Upgrading Your Windows Can Be Complicated!

NOT. If you've been thinking of getting some new dual pane low-e windows but don't even want to think about what the cost of installation is going to add on top of those not very cheap windows, here is the solution. Do it yourself. I hate to say that...I make good money doin' this stuff.

The best part about using this method is you don't need to totally rebuild your window openings. You can if you want, but it's a lot of work to make your house fit the window. Just get a window that fits the house. Now, normally this does require that you custom order your windows. At most home improvement centers it won't add too much to the cost, but will add about 14 days until you have windows to work with. So don't drop one, ok?

To get that "perfect" size window you will need to give them the R.O. size, or "rough opening". Normally, the R.O. in new construction is the rough framed opening, but in this case it's going to be the exact size of your finished window sill. This is the R.O. size you need to order your new windows. Ok, if you're a little lost on how and why I came to measuring the window sill, it's very simple. Your new windows (frame and all) are a lot thicker than the old ones. They have to slide deeper into the opening in order to be flush on the outside.

Fast forward about two weeks...

At last you have your windows, time to get the old ones out of the way. There are three possibilities -- please take care not to break glass and cut yourself up. Wear gloves and glasses!

1) The nailing flange and screws are exposed, removal is easy.
2) Pull outside window trim to expose nailing flange and screws, again, easy!
3) You find out the siding on the house covers the nailing flange and screws...at this point I would like to apologize for you doing it yourself! But you're saving money, right?

To get at the nailing flange and screws (or nails for that matter), first take a drywall screw and a screw gun and determine where the edge of the aluminum flange is all the way around the window. Mark your line and remove any nails in the way unless you like buying saw blades. Now for the fun part. Let me tell ya, there isn't much that's more entertaining for onlookers than holding a skill saw (blade depth set to only go through siding) above your head while trying to cut a straight line in an avalanche of sawdust. Even better, on the second story! Fast forward past all the swearing.

Now the window is out. Dry fit the new window. Should be a perfect fit if everyone did their job right. If not, some "adjusting" can often be done on the window sill. To seal your new window, use a pile of silicone. No such thing as too much. Use screws to fasten the windows in place, LOTS of them. Oh, one more thing. Those little drain slots at the top of the window means it is upside down! Put the track drains down. Now all that's left is trim on the outside and seal around the edges. Then if desired, some small trim around the inside for that nice "finished" look.

Remember, large windows are heavy. Get some help! When you're done, enjoy drastically reduced heating and cooling bills. Check for tax rebates!

~SJN









Okay, yeah I know this is a sliding glass door, but they're just really great big windows. :)