Vinyl Windows are Installed Several Different Ways
Every year thousands of windows are replaced in Washington. Many of the jobs go very smoothly while others are ordeals costing additional time and money. I will discuss some of the commonly used methods of removing the old windows and installing new vinyl windows.
Collapsing the Aluminum Frames
For the homeowner with replacing old Aluminum windows, collapsing the frames is probably the best choice though it is best done with specialized equipment. The process begins with the removal of the old glass panes. These should not be broken. Then the mullions (vertical supports) are cut as needed with a sawzall. Now comes the tricky part, collapsing the old frame inward. Professional window installation companies use collapsers with over a ton of compression power making the job quite easy. Lacking such a tool, specialized nail pullers such as the old sliding arm one made by Crescent can be used with a padded wood block to prevent damage to the interior. The sign of amateurs is attempting the job with a crowbar and a hammer, though it is very common and can cause many problems. 1-2 hours per window
Cutting Around the Old Al.Window Frame
Another way to remove the old window is to saw around the window to get to the old nailing flange, pulling the nails and removing the old window. Often this technique can leave telltale saw marks where the saw lines overlap at the corners. Some people just saw thru the flange around the outside making quite a mess with aluminum shards. A professional with proper tools can do a quality removal after removing the old window and installing new wood trim. This is a somewhat costlier method of changing out windows as there is the additional cost of new wood trim. 1-2 hours per window
Changing out Old Wood Windows
Sometimes changing out old wood windows can be easier than removing aluminum windows. It is a case by case analysis. With wood windows, the old casings are removed, the glass removed, and the new window fitted in place. New wood trim is installed as needed. 1-2 hours per window
Whatever method is employed it is very important that the windows be measured very accurately and that high quality caulking is used on the new installation. Vulcum is an example of a high quality product.