Have you ever tried to replace a window in your own home? Let us know. It can be very expensive to hire a window company to do it. If you are thinking about it but still have questions PLEASE let us know in the comments below.
@@homerehabpros9617 one thing, you didn't get to wall thickness measurement for 2x4 and/or 2x6 walls. this can be tricky with different materials used on outside and inside of house depending on age of house. Any pointers on getting an accurate determination would be greatly appreaciated.
Hi Dennis, great video as I am just about to replace my windows! I have a couple of windows that are side by side separated by a column that is maybe 3 or 4inches wide. At the box store they asked if I would like the two windows mulled? I guess meaning connected so that I can remove the center column. What are your thoughts about that? How can I tell if there is any support issues with removing them?
The store employee may be asking about the grid that can be installed in the panes. He may be asking about connecting the two, but I don’t think so. I would keep the column in the middle and just install two double hung windows.
I am at a home with replacements installed but one was badly broken by a breakin. The original maker doesnt exist. Is it best to replace the glass or whole wi dow or just the upper window that was ruined. The frame is fine there is no glass it was all smashed out. But if replacement then measure the rough then minus 3/8 top to bottom and 1/2 width?
Most double hung windows are the same size of thickness. 3” is usually standard size of those windows. And the standard size of the replacement windows If it’s an aluminum window or something else you just need to find the width or thickness of the wall which is usually at least 6” and more than able to fit the thickness of the replacement window
One follow up question is do you normally replace them from the inside or outside on an older home? Ours is a 1955 and they do have the rope/weights system. Was told to set it from the outside. Thanks!
I always install from the inside. The window you order can make a difference though. A true replacement window is installed from the inside, a new construction window with fins must be installed from the outside.
Can you remove all the old stops and reframe the opening a bit smaller and use a nail fin window instead of the replacement style one which seems more waterproof? Thanks..
You can do that. Of course you want to coil or trim the outside with caulk to maintain the water tight. Inside will also require trim to finish off. Just a lot more work in my opinion.
When installing a replacement window are the inner facing stops caulked as well as the outside stop/window junction or just the outside facing? Thanks again for your input.
Phil, I want to replace my windows in an older home. windows appear to be more 30-40 years old Some still have the weights in the jam. I'm just not sure which application is the right fit for my window. new construction window or replacement windows. The sill, stool, jam, and casing all look like they are in good shape. no rot. may be a different story once i pull the window out. help.
Just purchased a 25 year old house two lower sashes are getting condensation and I see broken pieces inside the window. I don't know the brand, where can I get generic replacements?!? Thanks!
If you can remove the sashes I would take the. To a glass business. They can replace the compromised panes. It’s cheaper than replacing the whole window.
is this true that every time a replacement would shrink the window size by 1/2 inch. If a very old house has replaced a window 10 times, then the window size become 5 inches smaller?
Hey Phil B thanks for asking. The answer is yes. You would measure the same way. The weights are behind the jamb. When you remove the old sashes you can just cut the rope and let the weights fall inside the wall. It doesn’t hurt to leave them there. The pulley mechanism on the side of the jamb needs to be removed before you install the new window, but that is usually pretty simple.
@@philb707 depends if you are doing insert style replacements. If so, you lose glass space compared to existing since they fit inside the current jamb. The alternative is more destructive (you have to take all the interior trim off and remove the entire existing window frame/jamb, but you order a new window to the size of the rough framed opening in the wall which will be larger than these measurements, and you don't lose glass space.
Some communities require that exact thing. There are options. You can order windows custom made to look like the existing. I do have to say though that it can be very expensive.
Thanks Rick. Every other window in this house had already been changed to vinyl. (Not by Us) Not sure why this one wasn’t done with the rest. We came in after the fact to finish. It was a nice window and with a little work it could have been really nice.
@@homerehabpros9617 Completely understandable, thanks! I've got a 1949 hse with storm windows in place so I'm trying to re-glaze..it sure is labor intensive!
