Step 1
The first thing you need to do is either measure the windows that you want to replace. You need to measure the top and bottom and the both sides. Invariable window openings are not square so you may find the the top and bottom measurements are different. This may also occur with the sides. Take the largest of these measurements and subtract between 1/4" and 1/2". Don't worry about the new window being a bit small for the opening, this will be taken care of by the shims and fascia covers of the window trim. This will be explained later in this guide. Now that you have the measurements for you windows you can order them. If you have any doubts then call in a firm that deals with vinyl replacement windows, their measuring service is generally free if you are buy the windows from them. Note that they will also offer a fitting service, but unless this is free, and in most cases it is not, the will add a substantial amount to the overall cost. This can be considerable if you are replacing all the windows in your home
Step 2
When ordering your windows ask about the 'Energy Star'. Certain types of glass are more energy efficient than others - that is they are able to reduce the amount of heat loss from your home. Other specialists glass can also keep a room cooler in the heat of the summer. Think about where you live and its climate and buy the most efficient glass you can afford. Being energy efficient will mean that you'll be saving energy, which is kinder to the environments, but it will also mean you'll be spending a lot less money and heating or cooling costs.
Step 3
Remove the old windows by firstly removing all the trim, from both inside and outside. Once all the trim is removed you can now see about removing the glass. The best way to do this is to take some tape and crisscross this over the glass - this way, if the glass does break the tape will hold it together and therefore won't fall and smash all over the floor areas. With most old wooden frames the glass is held in place with putty and pin nails. You can remove the old putty by using a craft knife or a mallet and chisel. If you do use a mallet and chisel remember to be careful, you don't want to break the glass if you can avoid it. Once all the putty has been removed, take a pair of pincers or pliers and pull out the pin nails. If the glass is of a large size then it's best if you can get someone to help ease the glass out. Store the glass is a safe place and out of the way of pets and children. It is much better if you can take the glass to your local recycling center and dispose of it.
Step 4
Now that you have just the frame, saw through the frame it at both sides and and top and bottom. Take a crowbar and gently ease them loose. Note that the nails used to secure the old frame to the wall can be fairly long. Just take your time and work around the frame and ease it away from the wall. Store the old frames out of the way and in a safe place. You should now have an opening in your wall to fit your new vinyl window frame. Check the timbers in the opening for any wood rot or water damage. In some cases you may have to replace or repair these prior to inserting you new window. Take a set square and see if the opening frame is square. If it's not, you can add plastic shims to pack out and make the window sit square. Apply a generous amount of silicone sealant on the frame opening and then place the new frame in the opening and and as instructed above use plastic shims to pack areas where the opening does not meet the frame properly. You need to keep an eye on the levels as you do this. Take your spirit level and ensure that the frame is level both vertically and horizontally. Quick Tip: It is much easier to install the frame first and fit the glass later. This is because moving the frame around with the glass installed is going to be very heavy. You can ask the supplier not to insert the glass when ordering and they will supply the frames and glass separately along with the precut rubber seals and fascia strip
Step 5
Now that your frame is inserted into the opening and that it is level you can remove the screw hole caps in the frame. These simply pop out using a flat head screwdriver. Don't lose these caps as you'll replace them once the screws are in place. Take the screws and screw each one into each of the holes provided but ONLY screw them in about 3/4 of the way in. Once all the screws are in place check the vertical and horizontal levels with your spirit level. Now tighten the top two end screws and the bottom two end screws. Again, check your levels. Now tighten the top screws on either side and then the bottom screws on either side. Again, check your levels. If you need to make any adjustments, then loosen the screws and place or remove a plastic shim. Once all is level you can tighten all the remaining screws and finally check the levels
Step 6
Now that your frame is inserted, level and secured you can insert the glass panels. Simply lift these and slot them in. Take the rubber seal strips and insert these around the window, making sure the are firmly seated. Finally you can take the fascia stripe and fit these. The facial or beading strips normally just snap into place when you push them in. If these have been precut then the corners would have already been mitred. If not then measure the top, bottom and sides and cut the lengths to fit, remembering to mitre the corners. This is best done with a mitre box and cut each end to a 45 degree angle. Use a fine tooth saw, such as a tenon saw as this will reduce the burring. Removed any burred edges with fine grade sandpaper
Step 7
You window is now fitted but the job is not finished. Now look around the edges of your window. You should see gaps and plastic shims and you now need to fill this gap to properly insulate it. Use can use a number of products but one that is effective is expanding foam filler. This comes in cans and is easy to use. Simply follow the manufacturers guidelines for use, which will be printed on the tin. For further help see our guide: How to Use Expanding Foam Filler
Step 8
The next step is to finish the job by fitting the fascia strips to the inside and outside of the frame. This trim sits on the frame and on the wall, so cut strips to the lengths and widths that you require and mitre each corner, using a mitre box, at a 45 degree angle. Remove any burred edges with fine grade sandpaper and then apply silicone sealant on the back of the trim - it is best if you apply the sealant from top to bottom, working your way across the width of the trim as you go. This will ensure good coverage. Place the trim into place and push against the window frame and the wall. Repeat this from both the inside and out until you have framed your windows nicely with the trim. Clean up any excess silicone that is squeezed out as you go
Step 9
For the finishing touches, take a tube of silicone and run a bead along the outside of the trim so that the trim is properly sealed against the wall. This will prevent any water running in behind the trim and rotting your timbers. To finish of silicone, so that it is neat and smooth, place a small amount of washing up liquid on your finger tip and run this along the silicone bead all way around. You should now have a nice smooth bead of silicone that blends nice with the wall and trim
Step 10
Finally take some paper towels and some glass cleaner and give the glass a really good polish. You now have a new vinyl replacement window that is installed and looking really great