What to Do When You Need to Build New Window Frames to Install Replacement Home Windows
No matter how much you want to use your old window frames for your new replacement home windows, there are times when it cannot be done.
The original frame may not be the right size to accommodate the style of window you would now like to have.
The wood of the original frame might be old, rotten, cracked or moldy.
Doing the work yourself is risky unless you are experienced and skilled.
Here are the basic steps.
1.
Evaluate the window and frame.
Before you even start replacing a window frame, notice the extent of any damage to the window and determine if replacing the window frame and installing replacement home windows will fix the problem.
Look at the frame and the window in it to see how they go together, whether with nails or with screws.
Examine the window and frame to try to determine if you will need a reciprocating saw to cut out nails that cannot be taken out any other way.
2.
Get the equipment and materials you will need.
If you need it, rent that reciprocating saw.
You will definitely need a saw of some sort, a claw hammer, a measuring tape and some 2 X 4 inch board.
You will have to have the measuring tape before you get the board, so you can measure how much board you need.
Also, get safety equipment such as safety goggles and work gloves to use in preparing to put in your replacement home windows.
3.
Take the old window out of the frame.
The old window will come out as you take out whatever kinds of fasteners have been used.
This is a time when care must be taken not to accidentally break the window.
You could injure yourself seriously if you try to do this yourself, so at the very least, you will need a buddy to help you hold the window as it comes out.
Pull out and cut out any remaining nails and screws, and scrape the frame clean.
4.
Remove the old window frame from the studs.
If the old frame was put in carefully, and not too long ago, you might be able to screw it loose without too much trouble.
However, if it was put in sloppily or has been in for decades, you might need that reciprocating saw yet.
You may need to cut the window frame out from the studs by severing the nails before you can make a new frame to put your new replacement home windows in.
Remove the wooden rectangular frame and you are ready to create a new box.
5.
Make a new frame for your replacement home windows.
Making the new frame will be a complicated matter if you are not familiar with how to do it.
The procedure requires knowledge of load bearing wall concepts, how to measure the opening to get the ideal fit for your window, and how to include the measurements of the frame boards along with the new window in the opening.
You need to know how to replace studs if necessary, and allow extra room in the opening for possible adjustments while fitting the window.
If you are not familiar with these ideas, it is best to hire a professional remodeling company to put the replacement home windows in for you.
The original frame may not be the right size to accommodate the style of window you would now like to have.
The wood of the original frame might be old, rotten, cracked or moldy.
Doing the work yourself is risky unless you are experienced and skilled.
Here are the basic steps.
1.
Evaluate the window and frame.
Before you even start replacing a window frame, notice the extent of any damage to the window and determine if replacing the window frame and installing replacement home windows will fix the problem.
Look at the frame and the window in it to see how they go together, whether with nails or with screws.
Examine the window and frame to try to determine if you will need a reciprocating saw to cut out nails that cannot be taken out any other way.
2.
Get the equipment and materials you will need.
If you need it, rent that reciprocating saw.
You will definitely need a saw of some sort, a claw hammer, a measuring tape and some 2 X 4 inch board.
You will have to have the measuring tape before you get the board, so you can measure how much board you need.
Also, get safety equipment such as safety goggles and work gloves to use in preparing to put in your replacement home windows.
3.
Take the old window out of the frame.
The old window will come out as you take out whatever kinds of fasteners have been used.
This is a time when care must be taken not to accidentally break the window.
You could injure yourself seriously if you try to do this yourself, so at the very least, you will need a buddy to help you hold the window as it comes out.
Pull out and cut out any remaining nails and screws, and scrape the frame clean.
4.
Remove the old window frame from the studs.
If the old frame was put in carefully, and not too long ago, you might be able to screw it loose without too much trouble.
However, if it was put in sloppily or has been in for decades, you might need that reciprocating saw yet.
You may need to cut the window frame out from the studs by severing the nails before you can make a new frame to put your new replacement home windows in.
Remove the wooden rectangular frame and you are ready to create a new box.
5.
Make a new frame for your replacement home windows.
Making the new frame will be a complicated matter if you are not familiar with how to do it.
The procedure requires knowledge of load bearing wall concepts, how to measure the opening to get the ideal fit for your window, and how to include the measurements of the frame boards along with the new window in the opening.
You need to know how to replace studs if necessary, and allow extra room in the opening for possible adjustments while fitting the window.
If you are not familiar with these ideas, it is best to hire a professional remodeling company to put the replacement home windows in for you.
