Replacing a window might seem like an easy job that any person who is handy with tools can accomplish – but upon further examination, you may discover that there are many mistakes that the average do-it-yourselfer can make if he or she doesn’t have the right information.
10 Mistakes To Avoid
The fact is, installing new window is not as simple as it might first appear. Even professional contractors have to follow strict guidelines when working on windows because of their inherent dangers and the lack of margin for error. If something goes wrong, it could result in serious injury or death to people both inside and outside your home. Many injuries occur every year by homeowners trying to replace their own windows, because of this very reason. Here are ten things that ALL replacement window contractors need to know when it comes to how to replace a window properly.
The First Thing You Need is the Right Tools
The tools that are required for the job depend on the materials and size of the window in question. There is a significant difference in what would be needed, for example, when changing out an aluminum double-hung window with crank openings versus one made from wood with multiple panes of glass and sashes that slide up and down vertically. Plus, there may be various features added to either type, such as specific locks or weather stripping for connecting adjacent windows together. In most cases, however, you will need at least some combination of the following:
- Heavy duty box cutter
- Screwdrivers (including flat head, Phillips head, and possibly other types)
- Utility knife or razor blade
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Ladder (or at least a step ladder that will allow you to reach the window easily)
- Wire cutters/strippers
If windows are being installed in an older home with special windows, there may be additional tools required. This would include a magnetic level tool to ensure your windows are level horizontally and vertically, as well as even more specialized tools for installations of bay windows. The bottom line is this: it’s easier to have the correct tools on hand than not. Always check with any licensing authorities during your research phase so there aren’t any surprises later.
Window Glass is Very Fragile
Replacement window glass is very fragile, especially the more advanced types such as Low-E glass, double pane windows, energy efficient windows, foggy windows, etc. Fortunately for homeowners, there are many different ways to protect your replacement window glass from damage during transportation and installation that do not take up additional space inside of your home. The most common protection methods include placing wood or plastic spacers between the panes of glass for added support when being moved, using a protective crate specifically designed to hold the glass in place while being transported and installed, and placing plastic film over the entire window temporarily during transport and installation.
Having a Plan is Crucial
Your first step in the process should not be removing the old window, but rather making sure you know exactly what you’re going to do if something goes wrong while replacing it. This can mean many things, ranging from running inside of your house to grab a tool that you forgot about (and therefore end up damaging more than one of your windows by accident), or worse, attempting to perform some sort of emergency action such as pushing out a heavy piece of wood stuck in the frame. All of these issues and many more can be solved if you simply walk through the process beforehand and make sure that your new window not only fits in the opening (which should be verified with a level even before taking out the old one), but also make sure no other issues such as electrical wires, plumbing, fireplaces, or brick work interfere during installation.
Order Your Replacement Window to Fit into Existing Frame
Many people order replacement windows that are either too large or too small for their original frame size. This is because they don’t understand why it is so important to keep an exact match between new and existing windows. The reason is simple: when the replacement window is too big, air will get pushed between both of them which will eventually cause water damage or gaps around them allowing drafts. Also, larger windows will detract from their appearance and make them look out of place in your home. On the other hand, when the new window is too small, there’s a lot more pressure placed on their frames that could easily cause them to crack or break over time. The best way to ensure you get the correct size replacement window for your frame is to measure both widths (left side to right side) and heights (top to bottom) correctly before ordering one.
When Picking Out Replacement Windows, Go Bigger if Possible
Many people are very timid about choosing the right replacement window sizes because they believe it will be much cheaper in terms of installation if they choose a smaller sized unit instead. However, this isn’t the case. Replacement windows are almost never returnable if they don’t fit. Therefore, even though it may be more expensive upfront to buy larger replacement window glass than smaller ones, it is possible to save money later by avoiding having to replace them after installation if they don’t fit.
Be Careful When Ordering Replacement Windows with Special Mountings
Replacement windows with special mounting systems that allow the glass panes to move left and right often cause problems for homeowners. These advanced features can easily be accidentally broken during transportation or before you hire someone to install your new window. The reason this happens most of the time is simple: many people aren’t aware how fragile these special pieces really are until the installer arrives at their door with broken brackets that need to be replaced. You can avoid this by taking the time to find out what accessories will be needed before the installer arrives, and by asking them how fragile they are compared with standard sliding windows that don’t require such precautions.
Upgrading Your Replacement Window Glass is Not a Good Idea
Some people believe that if their home has older lower grade window glass, perhaps going up a notch in quality will solve any problems they encounter when replacing their windows. This isn’t true in most cases because unless you pick out a replacement window option specifically made for your original unit, aesthetics aside, there likely won’t be much of a difference between your old ones and new ones in terms of overall performance. In fact, if your old windows are still in good working order it may actually be a good idea to upgrade them instead of replacing them entirely. This will save you money and provide you with all the benefits of advanced window features, such as energy saving glass coatings, without having to invest in an entire new window unit.
Replacing Your Replacement Windows is More Costly than You Realize
Replacing your home’s replacement windows could prove to be much more expensive than you think. There aren’t always discounts available at most retail outlets for doing so, and chances are they won’t just take out their old units and replace them with new ones free of charge whenever something goes wrong either. Since this is also true even when the products were installed by another company, chances are good that you’re going to be forced to pay the full cost of new replacement windows anytime during their lifetime when something does go wrong.
Replacement Windows may NOT Look the Same as Your Old Ones
Replacement window companies take great care to ensure their glass units look exactly like your home’s original units did, but there will always be some small differences between them which should be pointed out before buying. For example, older wooden replacements may not have the same looking grills or exterior moldings, since they were mass produced many years ago and no longer exist in modern times. In other cases, if you’re replacing metal clad windows for instance, though they still might fit into place, it can sometimes be difficult to match the texture of your home’s original siding to it. This is especially true if you’re replacing metal clad units that still have old paint on them.
Replacement Windows are Not Always Guaranteed to Make Your Home Look Better
While modern replacement windows can look stunning when installed by a professional, they will not always make your home look better than before. This is because of how your house sits on its lot and what direction the sunlight shines in during different times of the year. If either case applies to you, chances are that after investing thousands of dollars into new replacement windows, you won’t be entirely happy with the result. To avoid this problem, ask any potential installation companies about their warranty policies which should cover window glass or frame damage, even if it’s caused by normal wear and tear.
If you follow these tips you should be able to pick out the right replacement window product for your home without being tempted into making a bad decision that could cost you more money in the long run. Remember, just because a certain brand may have been recommended to you by a friend or family member does not necessarily mean it’s going to be a good choice for you. Always ensure you do your research before purchasing! In addition, always go with companies who have a good reputation from independent review sites such as HomeStars, the BBB, or the like because these are usually signs that they will do quality work in your home.
When you need new windows for your home, our team at VR Windows and Doors will always be happy to assist. Contact us at (416) 717-2730 to find out more about our products and what we can do to help bring your home to life and give it the make-over it deserves.
