Vinyl siding is a popular, attractive, and durable product. It’s used in new construction and to update the appearance of older homes. However, its use in renovations could mean that old windows were left in place. When you want to replace the windows, you need to know how to install a new window in a house with vinyl siding. The window opening must be flashed and sealed correctly. This is vital so that any moisture that slips through the siding does not penetrate the window structure.
Having a partner to help with this job is a good idea. Windows are heavy to lift and awkward to move. You don’t want to risk dropping one.
Tools Needed
Measuring tape
Pry bar
Utility knife
Chisel
Crowbar
Hammer
Power drill
Siding removal tool
Caulking gun
Tin snips
How To Install A New Window In A House With Vinyl Siding
Find the size of the existing window by measuring from frame edge to frame edge.
Collect measurements for the width, height, and diagonal dimensions.
Buy a replacement window that fits the space.
On the inside, pry off window trim. With a little care, you could preserve the trim and put it back on when you’re done. Otherwise, you can cut and fit new trim.
Should drywall need to be removed to access the window edges, score the edges of the drywall with a utility knife.
With a crowbar or chisel, break off the edges of the drywall between the window and the scored edge.
Hopefully, if you need to remove drywall, you can cover the gap with the trim at the end of the job.
Look for nails and screws holding the window in place.
Pull out nails with a hammer or draw out screws with a power drill fitted with a screw bit.
If you encounter any shims or other pieces of wood between the window and frame, remove them as well.
Go outside, and cut the caulk around the window with a utility knife.
With a pry bar, crowbar, or your hands, pull out the old window. A partner is helpful for this task.
Now you need to remove the vinyl casing around the exterior of the window hole. Pry out the nails holding the casing and remove it.
If siding panels around the window are damaged, you should replace them while installing the window. PJ Fitzpatrick provides siding repairs if you prefer to have us take care of the siding.
Pry out nails holding the siding panels around the window. If siding panels are in good shape, reuse them.
Use a siding removal tool to unlock panels from each other. Remove the panels.
Install a new vinyl sill.
Glue on the end caps for the sill to cover the gap.
Inspect the exposed window frame for rot. Poke at the wood with a screwdriver to see if any wood is soft or flaking off. Replace any rotted boards.
Attach building paper around the edges of the window opening.
Flash the bottom of the window opening making sure to overlap the nailing hem.
Wrap flashing 5 inches beyond the frame edge and 2 inches beyond the top and bottom flashing.
With your partner’s help, lift the window into the hole.
Evaluate its fit. Make adjustments with shims or furring strips as necessary to create a snug fit.
Pull out the window and spread caulk over the exterior edges.
Put the window back into the hole and drive in the screws to hold it in place.
Fill gaps with foam and then seal the edges.
Nail in new vinyl J-channel around the edges of the frame and apply more caulk. You can use tin snips to cut J-channel.
Nail vinyl siding panels back into place with the edges inside the J-channel but with a 1/4 inch gap. This gap is important for accommodating heat expansion.
Do not pound nails in tight against the siding. You want a 1/16 inch gap.
Go inside and fill gaps between the frame and window with foam.
After the foam sets, trim it flush with a utility knife.
Install the trim to cover the edges.
PJ Fitzpatrick Specializes In Window Replacement
As home exterior experts, we work with vinyl siding and new windows and doors every day. We can complete the steps for how to install a new window in a house with vinyl siding correctly and efficiently. Ask us for a window replacement quote today.