Hey Carlos thanks so much for the comment. The big difference between the New Construction window and the Replacement window is the FIN on the NC window. It will require more work and will still need to be installed like the replacement window. To do that you will need to cut the FIN off to install it like a replacement window anyway.
It can be confusing. All I know is that this way works for me and I have NEVER had a mistake. It has worked for me every time. By the way THANKS for watching. I appreciate it very much.
Hey Don. You just need to measure the width of the wall. If this window is painted shut you can measure it at another window or even a door. Might be good to do a video about that
In other words you cant know unless you remove all trim and sheetrock. My stops on all 4 sides have 1/4" paneling over the sheetrock making 3 of the sides 3/4 in not 1/2. The bottom is exactly the same and has no wood sill. If i didnt know that, this explaination would have screwed me
You are complicating the process. Replacement windows do NOT go to the wall framing, they are measured to existing window framing with the sashes taken out.
Ive seen many different sized stops. Ive seen 3/8, 1/2, and today i found 1/4. Never assume. If there is sheetrock behind it it will cause a problem. I never understood why the inside measurement wont tell you. I get that it is different depending on the window, but that is stupid. Why not make the inside measurement an indication of the rough opening? Like add 2". I guess thats too reliable
When measuring for replacement windows The rough opening is the existing window frame. The rough opening back to the wall studs is of course bigger but there is no need to remove the existing window frames, just the sashes.
ummmmm, Dennis? what about the Jamb DEPTH??? thickness of your walls? is it 3 1/2 or 4 1/2? hmmmmm perhaps you can't take the proper measurements without opening the window after all?
Hey Robert, I really don’t need the jamb depth. I can tell that the replacement window will replace the two sashes after I take them out. They are the standard size. So what happens if the walls are built with 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s. The size of the window doesn’t need to change. The trim I use to finish the installation will change.
You can find windows in stock at the big box stores. The problem is you cant find size specific. I have done this before though. It requires reframing the opening to accommodate the stock window. I would get windows as close as possible with the thought that you will have to adjust the opening down or smaller, and then the trim would need to be done accordingly. Thanks for the comment
Usually depth is only a problem when we have unusual circumstances. In almost all cases if the existing window is a double hung wood then the replacement window will fit just fine.
Have you ever tried to replace a window in your own home? Let us know. It can be very expensive to hire a window company to do it. If you are thinking about it but still have questions PLEASE let us know in the comments below.
I'm on my first flip and have single pane wood windows. My budget is tight so I'm looking at doing it myself
@@RigginTheRod010 Make sure you watch my other Installation videos. Hopefully they will help you.
The simplicity of the window replacement can't be explained any simpler. Thanks Dennis.
this was the clearest explanation about measuring windows I have seen out there.
Thanks. I guess I need to be thorough for myself because I just don’t want to make a mistake. When we installed that window it fit perfectly
@@homerehabpros9617 one thing, you didn't get to wall thickness measurement for 2x4 and/or 2x6 walls. this can be tricky with different materials used on outside and inside of house depending on age of house. Any pointers on getting an accurate determination would be greatly appreaciated.
You are exactly right , precise explanations.
First one I’ve seen actually explain where to measure instead of just saying “top, center, bottom and right, center, left.” Thank you!
Thanks so much for watching, and for your kind comment.
Great video my friend. Thank you for this video!
Jay (NYC 2024).
I LIKED THIS VIDEO IT HELP CALM MY NERVES THANK YOU FOR SHARING
Thanks for watching
Looking to replace some windows myself, this is an awesome walkthrough on how to get the correct measurements!
Thanks so much for watching
Excellent explanation, best I have found thus far!
Thank you so much…I appreciate it
Thank you for being so thorough with your explanation!
You are so welcome!
very patient, best clear explanation!
I really appreciate that!
Great video. It's a confidence builder.
Excellent video, thanks!
Hi Dennis, great video as I am just about to replace my windows! I have a couple of windows that are side by side separated by a column that is maybe 3 or 4inches wide. At the box store they asked if I would like the two windows mulled? I guess meaning connected so that I can remove the center column. What are your thoughts about that? How can I tell if there is any support issues with removing them?
