Handcrafts and Handyman

When you are considering having new windows installed in your home, you probably have many questions. You will be comparing costs, benefits and styles of replacement windows. You also want to know how long it will take to install new windows. The time will depend on ordering your windows, the number of windows and any complex window changes.

Ordering windows

The first part of the process will be ordering your windows. If you are purchasing specialty replacements, you may have an installation delay. Your contractor should make you aware of the expected ordering period. Once your windows are ready, you can schedule the installation.

How many windows are you replacing?

Most homeowners want to be present when work is done on their home. If you need to arrange time off, you want to know approximately how long the project will take. The main consideration is the number of windows being replaced in your home.  Additional time may be required for windows above the first story or old windows that are difficult to remove.

Most contractors have large enough work crews that the average size home can be completed in one day. If your home is larger, two days could be required. As a rough estimate, allow about 45 minutes per window, per two-man crew. Allow one hour if the current windows are very old and difficult to remove. The time allotted should include all finish work and clean up.

Complex windows

If you are making changes to your windows styles, converting to larger, smaller or bay style, the project will take additional time. You need to allow more time for changes to your home’s framing. Large windowpanes or assemblies also require additional time for handling and alignment.

Time of year

Normally, you can have replacement windows installed at any time of year. Problems can arise if you live in an area prone to heavy storm seasons.  Otherwise, most installation companies will work no matter what the weather. While you may not want your home exposed to the elements during rain or freezing temperatures, most companies will only have one or two crews working at a time. This means only one or two windows will be in process with rooms exposed.

Professional installers can complete window installations much more quickly than a do-it-yourself homeowner can. When you get window estimates, ask the contractor for an installation time estimate as well. While forces beyond the contractor’s control can cause a delay, you should receive a reasonably accurate estimate.

There are many reasons to consider replacing basement windows. Old basement windows can be a source of cold drafts in the winter. Older style windows are also not very secure. They may even be a source of leakage during heavy rains. The good news is that basement window replacement is not a difficult do-it-yourself project. 

Before you replace your older windows check any code requirements for the area where you live. You may be required to have one or more egress windows installed for fire safety. Take accurate measurements. Correctly measuring for basement replacement windows is a critical step. While shimming can be done on basements windows to fill gaps, it is not as easy to do as it is with windows set into wood frames. You need to measure the actual flat area where the window will be installed near the exterior of the window opening.

Tools:

You should have a claw hammer, tape measure, caulking gun, chisel and pry bar available. A battery-operated drill will make the job easier but regular screwdrivers will work. You may need a hacksaw or reciprocating saw if you are unable to pry out the old frame easily.

Window removal:

Typical single pane windows can be removed fairly easily. Open the window and lift the glass portion out of the frame. Your old window frame will most likely be anchored into concrete on three sides and attached to the wooden sill plate on the top. This probably will be held in place with screws but it could be nailed in. You may need to pry some of the old metal framing out with a pry bar. Before installing your new windows, clean and repair any damage around the window opening. You can use some masonry material to repair cracks or chips. Check the level on both top and bottom to ensure a uniform surface.

Standard Window Installation:

Prepare your new window frame and insert it into the opening. You will need to check from both the inside and outside of your home to make sure that the window is as level as possible and any gaps around the edges of the frame are evenly spaced.

Starting at one side of the bottom of the frame, begin nailing or screwing the frame into place. Check your level as you go and do not over tighten until you are sure of a proper fit. If the frame becomes out of alignment, the new window glass will not fit properly.

Continue nailing or screwing the frame in place on both sides and the top. Check the fit of the window before any final tightening is done. Fill any areas with large gaps with insulation or additional masonry as required. Finish your project by caulking around any gaps on both the inside and outside of your new windows. If your new window came with exterior trim, add this after any gaps have been filled. Paint can be added as a final touch of your basement window replacement project if desired.

Glass Block:

Once you have learned how to replace basement windows with standard windows, you might be tempted to try glass block style windows. Glass block windows can provide additional security and privacy for areas that do not need an egress window. The easiest way to install new glass block windows is to order them pre-assembled to your required size. Again, accurate measurements are critical. Glass block windows can also be installed with air vents or openings for a dryer exhaust. The windows should come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. Once the assembly is set in place, shims can be installed to help level the window and create even spaces for the addition of the masonry compound to hold the window in place.

Glass block windows can also be installed one block at a time. This takes considerably more work and does require some experience. Each glass block piece must be shimmed and spaced properly for the entire window to fit correctly. Do follow any manufacturer’s installation instructions if you plan on taking on this type of window project.