remove the frame. The frame of an aluminum storm window is generally held in place with screws. If you are able to back these screws out, then do so and the frame will come out easily. If the exterior of the frame has been painted over, then you may have difficult time removing the screws. A simple tool like a GraBit is a easy way to solve this problem.
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Step
2

Remove the Old Window

Using a utility knife, cut through the old paint and caulk that cover the seam between the jamb and the sash stop. Once you created a small crack, use a putty knife and a pry bar to remove the stops. Take care to remove them slowly and carefully, as these can be reused to install the new window. Once all of the stops have been removed, the entire frame, with the sashes, can be pulled out of the opening as one piece.
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Step
3

Prepare the Opening

Begin this step by dry fitting the window in the opening to make sure it fits correctly. You will also want to check the sill to make sure that it is level. Don't worry if the sides of the opening are slightly out of level, as this difference can be made up with shims in a later step. You will also want to seal the sill against any water that might penetrate it during this step. Apply a bead of silicone caulk in both bottom corners, and then seal the entire sill and about 6 inches up both sides with foil tape.
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Step
4

Set the New Window into Place

Before you set the new Window into place, apply a bead of silicone sealant to the inside facing edge of the outside stop. Squeeze another bead along the edge of the stoop, where the new window will set into the sill. Set the bottom edge of the window into place first, and then tip the frame upright and into place. Push it firmly against the outside stops to create a tight seal with the silicone that you applied there.
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Step
5

Secure the Window in the Jamb

Before screwing the window into place, double check to make sure it is still square. After this is confirmed, begin installing shims, first at the top, then the bottom, then the middle. As you install the shims, pay attention to the gap between the window frame and the sashes to make sure that it is uniform. Any bowing means that the shims in one spot are too tight, and the window won't open properly. Once the shims are in place, drive screws through the pre-drilled holes in the window frame, through the shims, and in to the jamb.
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Step
6

Insulate the Gaps

Using low expansion foam, fill any gaps that exist between the window frame and the jamb. This step will ensure that the opening is airtight. Make sure that you use a a product that is specifically designed for doors and windows, as not all spray foam products are correct for this application.
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Step
7

Install the Sash Stops

Once the window is insulated, you are ready for your finishing steps. It is now time to re-apply the sash stops that you removed in step two. Since we didn't alter the size of the opening, there shouldn't be any need to make any cuts. Simply nail them back into place.
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Step
8

Finish the Exterior

Make a water tight seal around the exterior of the new window by stuffing foam backer rod into the remaining gap. A putty knife works well for pushing this into place. Now seal the gap with silicone caulk. A product such as Caulk Mate can be sprayed on before tooling the seam of caulk to give the window installation a seamless appearance.
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