The store employee may be asking about the grid that can be installed in the panes. He may be asking about connecting the two, but I don’t think so. I would keep the column in the middle and just install two double hung windows.
Great tutorial, thank you!
Thanks for watching
Best window replacement measurement video ever. Thank you. I was stressing out ordering windows for this job until I watched this video.
Thanks for watching
So clear and well explained. What a great video... Thank you!
Thanks for your kind words and for watching. I appreciate it VERY MUCH
I am at a home with replacements installed but one was badly broken by a breakin. The original maker doesnt exist. Is it best to replace the glass or whole wi dow or just the upper window that was ruined. The frame is fine there is no glass it was all smashed out. But if replacement then measure the rough then minus 3/8 top to bottom and 1/2 width?
You can take the sash with the broken pane to a glass shop and they can put new glass and seal.
Thanks for the video. How do you measure the thickness of the window?
Most double hung windows are the same size of thickness. 3” is usually standard size of those windows. And the standard size of the replacement windows
If it’s an aluminum window or something else you just need to find the width or thickness of the wall which is usually at least 6” and more than able to fit the thickness of the replacement window
One follow up question is do you normally replace them from the inside or outside on an older home? Ours is a 1955 and they do have the rope/weights system. Was told to set it from the outside. Thanks!
I always install from the inside. The window you order can make a difference though. A true replacement window is installed from the inside, a new construction window with fins must be installed from the outside.
Muchas gracias, me fue muy util. Muy bien explicado!!
Can you remove all the old stops and reframe the opening a bit smaller and use a nail fin window instead of the replacement style one which seems more waterproof? Thanks..
You can do that. Of course you want to coil or trim the outside with caulk to maintain the water tight. Inside will also require trim to finish off. Just a lot more work in my opinion.
@@homerehabpros9617 okay thanks.
When installing a replacement window are the inner facing stops caulked as well as the outside stop/window junction or just the outside facing? Thanks again for your input.
I have old windows with the pulley/weight in the walls. Will this measurement technique apply to these?
Thank you very detailed video! Appreciate your effort
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
Phil, I want to replace my windows in an older home. windows appear to be more 30-40 years old Some still have the weights in the jam. I'm just not sure which application is the right fit for my window. new construction window or replacement windows. The sill, stool, jam, and casing all look like they are in good shape. no rot. may be a different story once i pull the window out. help.
Just purchased a 25 year old house two lower sashes are getting condensation and I see broken pieces inside the window. I don't know the brand, where can I get generic replacements?!? Thanks!
If you can remove the sashes I would take the. To a glass business. They can replace the compromised panes. It’s cheaper than replacing the whole window.
Thank you very much, you helped so much and I can see a lot of error that I did.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad that it was helpful
Great explanation . You win
is this true that every time a replacement would shrink the window size by 1/2 inch. If a very old house has replaced a window 10 times, then the window size become 5 inches smaller?
That is NOT true. If you have to remove an old replacement window the rough opening should remain the same
How do you measure the trim sill?
Usually the sill is 1”. This is pretty standard, but to check you can actually just simply measure it as you see it.
I love the idea
You going to have a video installing this window.
Yes we will, and thanks for asking
Man, you're a pro
Thank you so much. It means a lot.
Thank you
Thanks. Great video.
Hey Phil B thanks for asking. The answer is yes. You would measure the same way. The weights are behind the jamb. When you remove the old sashes you can just cut the rope and let the weights fall inside the wall. It doesn’t hurt to leave them there. The pulley mechanism on the side of the jamb needs to be removed before you install the new window, but that is usually pretty simple.
Thanks for watching our video Phil. We appreciate it very much.
@@homerehabpros9617 No thank you for the response an informative video. Not as nervous now attempting to replace this window on my own..
@@philb707 depends if you are doing insert style replacements. If so, you lose glass space compared to existing since they fit inside the current jamb. The alternative is more destructive (you have to take all the interior trim off and remove the entire existing window frame/jamb, but you order a new window to the size of the rough framed opening in the wall which will be larger than these measurements, and you don't lose glass space.
