How to Install a Double-Hung Window in a Brick Wall

Teresa Curtis requested that Ron come pay her a visit in Rock Hill, South Carolina to look at a window that had lost its clarity. The problem was that condensation had built up between the two panes of glass and it became very difficult to see through the haze. The easiest solution was to simply replace the whole window.

Click Here For a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

1. Take careful measurements:

• To get the exact measurement of the window's rough opening you will need to first remove the window trim. A wide putty knife between the wall and the pry bar will help to keep the wall from being damaged.

• Measure from one edge of the sheet rock or wallboard to the other. This will give you the rough frame opening. You will use this measurement to select a new window that will fit within the opening.

2. Dismantle the exterior trim:

• First remove the aluminum molding and then use a utility knife to cut away all of the old caulking before loosening and prying out the old frame. The wood won't come free without some splintering, but it will be replaced later.

• Usually an old window is removed by taking it out from the outside, but this one wanted to go inside so they removed it that way.

3. Prepare opening:

• After the old window is removed, prepare the opening by clearing out all of the old insulation and dried-out caulk using a hammer and putty knife.

• In this case, the old window's opening was just a bit wider than what was needed for the new window so they cut a 1 x 4 strip of pine that acted as a spacer to create a perfect fit. After drilling a few pilot holes, they tapped the pine pieces into place and secured them with wood screws.

4. New window:

• Set the new window onto a flat work surface and locate the flange. This flange needs to be bent down so it is perpendicular to the side of the window. The metal flange will be nailed to the 2 X 4 framing on the outside of the window. It's really important to get a good seal to keep out the moisture and drafts.

• Place a heavy bead of caulking on the inside of the flange starting at one end and going all the way down.
• After the caulk is in place, slip the new window into the frame.

• Return inside to make sure that the window is seated properly. Level the window by inserting wooden shims between the edges and the frame opening where necessary.

• Return to the outside to secure the window by nailing the flange into the frame.

• In a brick veneer house like this one, there will be a space between the brick and the wood framing. To fill that gap, first caulk around the window flange, and then install a piece of 2 X 4 that has been cut to fit. Fill the remaining gap with aerosol urethane foam insulation.

• Use the power miter box to cut the exterior trim pieces to a 45-degree angle. Install the trim using plenty of caulk for a good seal. Using a pneumatic nail gun makes this installation job quick and easy. A final bead of caulk will seal any spaces between the wood and brick.

• Secure the shims added earlier with a nail gun. Use a utility knife to score and break away the excess. For the shims that are too thick for the knife, Ron recommends using a small Japanese hand saw to complete the job.

• Replace the insulation and then surround the window with casing material, which will conceal the space between the window and the wall.
• Sometimes you can recycle the old windowsill, as was done in this case. Either replace the old windowsill, or install a new one. Install a piece of decorative molding with a nail gun underneath the sill.

• Measure the lengths necessary for the decorative molding surrounding the casing. Use the miter saw to cut these pieces to a 45-degree angle and then attach them right on top of the casings with a pneumatic nail gun.
• Use an interior spackling compound to fill the nail holes on the trim. Allow the spackle to dry and then lightly sand the surface. To complete the new window installation, either apply a wood stain, or prime and paint the wood.

RESULTS:

This project had some results that you could really see. See through, that is! Not only was the new window beautiful, but it was crystal clear, something that the Curtis family had done without for some time! The project was a bit of a challenge, but with Ron's help and expert knowledge, the new view was clearly worth the effort.