It’s that time of year again: the birds are chirping, the kids are outside, and baseballs and basketballs are causing broken windows all across the country. It may seem like a big hassle to replace a broken window, but it requires tools that you probably already have around the house.

The other advantage to doing it yourself is you won’t have to wait for a window specialist to come out to your house.

Tools and materials you’ll need

• Replacement window
• Hammer
• Drill
• Caulk gun
• Pry bar
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Square
• Chisel
• Utility knife
• Caulk
• Shims

Measure for the New Window

Before you buy a replacement window, you need to know the exact size of your window frame.

Carefully measure the window from the inside of your home.  Start by finding the width by measuring from the inside of the jamb. Measure the width at the bottom, middle, and top of your window, using the narrowest measurement for your replacement window.

Find the height by measuring from the top of the sill to the bottom of the window’s head jamb. Measure at the right, middle, and left of the window, and use the shortest measurement for your replacement window.

Now you’ve got your measurements, so go out and get a replacement window.

Remove Old Window Sashes

Remove the inside stop pieces from the window and set them to the side. You’ll use them later. Next, remove the inside sash. Move the outside sash to the bottom of the window. Remove the parting beads. Remove the outside sash in the same you removed the inside leash. Clean the window sill and jambs thoroughly.

Install the New Window

• Lay a line of caulk along the inside of the outside stops on the window jambs. Caulk and install the sill angle.
• Center the bottom and top sashes vertically in the new window frame. Slide the bumper stops to the center of the frame until the mounting holes in the side jambs are visible.
• Place the header or expander on top of the window and put caulk on its top.
• Install the mounting screws at the top and bottom of each of the side jambs.
• Slide the header up so that it seals gaps between the top of the new window and the old frame.
• Slide both top and bottom sashes up and down to make sure it’s operating smoothly.
• Caulk the inside of the window along the frame and reinstall the inside stops.

That’s all there is to it! If you’re not up for the job, you know you can rely on Bauer Construction for a fair price. We’re here all four seasons, rain or shine, ready to help you and your family thrive. Give us a call and see what we can do for you.