I have a house build in 1922 that has the original windows and trying to find new windows that look like the old ones I have.
Some communities require that exact thing. There are options. You can order windows custom made to look like the existing. I do have to say though that it can be very expensive.
Excellent video, big Like 92!
But that is a beautiful window..I think I would reglaze it, just my opinion.
Thanks Rick. Every other window in this house had already been changed to vinyl. (Not by Us) Not sure why this one wasn’t done with the rest. We came in after the fact to finish. It was a nice window and with a little work it could have been really nice.
@@homerehabpros9617 Completely understandable, thanks! I've got a 1949 hse with storm windows in place so I'm trying to re-glaze..it sure is labor intensive!
@@rickcurtis2983 Yup … Glazing can be a job, especially if you can’t remove the storm windows. Been there done that my friend.
Thanks you
You are welcome
You forgot the sloped sill wood windows always have spot
Hoe to measure slop angle ?
Hey Carlos thanks so much for the comment. The big difference between the New Construction window and the Replacement window is the FIN on the NC window. It will require more work and will still need to be installed like the replacement window. To do that you will need to cut the FIN off to install it like a replacement window anyway.
4th video I’ve watched and the 4th different way to measure.. how am I supposed to measure a window if everyone says a different way
It can be confusing. All I know is that this way works for me and I have NEVER had a mistake. It has worked for me every time. By the way THANKS for watching. I appreciate it very much.
You are the only one I have heard to subtract 1/2 and 3/8 from measurements?
The window will be smaller than the Old window. You need to( measure )the old frame if you want the same size window
Thanks for commenting Roy.
how to measure the jam of a window?
Hey Don. You just need to measure the width of the wall. If this window is painted shut you can measure it at another window or even a door. Might be good to do a video about that
In other words you cant know unless you remove all trim and sheetrock. My stops on all 4 sides have 1/4" paneling over the sheetrock making 3 of the sides 3/4 in not 1/2. The bottom is exactly the same and has no wood sill. If i didnt know that, this explaination would have screwed me
You are complicating the process. Replacement windows do NOT go to the wall framing, they are measured to existing window framing with the sashes taken out.
great video!
Thanks so much for watching
Xlnt , Thank you !
Ive seen many different sized stops. Ive seen 3/8, 1/2, and today i found 1/4. Never assume. If there is sheetrock behind it it will cause a problem. I never understood why the inside measurement wont tell you. I get that it is different depending on the window, but that is stupid. Why not make the inside measurement an indication of the rough opening? Like add 2". I guess thats too reliable
When measuring for replacement windows The rough opening is the existing window frame. The rough opening back to the wall studs is of course bigger but there is no need to remove the existing window frames, just the sashes.
Good nob
ummmmm, Dennis? what about the Jamb DEPTH??? thickness of your walls? is it 3 1/2 or 4 1/2? hmmmmm perhaps you can't take the proper measurements without opening the window after all?
Hey Robert, I really don’t need the jamb depth. I can tell that the replacement window will replace the two sashes after I take them out. They are the standard size. So what happens if the walls are built with 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s. The size of the window doesn’t need to change. The trim I use to finish the installation will change.
@@homerehabpros9617 I figured the same. Thanks for clarifying 👍
My son's 100 year old house has 9 windows I plan on replacing. I'm guessing you I won't find off the rack windows that will fit.
You can find windows in stock at the big box stores. The problem is you cant find size specific. I have done this before though. It requires reframing the opening to accommodate the stock window. I would get windows as close as possible with the thought that you will have to adjust the opening down or smaller, and then the trim would need to be done accordingly. Thanks for the comment
you forgot a critical measurement: depth.
Usually depth is only a problem when we have unusual circumstances. In almost all cases if the existing window is a double hung wood then the replacement window will fit just fine.
So your supposed to measure in the outside. Not only the inside.
Thanks for the comment. I do check the outside but normally I only measure the inside dimensions. It hasn’t failed me yet after thousands of windows.
Height, not Heighth!
thumbs down, too much rattling on not enough showing
Hey JD, thanks for your input. It will help us get better.