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Option 2: Double-hung sash replacement kits
If you want to retain the authentic wood look of your old double-hung windows, sash replacement kits are the best option. You can order the sashes with grilles to match the rest of the windows in your house and paint or stain the wood. (You can choose grilles that either snap in or are glued to the glass.) But your old window jamb must be square and rot-free. Measure diagonally. If the diagonal measurements differ by more than 1/2 in., the new sash won’t seal properly and you should replace the window or use a vinyl replacement window instead.
Double-hung sash replacement kits consist of two new wood window sashes, two vinyl jamb liners and installation hardware. They range in price from about $200 for a basic window with a snap-in grid to more than $400 for windows like ours with simulated divided lites. Features like energy-efficient low-E glass and maintenance-free exterior cladding are available for an extra cost. Contact one of the manufacturers listed on this page for more information and to find out where to order windows in your area.
CAUTION: Houses built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Before disturbing any surface, get a lab analysis of paint chips from it (about $5 per sample). Contact your public health department for information on how to collect samples and where to send them.
Measure the width between the side jambs at the top, middle and bottom and record the smallest measurement. Measure all the way to the jamb, not the blind stop or parting stop (see Fig. A). Now measure the height from the top jamb to the sill (see Fig. A). Measure both sides and the middle and record the smallest measurement. Finally, determine the sill angle and specify this when you order a sash replacement kit to make sure the jamb liners fit tight to the sill. This step isn’t necessary for ordering wood or vinyl replacement inserts. Keep a record of all correspondence with your window supplier and ask for a written confirmation before the windows are ordered so you can double-check the sizes.
If your house was built before about 1940, you’ll likely have double-hung windows with sash weights and cords like the ones shown in this article. Newer double-hungs may have springs or jamb liners instead, but once these are removed, the installation process is the same.
Option 1: Wood Or Vinyl Replacement Inserts
Start your replacement insert installation by removing the interior stop, sash and parting stop. The parting stop is usually caked with paint and difficult to remove. Use a pliers to break out the lower section. If the upper sash is stuck, pry or break out the upper section of parting stop with a chisel. If your windows have spring balances or metal jamb liners rather than sash weights like ours, start by removing the interior stops. Then look for the screws or nails that secure the sash hardware and remove them. The goal is to remove all hardware back to the blind stops. You don’t have to worry about dinging up the jamb and sill because they’ll be covered. If your window has a sash weight cavity, stuff it with insulation.
Make Sure Your Window Insert Is Square
Your wood or vinyl replacement insert will be slightly smaller than the window jamb opening to allow for shimming. The key to a window that operates smoothly and seals properly is getting the frame perfectly square and the sides straight. Don’t be afraid to remove the screws and readjust the window in the opening if necessary. In addition to checking the window by measuring the diagonals, open and close the sashes to make sure the tops and bottoms are parallel with the sill and top jamb and that the top and bottom sashes are parallel to each other where they meet in the middle. Keep tweaking the shims until everything is square and lined up. Then snug but don’t overtighten the screws. Complete the installation by reinstalling the interior stops and sealing up the exterior. You can also install wood or vinyl replacement inserts in casement and sliding window jambs. We won’t talk about them in detail here. Be sure to read the installation instructions that come with each window.
Make Sure Your Window Insert Is Square
Your wood or vinyl replacement insert will be slightly smaller than the window jamb opening to allow for shimming. The key to a window that operates smoothly and seals properly is getting the frame perfectly square and the sides straight. Don’t be afraid to remove the screws and readjust the window in the opening if necessary. In addition to checking the window by measuring the diagonals, open and close the sashes to make sure the tops and bottoms are parallel with the sill and top jamb and that the top and bottom sashes are parallel to each other where they meet in the middle. Keep tweaking the shims until everything is square and lined up. Then snug but don’t overtighten the screws. Complete the installation by reinstalling the interior stops and sealing up the exterior. You can also install wood or vinyl replacement inserts in casement and sliding window jambs. We won’t talk about them in detail here. Be sure to read the installation instructions that come with each window.
Option 2: Double-Hung Sash Kits
The toughest part of sash replacement is tearing out the old window. You have to pry off the stop (carefully for reuse) and the parting stop (which you can discard). You can either nail or screw the new liner clips in place. We chose screws because driving nails can be difficult in old window jambs. Be sure to leave a 1/16-in. space between the clip and the blind stop or the jamb liner won’t snap in. Then replace the interior stops and top parting stop. Read the instructions included with your window for the exact procedure to use for lowering the sash lifts and tilting the sash into place. If you have trouble pushing in the sash after you tilt it up, try working with one side at a time. Compress the jamb liner with one hand while you ease one top corner of the sash in with the other. Then repeat the process on the other side. Also position the top of the sash toward the center of the opening.
Buyer’s Guide
The following companies manufacture vinyl replacement windows. Call for the retailer nearest you. For a list of companies that sell wood replacement windows.
Crestline Windows And Doors: (800) 552-4111. www.crestlinewindows.com
Kvw Division Of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Inc.: (800) 955-8177. www.kkvw.com
Vetter Windows & DOORS: (800)VetterR2. www.vetterwindows.com
Here are a few companies that sell double-hung sash replacement kits. Check your local lumberyard or home center for other sources.
Caradco:(800)238-1866. www.caradco.com
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Inc.:(800) 955-8177. www.kolbe-kolbe.com
Marvin Windows and Doors:(888) 537-8266. www.marvin.com
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