You’ve researched and compared window replacement options, made detailed decisions, and now your installation day is drawing near. Before the installers arrive, it’s a good idea to prepare your home by clearing out areas where they will be working and taping notes on windows that won’t be replaced.
During the window installation process, your crew will apply a bead of slow-expanding foam insulation around the perimeter of the new window. This doubles as a sealant and helps prevent water infiltration. Contact Window Installation Dripping Springs for professional help.
There are a lot of things that need to happen during window installation. Some of these things include preparing the rough opening, sealing, shimming and fastening. The installers will handle most of the heavy lifting but you should be ready to help with some of the preparation. This will ensure that the work is efficient and that your belongings are safe from damage.
The first step of preparation is to clear pathways inside your home so that the installers can move freely between windows. This is especially important if you have furniture, wall decorations or other items that could get in the way of the process. It’s also a good idea to move any plants or other landscaping elements away from the windows to keep them safe from being accidentally stepped on.
Next, the window frame is prepared by removing any loose or broken pieces. Then the new window is inserted into place and long screws are driven into the main vertical sides of the window known as the jambs. Once the screw holes are filled, expanding foam is applied to seal the frame and make a watertight seal.
Lastly, shims are used to make sure that the new window is centered in the frame and plumb. Then it’s screwed into place and inspected for proper operation, such as that the sashes open, close and lock easily.
Before starting, it’s best to consult the installation instructions for the type of window you’re replacing. You’ll find a list of everything that needs to be done and some helpful tips.
Measurement
Before ordering your new window, it’s crucial to make sure you have accurate measurements of the opening. Even a slight error in this step can result in a window that is too large to fit the frame and requires excessive shimming or caulking. Using a steel tape measure, take width and height measurements from the inside of the existing frame. Record these measurements in a notebook and use the smallest values to calculate the dimensions of the replacement window.
Start by measuring the height of the windowsill, or ledge, that forms the bottom of the frame. Next, measure the height of the head jamb (or header), which is the top horizontal component of the frame. Lastly, measure the height of the sill, or the bottom vertical component of the frame. Typically, the head jamb will be higher than the sill, but not always. Therefore, it’s important to remove any range jamb liners before measuring so that you’re accurately assessing the height of the existing wood frame.
Measuring from the outside of the frame isn’t a good option because it doesn’t give you an accurate picture of the frame dimensions. Unless you have professional experience cutting rough openings for windows, it’s best to leave the measurement task to professionals. Otherwise, you’ll risk accidentally cutting into key structural components or installing a window that isn’t properly sized for the rough opening.
For new window installations, it’s also important to note that not all frames are perfectly square. This is not uncommon, especially on older homes, and can lead to problems with the fit of new windows. To account for this, it’s a good idea to subtract a small amount from both the height and width measurements to ensure the window has room to expand and contract with temperature changes without binding or leaving micro gaps that can reduce energy efficiency.
Once you have the width and height measurements of the window opening, it’s time to order your new windows. To avoid confusion, it’s a good idea to write down the width first and then the height so that you can reference them in the order you need to enter them into your online window ordering system.
Installation
You’ve spent a lot of time interviewing contractors, discovering the value of replacement windows, and making detailed decisions on everything from window styles to frames to energy-saving features and hardware. Now that installation day is upon you, it’s important to know what to expect.
Getting the precise measurements is the key to ensuring a tight, long-lasting seal and protection against all weather conditions throughout the year. The installers will use premium grade caulk, coil and insulation to ensure a quality installation that reduces warranty call backs and protects your new investment.
The first step in the installation process is to clear the area where the new window will be installed. This includes removing furniture, curtains, blinds or decorative items to provide the crew with adequate working space and avoid any unnecessary distractions. It’s also recommended that you contain small children and pets away from the work area to maintain their safety and prevent any accidental damage.
Skilled installers will use a variety of tools to carefully remove the existing windows and prepare the window opening. This is a meticulous process that requires careful attention to detail in order to preserve any materials that can be reused and ensure a proper fit for the replacement windows.
Once the old windows have been removed, the crew will inspect the frame opening for any signs of structural damage, including mold or rot. If any of these issues are found, they should be repaired prior to the installation of the replacement window.
If necessary, the installers will use a hand saw to trim any excess material from the outside of the window frame. This helps to ensure a neat, finished appearance and to reduce the risk of leaks. The new window will then be set in place and secured with the appropriate fasteners.
Once the window is in place, the installers will apply a high-performance sealant around the perimeter of the window to create an airtight and watertight seal. This is essential to reducing moisture infiltration and ensuring the longevity of your new replacement windows.
Cleaning
Window cleaning is a regular maintenance task that elevates your building’s appearance and helps prevent the development of stains, mold, mildew and other blemishes. It also extends the lifespan of your windows.
Start the cleaning process by wiping down all surfaces, including window sills, frames and sashes, with a dry cloth to remove loose dirt, dust and cobwebs. Be sure to use lint free towels or microfiber cloths when wiping. Paper towels leave lint streaks that can make clean windows look dirty.
Next, add a small amount of your preferred cleaning agent to your window mop bucket. Be careful not to use too much soap, as this can create a sudsy solution that can be difficult to wipe off the glass surface.
Use a sponge or strip applicator to apply the cleaner to the glass. Apply even pressure as you scrub the glass, paying special attention to any smears or spots. If you’re having trouble removing a stubborn water spot or mineral stain, try using #000 super fine steel wool to rub out the mark.
When you’re finished scrubbing the glass, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Do not allow the cleaning solution to puddle or dry on the glass, frame or sash surface, as this can cause etching and discoloration. If the windows are coated with a protective finish, such as FiniShield ™, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and rinsing.
After rinsing, it’s important to wipe the surfaces down with a lint free cloth again. Be sure to wipe the metal parts of any window cleaning equipment, as well as any other surfaces that may come into contact with water. Do not use a metal scraper, which can scratch the glass and frames.
When you’re ready to squeegee, start at the top of the window and work your way down in a straight line. Be sure to wipe your squeegee down with a dry cloth between each stroke.
