But be aware that insert windows do slightly reduce the overall glass exposure of the window since they add an additional frame component. The overall glass exposure of a window shrinks by at least 2 to 3 inches in both directions when you install an insert window.
Reattach the window stops around the sides and top of the new insert window, using a brad nailer or screws. (If using new stop moldings, cut them to size using a miter saw, and paint or stain them before installing).
If your windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs. There are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your existing windows:
If the existing windscreen is intact, maybe just chipped or cracked, removal is usually a straightforward operation. The windscreen technician will shield the vehicle bonnet and dashboard from damage and dust with a protective cover.
If there is a possibility of rain or poor weather, it may be necessary to bring the vehicle under cover. Many mobile windscreen fitters have a special awning on their vans to provide cover against the elements.
A damaged windscreen needs to be repaired in a timely manner, otherwise a simple repair will turn into a windscreen replacement, which is a much bigger job. When it comes to windscreens, timely action can prevent bigger problems in the future.
Most insert windows have drilled openings where the screws should be driven. Make sure not to over-tighten these screws, as it can pull the sash frame out of square.
But by using insert replacement windows, a DIYer can do this work themselves at a fraction of the cost. Replacing three or four windows a year using inserts can allow you to update your entire house within a few years without emptying your bank account.
They are not a good choice if you are replacing sliders or casement windows that pivot open horizontally. For those types, it may be best to hire professionals to install new construction windows.
Select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings in temperate climates with both cold and hot seasons.
Glass glazing options now include a full range of options, ranging from single-pane glass suitable for mild climates to triple-pane insulated glass with low-E coatings and inert gas filling the gaps between panes.
The ease of installation and affordable cost, however, make insert windows a good choice for DIYers. It's more info not uncommon to pay as much as $1,500 per window for a professional replacement, while a DIYer can often install an insert window themselves for as little as $250.
Each manufacturer will have specific installation methods, but the process outlined here is typical. Make sure to research the manufacturer's instructions for measuring the window opening and sizing the new window.
Test-Fit the New Window Fit the new insert window with whatever expansion strip or header that is required, then test fit the window in the frame opening and loosely shim it in place. Use a carpenter's square and torpedo level, as necessary, to adjust the window so it is level and square.
Few home improvement projects make a bigger difference than replacing old, drafty windows. The single-pane, double-hung windows that were once standard in older homes are no longer practical in times of high energy costs, and new windows with double or triple panes may pay for themselves in just a few years through lower heating costs.