You have decided to replace the windows in your home.  Now the first decision you need to make is, to do it yourself or have someone install them for you.  This is a guide to show you what is involved in installing your own windows; every manufacturer is different, so please read their instructions before you begin.  Each window should take approximately 45 minutes to 1-hour to install and you probably have all the tools needed for the job.  If you decide you do not want to tackle this project yourself, Busy Beaver does offer installation. 

Tools Required:
Tape Measure, Goggles, Level, Square, Drill/Driver, Hand-held Screwdrivers, Caulking, Caulking Gun, Pry Bar, Hammer, Chisel, and Shims

Measuring for Replacement Windows
The most important part of the installation procedure comes before you even have your windows.  It is critical that you measure your opening properly and accurately. Manufacturers' measuring instructions vary, but the following procedures are typical for the rough opening:

• To measure the width, raise the lower sash and measure the jamb-to-jamb width in three places–near the top of the window, at the middle and close to the bottom.
• To measure the height, measure from the head jamb to the sloped sill just past where it meets the inside window stool.

Installing Replacement Vinyl Windows

• To install a vinyl replacement window, first remove the old sash.  A traditional double-hung window has two sets of removable stops.  All have an inside stop that holds the lower (inner) sash in place and a blind stop that separates the two sashes.  The outside stop is nailed to the edge of the sash and needs to remain in place.

• Pry off the inside stops carefully so you can reuse them.  Remove the lower sash, then pry out the blind stop and remove it.  Remove the upper sash.
   
• Clean any dirt and debris in the opening, then caulk the stops and sill.
   
• Set the replacement window in the opening.  It should fit snugly between the stool on the inside and the outside stops of the old window on the outside.  If the new window is narrower, you may need to nail a strip of wood to the jamb to fill the gap between the window and the outside stop.
   
• Center the window in the opening.  Use a carpenter's square to make sure the window is level, plumb and square, regardless of the squareness of the opening.
   
• Screw in all installation screws just until snug starting with the top, centering the window from side to side and checking to be sure the frame remains square.  Do not fully tighten screws until jamb adjustments are used or side jambs are plumb.
   
• Turn the jamb adjuster screws in the center of each side jamb until each jamb is straight and plumb and the opening across the center of the main frame measures the same as the opening at the top or bottom.
   
• Then shim the sides of the window directly behind the predrilled screw holes in the jamb.  Screw the window in place through the side jambs
   
• Check the window to make sure it operates properly.

• Then run a narrow bead of caulking all around the window to seal the gap at the outside stop. 
   
• Repeat caulking around the window on the inside.
   
• Replace the inside stop.