answered question
0
Votes
Votes
7
Answers
Answers
M$0.00
When replacing a window in a house, is it better to install it from the inside or outside, say from a ladder?
answers (6)
If you are installing a typical double-hung replacement window (i.e. vinyl windows like you buy from Home Depot) then the ONLY way to do it is from the inside. You proceed in this order:
1. gently remove the inside stops
2. remove lower sash - cut the sash weight cords and let the weight just drop (if applicable)
3. remove the blind stop (that's the one between the two sashes)
4. remove upper sash
5. if applicable, remove the sash weight access door (a little wooden flap near the bottom of the frame) and pull out the old weights. Use a stick to push fiberglass insulation into this cavity.
6. scrape and paint the sill and the outside stops. This is where the new window will sit, and you want to have a good, clean surface for the caulk to adhere.
7. run a bead of caulk around the inside of the stops and the sill. Also squirt a line of expanding foam along the sill - this will expand to fill the cavity beneath the new sill.
8. Keeping the sashes locked, set the bottom of the new window into the opening and tilt the top into place. The inside of the window should be tight against the stool and the outside should be tight against the stops.
9. still keeping the window locked, shim the upper corners until the window is plumb and level. Install the screws - don't overtighten or you will bow the window.
10. fill the remaining cavities with low-expansion foam or fiberglass.
11. replace the inside stops
12. caulk around the outside of the window
1. gently remove the inside stops
2. remove lower sash - cut the sash weight cords and let the weight just drop (if applicable)
3. remove the blind stop (that's the one between the two sashes)
4. remove upper sash
5. if applicable, remove the sash weight access door (a little wooden flap near the bottom of the frame) and pull out the old weights. Use a stick to push fiberglass insulation into this cavity.
6. scrape and paint the sill and the outside stops. This is where the new window will sit, and you want to have a good, clean surface for the caulk to adhere.
7. run a bead of caulk around the inside of the stops and the sill. Also squirt a line of expanding foam along the sill - this will expand to fill the cavity beneath the new sill.
8. Keeping the sashes locked, set the bottom of the new window into the opening and tilt the top into place. The inside of the window should be tight against the stool and the outside should be tight against the stops.
9. still keeping the window locked, shim the upper corners until the window is plumb and level. Install the screws - don't overtighten or you will bow the window.
10. fill the remaining cavities with low-expansion foam or fiberglass.
11. replace the inside stops
12. caulk around the outside of the window
source(s):
experience
experience
It doesn't matter which way you install it. It's better to do it on the outside but if you're on a ladder, you'd be safer from the inside.
I always bring the small windows (4x4 or smaller) in from the inside, angling it through the window, and pulling it back toward the building, shim it in place, and hold it while a friend on a ladder puts in the screws.
Bigger windows usually need to come from the outside, and some even need a crane to help you depending on size, location on the building and if you have any help to complete your install.
Bigger windows usually need to come from the outside, and some even need a crane to help you depending on size, location on the building and if you have any help to complete your install.
It is generally easier to install a window from the outside of a house.
Typcially, when I remove an old window, I try to minimize damage to the interior woodwork. I also make sure I order the new window so it will fit into the existing opening.
Next, for vinyl windows, I trim away the nailing fins from all four sides of the window, and slide it into the opening from the outside of the house so it buts up tight to the existing trim inside the house. After shimming it so it fits squarely to the existing interior woodwork, I like to seal the gaps around the window with fiberglass insulation.
Finally, the new window is secured in place with 1" x 1" battons nailed to the exterior frame in which the window sits. It's also a good idea to calk these battons to the frame and to the window.
Typcially, when I remove an old window, I try to minimize damage to the interior woodwork. I also make sure I order the new window so it will fit into the existing opening.
Next, for vinyl windows, I trim away the nailing fins from all four sides of the window, and slide it into the opening from the outside of the house so it buts up tight to the existing trim inside the house. After shimming it so it fits squarely to the existing interior woodwork, I like to seal the gaps around the window with fiberglass insulation.
Finally, the new window is secured in place with 1" x 1" battons nailed to the exterior frame in which the window sits. It's also a good idea to calk these battons to the frame and to the window.
source(s):
Personal experience gained remodeling homes.
Personal experience gained remodeling homes.
It is best done with two people-- one on the outside, one on the inside.
It is best to replace a window from the side which offers the most ease and safety, if both sides afford equal access to proper installation. If proper installation is not available from one side, choose the other one, but ensure safety at all cost.
Related questions
140 characters left
ask any question
