Installing Your Replacement Windows | Help To Buy Windows | UK
When choosing between replacing windows yourself or hiring a professional replacement window installation company it is normally a good idea to consider hiring a professional. Help To Buy Windows Ltd does not make credit decisions and is not a lender. H2B Windows Ltd introduces customers to Help 2 Buy Windows Approved Installers, who based on the information you provide, match loan applications with lenders on their panel who will aim to match you to one of their lenders. This website does not directly endorse a particular product or service. Information on our website should be taken as opinion only. If you are handy, it is possible to perform a DIY job, but there are several steps involved to ensure that the new window is installed properly, including:
1. Removing the replacement window from the frame.
2. Installing the frame for the new window in the spot occupied by the window you are placing.
3. Toe-nailing or lightly hammering a 10-penny nail on two sides of the frame to hold it in place.
4. Leveling the frame for the replacement window using the level so that the window is level both vertically and horizontally
5. Once the frame is in place, removing the toenailing and inserting shims in at least two spots while laying the level in the middle of the frame. Then inserting or adding shims (thin pieces of angled wood) on either side of the level until you are sure the base is level.
6. Be sure, by the way, that the frame for your new window is even all around. For example, if you have a two-inch air space below the window, you must maintain the same spacing all the way around. This is after you have installed the shims on the base of the window frame.
7. Next, you take your nailgun or driver and put a nail right through the shims and frame so that the nail goes right into the window support itself.
8. Do the same on the sides, constantly checking so that the sides are vertical. When you have the shims in the right height, nail right through them into the window support frame.
9. With the bottom and sides shimmed, your new window installation will be even, so you need to toe-nail the top corners (drive the nails in at an angle) for top strength.
10. Attach any window hardware required for your replacement window
11. Now, with the assistance of at least two others, lift the new window into place and mark the spots where any hardware that must be installed on the window itself must be installed
12. Install the hardware for your replacement window and snug down any screws with your driver.
13. Now, you must assure that all of the subsidiary hardware is installed on the replacement window. That hardware includes window locks, window cranks, and their linkages and you have to be sure the window will open and close smoothly
14. Caulk the exterior of the replacement window so that it is totally weatherproof. And, once that caulking is installed you have to put up any trim pieces required
15. On the inside, fill in the area around the window with new fiberglass insulation that at least matches the rest of the wall. You may have to stuff extra insulation into the window so that it is snug and now draft comes in.
16. Once that is finished, it’s pretty short work to replace the trim pieces you originally removed so that your new vinyl replacement window is finished up — don’t forget, you will need the caulking gun again to seal the trim you removed and cut out any possibility of drafts.
The Help To Buy Windows Grant has nothing to do with the UK government it is funded 100% by Help to Buy Windows through the sale of leads to our clients. As you can see, installing new replacement windows is a complicated process that involves several steps. And if it is not something you have experience with or feel comfortable doing, is it probably best to use a replacement window company to complete the work correctly. This will ensure that you have fewer problems down the road and that the building inspector approves the work.