How to Replace Egress Windows

Remove the window trim around the outside of the old egress window, if equipped. Slip a pry bar between the window trim and the basement's exterior. Work the pry bar across each piece of trim, attempting to save the trim for later installation.

Remove the screws securing the egress window's fin against the basement's window casing, using an electric drill. The fin, sometimes called a flange, holds the window in place. If a screw head strips, hold a chisel's blade against the screw head and strike the chisel's head with a hammer until the screw head snaps off.

Slip the pry bar between the egress window's fin and the building's basement. Work the egress window out of its opening, using the pry bar for leverage. Remove the window.

Clean the debris from the egress window's opening. Scrape the old caulking from the window frame with a razor scraper. Sweep the loose debris from the window's opening, using a hand broom.

Apply a 1/4-inch-thick bead of window-grade caulking around the egress window's fin, using a caulking gun to spread the caulk. Keep the caulking bead in the middle of the fin.

Set the egress window in its basement opening. Center the window in the opening. Press the window's fin against the basement's exterior wall.

Run a 1-inch self-tapping screw through the center of the egress window's top fin, using the electric drill to drive the screw. The screw will pull the fin against the opening's casing and act a hinge while adjusting the window for plumb.

Place a bubble level on the top of the window frame. Adjust the window until the bubble level reads plumb, the bubble will rest in the center of its bulb. Once the bubble level reads plumb, run a screw through the fin on one side of the egress window.

Secure the egress window's fin to the building with the 1-inch self-taping screws. Place one screw within 2 inches of each corner and space additional screws every 8 inches along each side.

Cover each screw heads with the window-grade caulking. Run a 1/4-inch-wide strip of caulking around the seam where the egress window's fin meets the building's exterior wall. Smear the bead of caulking, using a finger or rag to compress the caulking.

Reinstall or replace the window trim, if equipped. Use the old trim as a template for new trim and cut the trim with a wood saw. Attach the trim to the building with finish nails.