HomeReplacementWindows.net

DIY Replacement windows?

My husband and I bought an older house (1930?) and it's got the most awful windows you can imagine. When we bought it, the basement bedroom windows were painted and nailed shut and covered with plastic. For fire safety, we had someone "fix" the windows, but essentially what he did was sand them down to the point where you can see daylight around the edges. The work was free to us (gift from our realtor) so I couldn't do much about it. Anyway, I can't afford to have professionals come in and install all new windows in the house. I'd like to, before winter, at least get the basement bedroom windows replaced so my kids, my husband and I don't freeze to death. Where can I find REALLY good, visual, step-by-step information (book form or online would be great) to buying windows from Home Depot or Lowes and installing them myself? Thanks! RE: expanding foam - I don't want the windows to be inoperable.

Public Comments

1. you could fill the holes with expanding foam


2. Have a look at http://www.silverlinewindow.com/pdfs/Rep8500Install.pdf (pdf file).

   The link above is to installation instructions for Silverline vinyl replacement windows. I would not recommend Silverline, I have not had good luck with them but the instructions are good and are similar for most brands of replacement windows.

   This project will require a moderate amount of skill, but it is not terribly difficult. I would order one or two windows and try them before you decide to replace the whole house on your own.



3. First step is to hire me. I do hundreds of windows a year. You probably don't want to buy from Lowes or Home depot. Go to your local builder's supply. In many cases they will send a salesman to measure them and show you how to remove them and install new. Another reason that your local builder's supply is a better choice to buy from is that Lowes and Home Depot are notorious for screwing up special orders. If you are replacing old wood windows you can take a sharp wood chisel and chisel off the outside blind stop(what holds the sahes in) and then remove the sashes. The new window can be set to where the sashes were and then caulked into place. On the outside trim down a piece of OSB and then cladd it with a piece of aluminum. Doing it this way keeps you from having to redo the interior trim.


4. You can do this!!! Replacement windows are not difficult to do, measuring properly is a key though. Check out this link: www.milgard.com You can download a good guide book from them with the information you need. Try one at a time till you get the hang of it. Home Depot & lowes will work for ordering, however I agree that your local Lumber Yard or Window supplier is a much better choice. Good Luck!


5. with no help,new windows suck to do yourself,too easy to mess up,find a family member of friend who's used a contractor they trust before and have it done professionally,most people are NOT naturally inclined to do this well