Vinyl Replacement Window Installation

Old window demolition

You can see the installers are working from both sides of the window. They elected to take the old windows out from the exterior in order to save the homeowner some touch up work on the interior of the house. To dislodge this window, the installers chiseled out part of the window stop and frame. This job requires a little less delicacy and a little more brute strength. Don't be afraid to get after it!

Consider vinyl blinds if you're redecorating your windows; they're one of the more popular window treatments on the market.

Window demolition continued

Here are a couple more pictures of the window removal process. A hammer, chisel, putty knives, or anything you can use to wedge in the cracks and gain a bit of leverage to work this tick off the dog. These windows had been in this house for over 50 years so they had had plenty of time to get cozy.

Removal of old window

Finally, the old picture window has been removed. It took a bit of persuasion but she finally left. Now it's time to get down to the business of installing the new vinyl replacement windows.

To the right, I'm showing you where the installers chiseled down the old stop so they could get the old window out and put the new window in. Vinyl replacement windows are often manufactured to be about a quarter inch smaller than the window they replaced on the top and on the sides. This makes the vinyl replacement window a little easier to get into the opening. Any gap will be filled with insulation, caulk and then covered with aluminum facing on the exterior of the house.

The new vinyl replacement window comes home to roost

There's a new window in town and she's feeling good. Got a smile. Got a style in the neighborhood. There's a fresh freckle face. Alright, I'll can it or stuff it. What did Mel used to say? Anyhow, the installers just set the new vinyl replacement window into the opening from the exterior. They take some measurements and make the proper adjustments and then screw that sucker right in. These guys were pros. 13 windows out. 13 windows back in - in less than four hours! Wow! Of couse, they had some finish work after that but, nevertheless, pretty impressive. Think about that if you are considering doing it yourself over - well, let's say, uhh - the next six months.

Caulking around the new vinyl replacement window

To the left, after seating the window, the installers caulked up the interior of the window. From the outside, they insulated the gaps around the window, applied caulk, and customed molded an aluminum framing to border the window. To the right, here is another window without the exterior finished. See the gap between the window and the frame.

Screen and storm window removal

This must have been pretty handy. The screen and storm window came as one unit that just screwed right into the house. I didn't look closely but I don't think that this unit was insulated at all. The storm windows sure didn't fit snugly into place. This unit must have been nice for the former installers. Just screw it right in. Excepting for a few rusted screws, they came out almost as easily.

Say adios to junk windows and high energy bills

To the left, you'll notice the old windows ready for their trip to window heaven. At least, they hope so. If entrance into window heaven is based on how well they performed during their life then these are headed straight to hell.

To the right, I had a casement window installed over the kitchen sink for easy opening. I got this idea from one of the many window salesmen I met. I didn't go with him but thanks for the idea Salesman Dude from Rosati Windows. He also gave me a great idea for replacing the picture window with one that opens from each side. Thanks again!

Polaris Ultraweld replacement window

I've included a couple interior pictures of the views from the finished vinyl replacement windows. They're not good pictures of the windows but they do show how the light just floods in. I'll try to add some better pictures from the interior later.

Finished product - from the outside

Here's a picture of how the finished product looks from the outside. You can see the added aluminum facing and you may be able to make out the caulking job. Compare this photo with the one above of the same window but without the aluminum facing. These guys did a bang up job!