How to Replace a Basement Window

with General contractor Tom Silva, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Basement window

2. Butyl caulk
used to seal around window

3. Expandable urethane foam
used to seal under window

4. Wood shims
used to hold window centered in opening

5. 2 ½-inch decking screws
used to fasten window

6. Exterior-grade primer and paint

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
  used to trim shims
- Cold chisel
  used to chip away old mortar from window opening
- Caulking gun
- Whisk broom
  used to sweep away debris
- Drill/driver
  used to drive screws
- Reciprocating saw
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In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to replace a basement window.

Steps:

1 Remove the sash from existing basement window.
2 Use reciprocating saw to cut through the window frame.
3 Pull out the old window frame from wall opening.
4 Use hammer and cold chisel to chip away mortar from sides of opening, if necessary.
5 Slide new window into the opening.
6 Use shims to center new window in the opening.
7 Secure window by screwing up through its frame and into the mudsill.
8 From outside, apply caulk along the sides and top of the window frame.
9 Spray urethane foam under the sill to seal the bottom of the window.
10 Apply a coat of exterior-grade primer to all bare wood window parts, followed by two paint topcoats.
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