How do you put replacement windows in?

Answer 1

Get the Home Repair 1-2-3 book from home depot, it has good instructions in there....
Basically if you have aluminum windows, or whatever, you remove the trim around the inside of the window, then you remove the screws or nails holding in the frame, and cut the caulking, and POP out it comes.
Installing is essentially the reverse

Answer 2

It depends.

My family has owned a window shop since 1932. We know windows. If you are buying a nail on window, a retro-fit window, or if you currently have wood sash windows, you will use a block frame type. Each installation is different. I can explain the first two here, as they are pretty easy.

Retro-fit windows seem to be the best option, and are the cheapest way to go. A good vinyl, retro-fit dual pane window will last a long, long time. In the industry there is word of them leaking. This only is the case if the window is installed wrong. We have installed thousands, and they just don't leak if installed properly.

When you order your window, ask for Low-E (Low emisivity) glass. this is a treatment that is applied between the two panes of glass and really helps with weather and sunlight, not to mention it won't allow fade to carpet and furniture if used where direct sunlight is a problem. Some household plants may do poorly if a Low-E window is there only source of light.

They are easy to put in, too! Remove the old window slider and stationary panel. That's it for removal. With a nail on you would move on to chip out all the stucco and get real dirty, but a retro-fit will keep the original frame in place. Don't forget the cost and poor look of patching the stucco when you are done...Retro-fit is the best option in 95% of the cases we see.

Then place the window in the existing frame hole, screw it in from the inside along the edge (number of screws depends on size). An important step is to use spray-foam around the gap between old and new. This ensures a good seal. I think Home-Depot sells DOW brand, and that is what I use...make sure to get the kind for windows, not cracks.

Move to the outside and use a poly-based caulking around the top and sides. NOT THE BOTTOM. This is the number one reason this style window fails due to this improper installation method. The windows need the bottom open to allow water to drain.

Moving inside, your local window shop can sell you "flat trim" It is a vinyl (oddly enough) flat trim piece that is easily cut to the proper length and it's pre-adhered tape sticks right to the window to take up the gap around the window. It is about 1 and 5/8 wide and makes for a professional look once installed. Use a latex caulking to finish it cleanly and you are all done.

A good, fast installer with no weird conditions to work around can do a window each 30-45 minutes.

Good luck to you. Make sure to use a quality window, but avoid major tv advertised windows that are expensive and impossible to get replacement parts for except through the manufacturer. Superior and Milgard are both excellent choices.

Answer 3

Quickly and professionally, if they`re measured correctly!!!