Replacing a basement window is quite easy. In fact, it is similar to replacing or installing a regular window. The process takes about 2 or 3 hours depending on your level of expertise. But since you’re reading this, you’re probably new at this stuff and you want to learn how to do it. In this article you’re going to learn how you can replace your basement windows as easily as 1, 2, 3.
Step 1
The first thing to do is to prepare! Just like any other project whether you’re building, cooking, or anything of the sort, you should always prepare. Preparation is the first step to success. Listed below are the things you will need to prepare before working on your basement windows.
Things you will need:
● Work gloves
● Safety goggles/glasses
● Dust mask (optional)
Tools:
● Hammer
● Tape measure
● Utility Knife
● Caulk gun
● Whisk broom/Vacuum Cleaner
● Cold chisel
● Drill/Driver
● Reciprocating Saw
● Pry bar
● Spirit level
● Paintbrush
Materials:
● Screws (stainless steel or galvanized/ double threaded)
● Exterior caulk
● Wooden shims
● Expansion foam
● Primer
It’s now time to screw the window in place. There are two ways you can do this. You can either apply the expanding foam around your window frame or you can install screws to secure the window in place. Screwing usually keeps the window more secure. You can start by removing the sash and the screen to give you more room to work and make it easier to reach the holes for the screws. If you’re dealing with drywall use stainless steel or galvanized screws. If it’s a concrete wall, you need to use a power drill with a hammer head action. Use it to make your hole, then screw in double threaded screws specifically used for concrete.
Step 2
Now that you’ve prepared the things listed above, it is time to start working on your basement window. Firstly, you need to check if your window frame needs to be removed or not. This way you can tell if you need to replace the window glass or the whole window frame.
Step 3
Bring out your tape measure. If the glass is damaged you can replace it while leaving the frame in its place. You need to measure the height and width of the glass. Make sure to get accurate measurements of the window glass. If the window frame has rusted, rotten, or warped, you will need to take it out. Again, measure both the height and width of the window frame. A useful tip would be to measure the frame from the inside of the room. You can get a more accurate measurement from there. If you can’t get a frame with the exact size you need, you can order one that’s a little smaller. You can fill the gap with expanding foam once you install the frame.
Step 4
Now the fun but complicated part begins. It’s now time to remove your old window. First, put on your work gloves. If you’re dealing with a wooden framed window you need to bring out your pry bar and remove the window frame and sash from the window wall. You then need to use the reciprocating saw to cut through the window frame and wall studs. You can now pull out and remove the old window from the wall opening. If you have a metal framed window, then it’s a different process. Check first if the frame has been screwed in place or secured with rivets. If it’s screwed in place you need to remove the screws using a drill or electric screwdriver. If the frame is secured using rivets you can drill them out. Once you’ve removed the screws or rivets, you can now pull out the window frame.
Step 5
You’ve now removed the frame. The next step is to proceed to clean the hole and window opening. To clean the opening you need to bring out your hammer and cold chisel. Chip away any ridges of concrete or mortar. After doing that, clean the debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Now you’re ready to install your new window!
Step 6
Get your new window in position and slide it into the opening. Install the window close to the bottom sill but also leave a little space for insulation. Use wooden shims to center the new window in the opening. Push a couple of shims below the lower edge of the frame, but not all the way through to the outside. Just enough to give a little extra room to adjust. Use the spirit level to check if your window is horizontally level. If it isn’t level, you can adjust the position of the shims until it is.
Step 7
It’s now time to screw the window in place. There are two ways you can do this. You can either apply the expanding foam around your window frame or you can install screws to secure the window in place. Screwing usually keeps the window more secure. You can start by removing the sash and the screen to give you more room to work and make it easier to reach the holes for the screws. If you’re dealing with drywall use stainless steel or galvanized screws. If it’s a concrete wall, you need to use a power drill with a hammer head action. Use it to make your hole, then screw in double threaded screws specifically used for concrete.
Step 8
Apply caulk along the sides and top of the window frame. But before this, you need to remove the old caulk using your utility knife around the exterior of the frame (from the outside). Make sure that the exterior caulk you’re using is suitable for exterior use. The caulk needs to bond to your brick or stone wall as well as to your wooden or metal window frame. Apply continuous beads of caulk using the caulk gun on to the bottom corner of the window and move it slowly along the lower edge. Then apply around the sides and top of the window too.
Step 9
After you’ve applied caulk, it’s now time to spray expanding foam evenly on the gap between the frame and the walls. Also spray under the sill to completely seal the window and insulate the glass. Close your window and lock it while waiting for the foam to expand and dry.
Step 10
Now you’re close to being done with the project. The final step is to apply primer onto your basement window. If your basement window has a metal frame it doesn’t need to be coated with primer anymore. If you have a wooden frame then you’ll have to get your paintbrush and primer to protect the frame. Apply a coat of exterior-grade primer to all wood window parts. Apply it in a thin even coat. Leave it to dry for as long as you can. Make sure your primer is suitable for the outdoors. When the primer is dry, you can leave it as it is. You can also apply two coats of exterior paint to go along with the primer. It provides the frame with extra protection aside from the primer.
Now you’re finished. This is all it takes to replace or install your new basement windows. Always check the materials you use to make sure they’re suited for the window. Take your time and check every step you’ve done. Once you’ve done all of that, you can now enjoy your new basement window knowing you learned a new skill. You didn’t have to spend lots of money hiring someone. You’ve got a new basement window and a new learned skill.
You’re looking for a way to replace your old, drafty basement windows.
Replacing basement windows is an easy project that can make a big difference in the comfort of your home. It will also help you save money on heating and cooling costs by reducing drafts and increasing insulation. And it’s not just about saving energy – new windows can add value to your home when you go to sell it.
Tashman Home Center has everything you need for this project, from replacement window installation kits to window hardware accessories like locksets and hinges. We even have tools like screwdrivers, hammers, saws, drills and levels so you don’t have to worry about buying them yourself. Our friendly staff are happy to answer any questions or concerns that come up during the process too – we’re here every step of the way. Call us at 323-985-3130.