The old casement windows have to go and you want to install new vinyl double hung windows in their place. Most people can do this themselves given a few hours. We’re going measure for new windows, remove the old casements, install the new double hung window and add trim and caulk to seal it up.
How to Remove Casement Windows and Install Vinyl Double Hung Windows
It’s inevitable. Older windows leak air and lose their charm because they are outdated and out of style. New windows give a home a new, updated look and add energy efficiency if they are installed correctly. This is all about how to remove casement windows and install vinyl double hung windows.
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Measuring and Ordering Windows
Windows fit inside the framing of a house and that’s what needs to be measured. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the paint and caulk seal around the outside of the interior window casing. Use a slim, flexible, putty knife to get behind the trim and gently pry it out a little. Switch to a stiff putty knife or small pry bar to finish. The rough 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 frame of the window will be visible.
Measure from the inside face of each side, and the inside faces of the top and bottom 2-by-4 frame. Find the smallest distance between the boards and use that distance to order new vinyl double hung windows. Outside, measure the window trim height and width from the outside edges of the trim. Order the new windows with these measurements. When they arrive, measure the new windows to make sure they will fit the openings.
Removing Casement Windows
Don’t remove the old windows until the new ones arrive and you’ve checked for fit. Outside, pry off the old trim. Have a helper ready — the window may be heavier than it looks, especially double window units. With a reciprocating saw and a demolition blade, cut between the rough frame and the old window frame.
Lift the old window out — bringing it into the house is often easier than taking outside. Replace any rotted window framing with new lumber of the same size and flush cut any nails or screws. We’re done removing the casement windows; now install the vinyl double hung windows.
Double Hung Window Installation
Place the new window into the opening from the outside. At the top of the window rough frame should be a thin, metal flashing. This goes over the new window. Center the window in the frame using shims on the bottom and sides. Don’t shim the top. Use a level to get the window level from side to side and plumb from top to bottom.
Use shims to make adjustments in level and plumb. Verify the window is square by measuring diagonally between opposite corners. A square window will have exactly the same measurement from each.
Screw the new window to the frame through the shims according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Different manufacturers require different installations and not following them will void your warranty. Most new window installations don’t require screws in the top or bottom of the frames, just the sides.
Sealing and Trim
Run a bead of exterior caulk around the perimeter of the window on the house sheathing and another on the window frame. Install new trim on these surfaces, nailing the trim only to the window. Use more caulk on the seams between the trim and the siding and the trim and window.
From inside, use non expanding foam to fill the gap between the window frame and rough frame. Do not overfill, as it does expand a little. Let the foam harden before finishing the window trim. Install new trim around the inside of the window and use a little caulk to seal it. Remove your casement windows and install vinyl double hung windows to update your home and make it more energy efficient.
Credits and Resources
- Photo by Roxanne Hodges at Morguefile.com
- This Old House: How to Install A Window (Remove Casement Windows) https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-window
