Basement windows can be hard to replace. If you want to upgrade your basement, consider installing a new window instead of an old one. However, doing this yourself may be challenging because several factors must be considered when replacing basement windows. The article is presented by houseilove.com.
Are basement windows hard to replace?
While a basement window is not difficult to replace, it can be heavy. If you have trouble lifting heavy items, you may need help from a friend who is larger than you or has more upper body strength. You may also need to rent a hand truck or dolly at your local hardware store.
Basement windows are often made of glass and wood, so they can be particularly fragile if broken during replacing steel frame basement windows. This means that it’s important to have the right tools for your task:
- Needle-nose pliers will help with pulling out old nails.
- Goggles will guard against flying shards of glass.
- Gloves will protect against getting cut by sharp edges.
- Protective eyewear will minimize eye strain from working in direct sunlight (because most basements don’t have windows).
How to Replace a Basement Window
The first step to replacing a basement window is to remove the old one. You’ll need to remove the trim surrounding it and pry out any nails or screws holding it in place. If you have double-hung windows, you can slide them up past the top of their frame, so they are only held in by gravity. Use a flathead screwdriver or chisel to separate the window from its frame, then use a hammer and block of wood on either side of each window corner to help pry them out of place.
Once all four sides are free, disconnect any weather stripping or caulk around your old window (you may need some WD-40 for this). Remove all hardware from each corner except for two hinges per side—this will make installing your new replacement much easier!
Removing the Old Window
First, you’ll need to remove the old window. This can be done by removing the frame and sash and then the sash weights. After that, remove the old glass inside the window frame.
The first step is to remove any screws or nails holding together any trim around your basement window. Then you can usually lift it on one side of your basement window and slide it out from its track (if there is one). Finally, you will want to pull off any remaining trim around this area if possible before moving on to removing old sashes from both sides of your basement windows, as well as removing any screws holding them in place and finally sliding them out through their tracks towards yourself—again if applicable for your particular model!
Framing the Rough Opening
The rough opening is the space between the window and the wall. It must be framed to accept a new window. If you have a wooden opening, it may need to be shimmed or notched so that the new window will fit properly.
If you have an older home with plaster walls, there’s a good chance that your rough openings are already in place. In this case, you’ll need to measure where your new window should sit to its frame and cut out any wood blocking access to it (if there is any).
Use your stud finder on each side of where you want your new basement windows to go—that way, when installed correctly on both sides of their frames’ living space and not interfering with other things like wiring, for instance! The metal tip should touch something solid.
Setting the New Replacement Window
A new window will not fit into the opening without being level, plumb, and square. The first step is to ensure that the top of your new replacement window is level. This means that the bottom of your replacement window should be even with the side or floor you are working on.
You may have to use a level to check this if it is difficult to tell what the level is just by looking at it. If you are replacing an open basement window, make sure that all four sides of your new replacement windows meet flush against each other to sit properly in place.
Next, ensure that your replacement window sits plumb with its top edge aligned along a vertical axis with floors and walls around it (i.e., straight up and down). Lastly, ensure that each corner of your new replacement windows sits square so that they do not stick out past any surface they touch on either side of them (i.e., 90 degrees from one another).
Conclusion
Removing and replacing a basement window is a great way to spruce up your home. It’s not that difficult, but it can be heavy and time-consuming. If you want to replace your basement window, consider hiring professionals with experience doing this type of work so they can do it right the first time.
