Every home needs maintenance, and one way to keep a home well insulated is to replace the window frames on time. This article tells you what to consider when replacing window frames. If you’re an experienced handyman, you can install a window frame by yourself just fine, or you can leave it to a professional.
Choose the right material
Window frames typically come in four different materials, and it is crucial to pay attention to these to determine the best choice for your home. What material was used for the window frames already in place? Since the window frames are cut to size, choosing the same material is an obvious choice. Nevertheless, it can also help to orientate yourself to the other options, for example, if you are replacing the window frames to make the house more sustainable.
Wood has traditionally been the most commonly used material for making window frames. However, wood needs proper maintenance as rot can occur. A rough cleaning and painting are best done annually to stretch the life of wooden window frames for as long as possible.
Besides wooden window frames, many window frames these days are made of plastic. Plastic is considerably cheaper than wood, and plastic window frames require considerably less maintenance. Many new buildings, therefore, choose plastic window frames.
Aluminium window frames are also a popular option nowadays. Aluminium window frames are low-maintenance and can be the ideal choice when making a house more sustainable. Aluminium window frames often look very sleek, which is why we see this a lot in luxury projects, although the look should match the house.
To measure is to know
First, it is essential to know the dimensions of the current window frames to determine the material you want to replace the frames with. The material of the window frame is an important choice because it can make a difference in size. By measuring the frame and then subtracting 5 to 10 mm from the measured dimensions, you will save enough space for the frames to fit. We also recommend measuring slightly wider here as you can fill any difference with extra insulation material.
Replacing the window frames
To start replacing the window frames, we advise working step by step. It is also useful to have someone with you because you have to carry the window away, for example. Start by removing the window. If necessary, you can use a Stanley knife to cut the window out of the frame. Next, make saw cuts in the frame to easily remove the various pieces. This can be done with a reciprocating saw, a handsaw, or a hammer and chisel. You then use the space you have created in this to insert a crowbar with which you can pry the pieces of the frame loose one by one.
In this way, you can remove the window frame step by step. It is also important to leave the wall tidy before installing the new window frame. Check to ensure the façade is level and hammer frame anchors and nails back into the façade if they were lost when the frame was removed. It is wise to leave any cavity battens in place as you can attach the new window frames to these.
Next, place the new frame on the wall, and check that the space between the frame and the wall is even throughout. Then attach the frame to the cavity battens or the internal wall if necessary. The frame only needs to be screwed to the studs. It is handy to use special frame screws for this. These are screws in which the head is narrower than the thread. Then seal the frame neatly so that no cold air comes in through this opening. It is handy to use a caulking gun to place the caulk as accurately as possible.
Now that the new frame is installed, put the glass back into the frame.
