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Residential Window Replacement

Window Installation And Replacement
Residential window replacement is a growing business as energy cost soar. The replacement of a residential window in a newer home is a simple but time-consuming task. The process starts by accurately measuring the existing windows. This is very critical as the replacement windows are custom made and no one will accept a return for a custom made window.

Measuring The Window

The critical dimension is measured on the exterior of the house where the window meets the surrounding molding. Measure both height and width. Also check both diagonals to make sure the window is square. You may definitely want to call a professional if you have any windows that are not perfectly square. The other less critical dimension is the step between the sheetrock and inside of the window frame. Make sure that your replacement window You will also need to estimate the distance total depth of the window. Since replacement windows typically butt against the existing sheetrock, the overall depth with determine how far the window sticks out in the outside of the house. You can usually measure the inside and outside flanges and add 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch for the glass thickness.

Removing The Old Window

The windows currently installed in most new homes are supported by a flange and are install on top of the exterior sheathing and under the exterior molding. Remove the molding is an option but it can be very difficult to cut a new piece of molding that matches the existing molding and also will sit tight against the existing siding and the new edge of the window. For this reason, most professional window replacement companies leave the existing molding in place and use a tool to cut the flange. Begin by running a sharp razor blade along the joint between the window frame and molding. This will cut the caulk make subsequent step easier. Then drill a quarter inch hole near the upper corner of the window. This hole will be used to insert a flange cutting tool. Using a hand-held router or scroll saw, insert the blade into the hole and between the window frame and the exterior molding. By pressing against the window frame, you can minimize the amount of material removed from the exterior molding and allow for the smallest caulk joint. After removing the entire flange, the window should be removed by pushing the window from inside the house. This is a 2-man job. Dispose of the old window.

Installing the new window

If there is big gap between the hole in the molding and the existing studs, rip a wood nailing-strip and bring the surface up to within 1/8 inch from the window hole. This will make the installation stronger. If you made your measurement correctly, then the new window should slide into the hole and butt against the existing sheetrock. The window is held in place by nailing thought the flange and into the framing surrounding the window. You may want to use expanding foam to foam the window in place and make the installation more airtight. The final step is to caulk about the exterior joint about the window.


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