By Adriana J. Noton

Improving your home with replacement windows can not only increase the value of your home but it can also improve energy efficiency by leaps and bounds. Most homeowners however; tend to be hesitant when it comes to this type of home improvement. They believe that the cost of the windows and the installation is something that might be too steep for them to include in their budgets. The problem with this way of thinking stems from the fact that most homeowners are probably just misinformed about the windows themselves.

There are two different types of windows that can be used to replace the old ones with. The one would be replacement windows which simply fit into the window frames that already exist. These are far different from what is known as new construction windows. These come with nailing flanges around the outside of the window on the outside of the frame and this requires the removal of the outside trim in order to be able to mount the window. However; replacement windows can be installed from inside of the home and you do not have to remove anything from the home. These types of windows can be installed by the homeowner themselves with a little patience. By using this type of window and installing it yourself will save you hundreds of dollars.

The first thing you will need to do is to make sure what style and kind of material you are going to want for your new windows. You can purchase replacement windows in vinyl, wood or a composite and they are available to you in just about any style you can think of, like double hung, single hung or casement styles.

After you have decided what kind you want you are going to want to go a head and measure what the width is between the jambs or side to side. You need to do this at the top, bottom and the middle of your window. Then you need to measure the height of your window from sill to the top of the window itself. Make sure to do this at the left side, the middle and right sides of the window. It is always advisable to use the smallest measurement from the width and the height. This will ensure a good fit for your replacement windows. It is also a very good idea to inspect your windowsill to make sure there is no wood rot before ordering your new windows. There would be no sense in installing new windows if the windowsill is rotten.

Once you have your windows, you can start with the installation. The first thing you want to do is to remove the inside stops of the current window. These can be used with your new windows so make sure to save them. After that you will remove the sashes and then make sure to clean your window frame. This means you need to remove old caulking and either pull out the old nails or pound them into the wood so they are flush.

Check to make sure that the window is going to actually fit by placing it in the window opening and then removing it. If all is well you can then run some caulk along the edge of the outside window stops from the inside and the windowsill as well.

Put the window back and check to make sure everything is square and plumb. It is wise to use a level to do this. Now take some shims to help keep the replacement window in place while you reinstall the stops. Do this by using finishing nails. You then will need to put caulk where the window stops connect with the window frame itself.

Now make sure to check the outside of your window. Your replacement windows should come with a frame that is sloped or it may come with an insert for covering any gap there might be. Should you not have that, then use a piece of wood to do the same thing. Once you are done with this, make sure to caulk all the seams where insert was put.

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Source: isnare.com

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