Double-hung windows can give your home an attractive, classic look, and may be required for some historical renovations.Wood or vinyl window inserts are great for window jambs that have warped or shifted with age.sash window replacement kits can be used.Both products should take less than a few hours to install if you have the right tools.
Step 1: Measure the height of your window.
You can use a tape measure to find the window height.The smallest measurement should be used if the three are not the same.Between the interior stops are thin pieces of wood that hold the window in place, so make sure you measure the full height of the jamb.
Step 2: Find the width of the window.
The measurement should be taken at the bottom, top, and middle.You can use the smallest of the three.Make sure you are measuring from one side of the jamb to the other, not between the stops.
Step 3: Check to see if the diagonal measurement of your match is correct.
From the top right corner to the bottom left corner, measure the jamb.If the measurements differ by more than half a inch, you should use an insert.
Step 4: Measure the depth of your window.
This is an important measurement that is often overlooked.Make sure to measure only where the window will sit, and not the frame pieces that protrude from it.
Step 5: If you are using a kit, measure the angle of the outside wall.
When selecting a replacement kit, it's important to know if the window has a slight downward angle.The angle can be measured by holding a thick piece of paper flush against the window and folding the bottom of the paper into a line.You can use a protractor to measure the angle after folding the paper.
Step 6: Take the interior off the window.
The interior stops are made of thin, flat pieces.They are supposed to hold the window in place from the inside.If you want to keep them intact, use a crowbar or pliers to remove them.
Step 7: Carefully remove the old window.
The bottom sash may be attached to two sash cords if you are removing an older window.Pull the bottom sash out after cutting the cords.
Step 8: If there is one, Pry off it.
There is a thin piece of wood in the middle of the jamb that divides the upper and lower tracks on sash windows.Use a crowbar or pliers to remove it.You don't need to save it.
Step 9: If you want to remove a sash window, take the weights and pulleys out.
The sash cords can be used to pull the weights out of the weight well.If swung carelessly, the weights will damage the glass.Weights and pulleys should be removed from sash windows that have springs.
Step 10: caulk or insulation foam can be used to insulate open spaces.
Stuff the empty weight wells with insulation foam or caulk if you are removing a sash window.This will keep the cold air out of the house.
Step 11: The liner clips into the wall.
Unless otherwise specified, your kit should include liner clips, which you can attach to your jamb using 6 by 0.75 inches (15.2 cm 1.9 cm) pan head screws.The rest should be placed between the top and bottom of each side.You will want to leave a piece of wood between the clips and the blind stop in order to hold the window in place.
Step 12: Attach your new sash liners with the liner clips.
The liner clips should hold the liners in place.Between the liner clips and the blind stop, the outside edge should fit.
Step 13: The sash should be moved 10 inches above the sill.
There should be two sets of sash lifts in your liners.The sash lifts should be horizontal if you twist the screws with a flat-head screwdriver.You can use this to move the sash lifts up and down.If you want to secure them in place, move them to about 10 inches (25 cm) and twist the screws back into a vertical position.
Step 14: The upper sash needs to be installed.
The sash needs to be tilted so that the bottom of it enters the jamb first.There should be metal pivots on each side of the sash that connect with the slots in the liner above the lifts.Once those have connected, tilt the top of the sash up and gently push it until it snaps into place between the liners.If you feel the cams connect with the sash lifts, slide it down.You should be able to get it up to the top of the jamb.
Step 15: This is how to install the lower sash.
The metal pivots should line up with the slots in the inner track of the jamb if the lower sash is tilted forward.You should be able to slide it down to connect with the lifts.To make sure it is moving freely, slide it all the way up and down.
Step 16: Use 4d finish nails to replace the interior stops.
Take the original interior stops and put them back on the frame.Use 4d finish nails if the instructions in your kit don't specify how tofasten the interior stops.The original nail holes need to be at least 1 inch away from each nail.
Step 17: Make sure it fits by testing the insert.
If there are cracks or spaces, place the insert inside the window jamb.There should be no visible openings between the insert and the jamb.Measure your window again and order a different insert if it doesn't fit right.
Step 18: There is a thin line of caulk along the inside of the blind stop.
The part of the frame that holds the window in place is known as the blind stop.Use a caulk gun to apply a thin bead to the inside of the blind stop.
Step 19: Place the insert against the blind stop.
Make sure the bottom of the insert is in the correct position.Make sure to apply pressure to the outside of the insert by pressing it tightly against the blind stop.
Step 20: There are holes in the lower left and upper right corners.
Check your insert for instructions on how to use a screw.Fasten the insert in place with screws in the lower left and upper right corners.
Step 21: The window needs to be level and square.
Make sure the window is straight by using a level.From both sides, measure the insert.The insert is not square if the measurements are different.
Step 22: If the insert is not square, use wood shims.
If the insert doesn't fit in the window frame, you can use wood shims to fill the gaps.Use a level to determine when the insert is straight, then use a box cutter or knife to cut off the protruding ends of the shims.
Step 23: Drive screws all the way through the hole.
You can attach the insert by driving screws through the pre-made holes.The screws shouldn't drag the jamb to one side as you go.
Step 24: Use 4d finish nails to replace the interior stops.
Unless the instructions for your insert say otherwise, use 4d finish nails to glue the interior stops back in place.Make sure you don't put the nails in the original holes.