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sill. All sills are slightly sloped to allow moisture to run away from the window. Again you will take three measurements - left, middle, and right. Again go by the smallest measurement. By using the smallest measurement, you will ensure yourself a proper fit. You may have to shim up a little, but your new window will fit in your opening.

Once you have your new window and are ready to install, you will need to make sure you have the following tools: a hammer, phillips-head screw driver, measuring tape, caulking gun, window caulk, a putty knife, a level, and insulation.

First step is to carefully remove the window trim and stops. The stops are square looking strips about one inch by one inch that keep the window from falling into the home. You want to be very careful removing the interior stops because you will be using them again. Leave the exterior stops in place.

If your old window uses the weights and pulleys, cut the rope connecting the sash to the weights and let the weights fall inside the window frame. Do not worry about removing them, as your new window will seal up the space. You will remove the bottom sash first and then the top sash. With a putty knife, clean all remaining debris from old caulking from the window opening.

After cleaning the opening, take your new window and place in the opening bottom first. Check the entire window for proper fit inside the opening. At each corner of the vinyl window frame is a screw hole. Insert one screw each opening using the criss-cross method, ie top left then bottom right then bottom left and top right. Do not over-tighten the screws as this may cause the window frame to bow and reduce its overall energy efficiency.

With your tape measure, measure diagonally from each corner. Both measurements should be exactly the same. This will tell that the window is square and plumb in the frame. With your level, check the window to make sure it is level. You should also check around the window to see if there are any gaps that may need to have insulation or shims to have maximum energy efficiency. By using screws to install the window, you can loosen or tighten them to square, level and plumb the window much easier than is using nails.

Open the sashes to make sure they are operating properly. Slide them up and down to make sure the frame is not compromised and preventing your new window from operating the way you want it to.

Once your window is square, level and plumb, replace the interior stops your removed earlier. You may want to use a little caulking at the top and sides to help seal off any unwanted drafts you may have missed.

When the stops are securely replaced, replace your trim around the opening and step back and enjoy your new window.

Most replacement windows will take approximately 4-5 hours to install. However, once you have installed the first, each one after that will go more quickly as you learn what to do and what not to do.

Every home improvement store, include Lowe's and Home Depot, offer "Do It Yourself" clinics and literature on how to properly install windows, doors, flooring and many other home improvements you may wish to do.

Always check with your local home improvement retailer for any questions you may have. They all employ knowledgeable people that are more than willing to help you. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, your community is filled with knowledgeable, dependable contractors that can help you out.

Learn more about this author, Michael Burke.
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