How Hard Is It to Put Windows In a House?

Measuring

• An accurate measurement of the window opening is vital to successfully installing a new unit. The process starts with measuring the window width at at the top, middle and bottom, from one side jamb to the other, and recording the smallest measurement. You then measure the window height from the sill to the header, along the left, right and middle of the frame, and record the smallest measurement. Measuring diagonally across the frame each way indicates whether the window is square. The two measurements should match. Finally, if you will need a new sill, you record the slope of the window sill with a special angle measuring tool.

Sash Window

• A sash window replacement kit keeps the framing of the old window in place but adds new sashes, which are the panels that hold the panes. A typical replacement unit contains two sashes that move up and down. The kits also come with new jamb liners, which are vertical supports for the sashes that you place over the side jambs. A square and level frame is essential for a sash replacement window to function properly.

Full Frame

• When the framing of the old windows has received damage, a full frame replacement is probably the best option. These units come with their own headers, side jambs and sills. All of the existing framing must be removed prior to installation. Due to the amount of work required to put in full frame windows, they are probably the most difficult to install, as well as the most costly.

Pocket Window

• An insert replacement window, also called a pocket window, comes with its own secondary frame. You don't need to remove the existing jambs, as new framing fits over the old jambs. Since you're adding new jambs to the old ones, less space will exist for the sashes. The new window's glass area will be slightly smaller than that of the old window as a result. Because you don't need to remove the existing frame, pocket windows provide a less expensive and difficult installation than full frame replacements.