How to Install a Replacement Window

with General contractor Tom Silva, This Old House television

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Replacement window

2. Fiberglass insulation

3. Butyl caulk

4. Expanding insulating foam

5. 2-inch stainless steel screws

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Hammer
- Flat pry bar
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
- Power nailer
  used to attach PVC window trim; could also use hammer and 2-inch stainless steel finishing nails
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In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to install a replacement window.

Steps:

1 Pry the interior trim from around the old window.
2 Cut the sash cords, then lift the sash from the window frame.
3 Remove any storm sash or screens from the window.
4 Pull out old window frame from the opening.
5 Remove the sash weights from inside the wall on each side of the opening.
6 Fill any voids in the wall with fiberglass insulation.
7 Squeeze a bead of butyl caulk around window opening.
8 Apply expanding insulating foam along sill and to underside of expander flashing.
9 Place the expander on top of the new window.
10 Set the bottom of the window on sill, then press the top tight to the wall.
11 Secure window with four 2-inch stainless steel screws.
12 Apply butyl caulk along the jamb and new window frame.
13 Install PVC trim around the inside of window.
14 Caulk around the PVC trim, then nail on the window stops.

Helpful Info

Ask This Old House: Replacing Old Windows

2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the old window

Difficulty: Moderate to hard It takes quite a bit of fussing to pull out the old window and prep the opening, but installing the new window is rather easy