Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows on the Second Floor

Windows of first and second floor of any two storey building or above can be easily replaced if any one desire to do the same, there are some tricks to make the upper floor jobs a bit easier and safer. If the previous windows are replacement style frames, anyone can install the window from inside the house. The only thing you have to do for the second floor window which is different from the first floor window is, you have to use an extension ladder to caulk the exterior. Now concentrate on installing retrofit style windows on the second floor. Anyone can remove the old window from inside the house, but if anyone have a picture window then he have to use an extension ladder to remove the stops holding the glass place after that go inside the house and cut the glass free from the frame using a good utility knife. Don’t forget to put a tarp on the ground below the window, to catch the glass pieces that may fall during the removal of the window glass. Most importantly keep people and animals away from the area below the window which is to be removed otherwise injury may cause fatal.

After removal of the previous window it is now time to install the new window. You can do it from inside of the house. One thing everyone has to be remembered while installing the retrofit style frames, you have to install them from outside and raise them from outside instead carrying the windows upstairs. If it’s a slider, remove the screen and sliding panel. After that take help of a helper, you can angle the window frame through the opening, extending the retro lip completely outside of the opening before pulling the window back toward you and installing the window as if you were outside. Tell your helper to hold the centre bar while you put a screw into the top centre to hold the frame in place. You can also do the installation from inside the only time you have to go outside for the extension ladder is when you are ready to caulk the exterior. Please make sure that you have put a generous amount of caulk where the top of the frame meets the stucco or exterior material. You don’t want any water getting past the new frame, otherwise it can work its way through the wall and down through the ceiling or the walls. It is quite surprising how easily two men can easily fit a tall sliding window on the second floor if you remove the sliding panels and screen. You can run a bead of caulk on the outside face of the old frame before installing the new frame right from inside the room.

Installing replacement windows looks complicated, but actually requires only basic tools and skill—despite the high prices charged by some window replacement companies.

However, before deciding to tackle the job yourself, check the condition of your existing window frames. If they’re rotten or badly out of square, the whole unit, including the frame, may need replacing. This is a much bigger and more complicated job than installing a vinyl window insert and may require a pro.

If the frames are sound, the next step is to measure the interior width and height of each window frame side to side and top to sill. Double-check these measurements to ensure their accuracy so you don’t end up with a window that doesn’t fit. In most cases, the old frame dimensions will match a standard- size vinyl window.

Use these measurements to order the windows from a lumberyard or home centre. The price will vary depending on the manufacturer and the features you request. Order windows with insulated glass (two layers). Then consider whether to copy the style (single or multiple glass panes) of the old windows or to change it.

The windows install from the inside. Give yourself at least half a day to install the first unit. Once you’ve learned the steps, the second installation will go much faster.

Here’s a summary of the steps:

  1. Remove and save the inside stop. It’ll be reused in the same place.
  2. Remove the old lower window sash.
  3. Pull out the parting stop (see top frame detail). Don’t worry about breaking it; you won’t be reusing it.
  4. Remove the old top sash.
  5. Either removes the sash liners and springs or opens the sash pockets and pull out the weights. Remove the sash cord pulleys and stuff the weight pockets with fibre glass insulation.
  6. Push the new vinyl unit into place tight against the outside stop and drive the mounting screws in the sides.
  7. Caulk around the outside and install the vinyl trim pieces.
  8. Reinstall the old inside stop.

So, if you are hesitating to replace your old windows yourself because you didn’t think you could do the upstairs windows, now you know you can.

Vinyl City

Author Vinyl City

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Vinyl City Windows & Doors Inc. 2018

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