Can You Install Your Own Window?

Your home would most certainly have many windows and doors. However, as time moves on, it is quite obvious that your home will go through wear and tear. There are certain portions of the home that will face faster wear and tear. Roofs and external windows apart from external doors are prone to the elements of nature. Therefore, there is a need to either repair them or have them replaced. In most cases, repairs and replacements of glasses or some parts of the window may be enough.

However, if the windows get damaged beyond a certain point, you may have no other option but to replace them. You have two options before you as an end user. Either you could hire the services of a professional to do the installation job or do it your own. Keep in mind that there are well-known window installation Alexandria professionals who can help with the window installation jobs.

However, if you have the free time and the skill set, as a homeowner, you could also consider installing a new window in your home. The question now is, is it possible for you to go in for DIY installation for your windows? Let us try and find answers or the same over the next few lines.

When Should You Consider Replacing Windows on Your Own

In many cases, the quotes offered by window replacement companies might be higher compared to your budget. Hence, it is quite common on your part to consider replacing the windows on your own. You also may have watched a window replacement company doing the job in your neighbors’ house. You may find the whole job really simple and you may, therefore, be tempted to try making use the DIY methods that you may have seen online.

While there is no reason for you not to be able to replace the windows on your own, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. To begin with you must have the right window replacement tools without which it may not be possible for you to do the job properly.

Additionally, you also need to have the desired skills for replacing windows. It may look quite easy from the outside by getting it done on your own may not be as smooth as you think it to be. There could be many mistakes and errors that you may go through and it certainly is a learning process. At the end of the day, it all depends on the urgency of the situation and your mind set.

Are you ready to risk ending up with a wrongly-fitted window? Unless you are sure about the whole thing, it may not be right to take this step.

Have an Understanding of Replacement Window Types

Here are a few things that you must bear in mind when it comes to DIY window installation.

• You also must have a reasonably good understanding about the two major types of replacement windows.
• They are insert and full-frame. Full-frame windows come as complete window units. They have a sill and a standard jamb. They are as good as windows that are used for installation in new homes.
• You also will find that full frame inserts have nailing fins in the front. These help the window to be nailed to the front of the house. This is quite easy because if the window is of the perfect size, it easily slips into the window slot of window opening from the outside.
• On the other hand, insert replacement windows are window units that have been pared down.
• They come with window sashes and these are located inside a small frame.
• They have been designed to fit perfectly in you’re the window jamb frame that you already have in place.
• However, unlike full frame windows, insert replacement windows have to be installed from the inside of your house.

If you are trying to install windows for the first time, there are reasons to believe that insert windows are a better choice. This is because you need not remove or even replace the existing interiors or the trim of the exterior window. On the other hand, when you choose full frame windows, the trims have to be removed on both the sides of the window.

Furthermore, you also may have to customize the trim and, if this is not possible, you may have to go in for a new window trim. Full frame windows must also take into account the exterior as it involves other complicated and difficult tasks like waterproofing, installation of new flashing atop the window and ensuring that the trim joints and window joints are properly caked.

While inserts are easy to install, full frame replacement is quite efficient and recommended in some cases.

Take Into Account the Time Required For Installation

DIY installation should take around four to six hours. This is for a full-frame replacement window. However, in case you have to make changes to the window opening or make some changes to the fuss of the exterior trim, you can safely assume that the whole window replacement should take one full day.

The larger windows are quite complicated and therefore you must be ready to spend one whole day for such replacements. The time estimate does not take into account the painting, staining of the new trim and also the time taken for drying of the paint or caulk. On the other hand, insert windows should not take more than half a day. This is one of the main reasons why DIY professionals recommend going in for insert windows.

Be Sure That the Inserts Work Properly

If you decide to go in for insert replacements instead of full frame replacement, there are a few precautions that you must take.

• Make sure that the window openings are suitable for such inserts.

• Be aware of the fact that not all window opening may be suited for such inserts.

• Before you go ahead with the installation job, using insert replacements, make sure that the window frame is perfectly square or as near to a perfect square as it can get.

• You can allow for a leverage of 1/8 inch as far as the diagonal measurements are concerned.

• Please also be sure that the frame is solid and is totally free from any structural damage.

The Final Word

To conclude, there is no doubt that it is possible to install your own window, provided you are aware of the basic theoretical aspects of such installation. It does take time, skills, and the right tolls so you might have to do the work on a weekend. As a beginner, you may make some mistakes, so make sure that each and every step is properly planned.

Remember, it is always better and wiser to take the help of professionals to install the windows if you are not sure what to do. Yes, you may have to shell out some bucks, but you could expect a perfect job done.

If you need any help on window fittings and installations or if you are keen on hiring the services of professional window installers, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We will be able to offer readymade and customized window replacement solutions, based on your specific needs.

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