How to Prepare Your Home For Window Replacement
A new window is a great way to breathe fresh life into an older home. It is also an effective remedy for areas with water damage from rotting frames and sills.
Whether you need to replace one or many windows, there are plenty of options available. To help you make the best choice, contact Maryland Window Replacement for professional help.
If you have wood frame windows that show signs of rot and other damage, it is essential to evaluate whether they should be repaired or replaced. Many homeowners are tempted to save money by only replacing the sash, but this can lead to moisture damage that results in new window replacement in the future. If the frame is damaged, repairing or replacing it will provide greater energy efficiency and durability for the entire window system.
New windows are designed to fit into openings in existing wall frames, and they come in a wide range of sizes, from as narrow as 111/2 inches to as wide as 68 inches. Some types of replacement windows are more efficient than others, but all should be properly installed to maximize efficiency and ensure a tight seal against moisture.
There are three approaches to replacing old windows: sash kits, insert windows and full-frame replacement. Sash-replacement kits, like the ones Silva found in Newton’s house, give an old frame new movable parts and can improve window operation. They are available in wood, vinyl and aluminum-clad wood and are easy to install. But these are a good choice only for well-constructed frames, since they don’t replace the frame or insulation.
Insert windows, also called “frame-in-frame” replacements, are a good choice when you’re happy with the size, shape and operating style of your existing window. This type of replacement installs new windows in the old frames, preserving both interior and exterior trim. To prepare the existing frame for insert windows, your contractor will bore 3/8-inch-diameter holes, one near each end and one in the center, down through the sill and up through the head jamb. They will also spray foam into the sash-weight pocket panels to fill them and prevent air infiltration.
A full-frame replacement involves removing the old sash, frame and trim, leaving a rough opening for the new window. This is the preferred method for installing larger windows, or if your home has large window openings to meet egress codes. Before beginning, your installer will thoroughly inspect the rough opening and repair or replace damaged framing materials, and he will seal and insulate the area around the new window to stop moisture penetration.
Replacement of the Sash
When a window stops working properly, you can sometimes get it back into good shape with the use of an inexpensive sash replacement kit. However, if your windows are in disrepair and not functioning as they should, it’s best to consult a professional for a complete window replacement.
In most cases, the sash in older double-hung or single-hung windows is made of wood. Over time, this wood can warp or rot and the window frame can begin to decay. If the frame is very rotten, it’s not structurally sound and will need to be replaced.
If the frame is in good condition, a simple repair is often all that’s needed to restore its function and improve home energy efficiency. The first step is to scrape off any loose or blistered paint and patch any cracks with exterior-grade wood putty. Then sand the jambs smooth and prime and paint them.
The next step is to insulate the frame with a thin layer of foam insulation, such as polyurethane. Silva prefers this type of insulation over fiberglass, which can bow the frame and keep the sash from operating correctly. To insulate the old jambs, unscrew the access panel on each side jamb and remove the sash weights. Once the old insulation is removed, a thin layer of foam can be applied between the jambs and the casing to block the flow of air.
Once the new insulation is installed, install the new sash. Starting with the top sash, make sure the pivot pin is lined up with the clutch within the jamb liner and then slowly push it down until it registers against the metal cam on the other end of the frame. Repeat this process with the lower sash.
If you’re replacing both sashes, be sure to purchase two new jamb liners with your sash kit. Before installing them, make sure they fit properly in the frame opening by taking three measurements of the space between the sash stops on each side — one at the top, mid-point and bottom of the sill and head jambs — and using the smallest measurement to guide your purchase of new side and head stops.
Replacement of the Glass
When a window is damaged, it can be replaced with a new pane of glass or the whole frame. Replacement glass is relatively inexpensive, but the process can take some time.
It is essential to ensure that a new glass unit fits properly, especially for older windows with single-pane glass that do not insulate well. This can be achieved by taking the time to carefully measure the existing window and comparing to the replacement glass unit. There are many types of window glass to choose from, including clear, insulated, or beveled. There are also a wide variety of colors, tints and coatings to match any style.
Fogginess between window panes is another common sign that it’s time to replace a window. This can be caused by seal failure, allowing excess moisture to build up with no way to escape. Foggy windows can cause visual impairment, so it’s important to find a solution quickly.
Depending on the warranty, this work may be covered. The company that sold you the windows should be able to tell you what is covered and for how long.
If you’re planning on replacing your windows, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading to energy-efficient dual-pane glass. This can save you money on your energy bills and keep you comfortable throughout the year.
Full-frame window replacement is the more extensive of the two options and involves removing the existing windows, down to the studs, and installing the new window in the opening. This allows for inspection and repair of areas where water or air is leaking into the home, and it can also improve energy efficiency by reducing drafts and minimizing heat loss. In addition to this, full-frame replacement can provide you with a wider range of design and aesthetic choices. This option is often recommended when there are structural problems with the existing frames that can’t be fixed through repair or glass-only replacement. If you’re considering full-frame replacement, it’s a good idea to research each brand and product, read reviews and testimonials, and meet with a consultant or showroom representative.
Installation
Before window replacement begins, a contractor should thoroughly clean up and prep the work area. This includes removing any blinds or curtains and ensuring the space is free of obstructions. This preparation also ensures that the work area is well-lit and safe for installers to maneuver in. Depending on the type of windows being installed, they may need to remove the existing exterior trim and casing to access the frame. This can be messy and time-consuming, so it is important that homeowners be prepared for some mess and noise during the process.
A high-quality installation company will carefully remeasure the size of your window opening to ensure the new replacement window will fit properly. They will measure the width and height of the window at three different points: top, middle, and bottom. This allows them to account for any variances in wall thickness or stucco and make sure the new window is square vertically and horizontally. A contractor should also consider the depth of the existing frame when determining the appropriate replacement window size. If the new window is too big, it will be difficult to install and will create a space that will not be airtight or weather-proof.
Once the old window is removed, the installer will apply flashing tape around the perimeter of the opening. This will shed water that gets between the sheathing and the new window, keeping it dry and preventing rot and mold. It is also helpful to use this technique on the edges of any existing cladding or siding that is affixed to the exterior of your home.
The installer will then construct and install the replacement window frame. They will fasten the new frame to the studs and joists using screws. Afterwards, they will caulk and paint the new frame to protect it from moisture and to finish the project. It is important to note that not all contractors include caulking and painting as part of their window replacement services. Be sure to ask your contractor if these are included in your quote, and to find out how long they anticipate the project will take.
