DIY Replacement Windows This weekend I helped my dad install some new replacement windows. Installing replacement windows isn’t really that hard and it’s certainly a great DIY project for anyone with moderate DIY and construction skills. We replaced five double hung windows in about six hours. Ordering Replacement Windows Installing replacement windows is an excellent way to upgrade your home and make it more energy efficient and better looking. Replacement windows are designed to be installed inside your existing windows frame. This eliminates the need for costly siding repairs and also makes it a rather simple and quick project. How To Measure Replacement Windows Ordering the replacement windows is fairly straight forward if you know what dimensions you’ll need. You need to measure the height and width of the existing window opening. Step 1 – Measure Width : First you need to measure the width of the window. See Figure 1 which shows how to measure the width of the unit between the left and right jambs. If your house had replacement windows previously then it’s likely you’ll have a plastic or aluminum jamb liner where the parting stop and jamb are shown in the photo above. Later in the article I’ll show a photo of a that jamb liner. I bring this up because the jamb liner is typically about 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick and you need to base your width on the fact that the jamb liner will be removed. Once you’ve measured the width shown above you’ll want to order the replacement window approximately 1/4 inch narrower (each manufacturer actually recommends how much narrower to use). Step 2 – Measure Height : Next you need to measure the height of the replacement window. Most (but not all) existing windows will have a sloped sill. This is important to note because you want to be sure to measure the “least” opening which occurs at the top of the sill. See Figure 2 for a sketch on how to measure the height. Again you’ll want to take the vertical measurement and subtract about 1/4 inch for the height you’ll order. Be sure to check with the window manufacturer on the recommended size tolerance to use. Step 3 – Unit Depth : The last dimension you need to check is the distance between the outside blind stop and

the inside stops. Most older windows were built with a dimension of 3-1/4 inches to 3-1/2 inches. In order for standard replacement windows to fit you need a minimum distance of 3-1/4 inches (see figure 3). Ordering Replacement Windows Once you’ve got all the window measurements you just need to place your order. Today’s replacement windows offer lots of options and features. The following is a short list of options and features that replacement windows come in. Material – Today you can order wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum clad wood (there may be other options as well ). A vast majority of todays replacement window market features vinyl windows. For our project we used Harvey’s Tribute Vinyl Window . Glazing – Today’s window manufacturers offer more glazing options than I care to cover in this article. You can choose from single pane, double pane and triple pane windows. You can also choose from Low-E/Argon filled glass to Low-E/Krypton filled glass. You can also order glass with UV protection to protect your furnishings from the suns damaging rays (I wish we had this in our home as our Brazilian Cherry Floors Darkened from UV light ). Screens – Screen options are plentiful with most manufacturers including full screens, half screens, aluminum, fiberglass and many companies are now offering “see through” screens which almost appear invisible when you look through the window. Benefits of Replacement Windows Installing replacement windows will improveme the energy efficiency of your home. One of the best reasons to install replacement windows right now are the Federal Tax Credits / Home Improvement Stimulus . Right now you can get a 30% tax refund up to $1500 for windows that qualify under the Stimulus Bill. With the rising cost of energy it’s fairly easy to see the cost benefit of new energy efficient windows. Your home will be easier to cool, easier to heat and much more comfortable. Be sure to come back and read my post on how to install replacment windows in the coming days. Subscribers to Home Construction Improvement can download two FREE Spreadsheets: Stair Calculator Fuel BTU Calculator Ordering and Measuring Replacement Windows Related posts: Selecting Replacement Windows Replacement Windows Harvey Window Manufacturing Facility Tour

    
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Ordering and Measuring Replacement Windows