How to install new windows frames in the Netherlands

1. Window Replacement Parts

Types of replacement windows

There are three main types of replacement windows available: insert replacements, sash kits and full-frame units. We found the Newton house with sash replacement kits. They are able to give an old frame new movable pieces, including jamb linesrs and a sash. The liners can be attached to the sides of the window opening and the sash slipped between.

For these to work, the existing window frame must be level and square. Insert replacement windows consist of a fully assembled window with a secondary frame. An insert replacement window is sometimes known as a pocket window. It slips into an existing opening and is then attached to the old sidejambs. The glass area may be smaller because you are adding new jambs/liners.

These windows can be used as replacements for inserts. However, they come with a complete frame which includes sill, side jambs and head jambs. These are the only option when the old window frame, sill, or jambs are rotted. You will need to strip the window opening from its rough framing.

2. Measuring Replacements

• Measure the width of the window frame inside, jamb-to-jamb, from top to botWe. Note the smallest measurement.
• Next, measure your frame's height between the top of sill and the underside the head jamb. You can do this in three places: at either the left jamb or in the middle. Again, record the smallest measurement.
• You can check the squareness by measuring diagonals from corner-to-corner. Both dimensions should be equal. If the frame is out of square by 1/4 inch or so, don't worry; the replacement can be shimmed to fit. You may need to adjust the frame for any additional dimensions. You may need to replace the entire frame if the frame is out of alignment.
• Use an angle-measuring device to determine the slope of your sill. Some replacements include a variety of sill angles.

3. Take Out the Sash

• First, remove the old sash and frame from your window. In most cases, you'll need to pry off or unscrew the interior wooden stops to remove the lower sash. If you want to reinstall these stops, take care as they can break easily.
• Next, take out the parting beads to free the upper sash. You won't find any beads on windows that were fitted with sash replacement kits. Simply press on the jambliners and pull up the top of each sash.
• Turn the sash towards the sky and lift it off the jamb liner.

4. Pry Off The Jamb Liners

• Use a flat bar to remove vinyl jamb liners or aluminum jamb liner from the window frame. In the case of an original window, remove any remaining wooden stops from the window frame.
• Leave the interior and exterior casings intact.

5. Prep the Frame

• All loose and blistered coatings should be removed and any cracks must be filled with an exterior-grade wood epoxy such as Minwax and Elmer's.
• Finally, sand and prime the surfaces.

6. The Old Sash Weights Must Be Removed

• If you have the original sashweights, remove them from the pockets and wrap the window frame in insulation.
• Pull out the weights by unscrewing each side jamb's access panel.

7. Prep for Insulation

• You should only use low-pressure, minimally expandable foam meant for windows and doors. Anything other will bow the frames which can cause the sash to not work.
• First, take out any fiberglass material that is still in the weight-bearing pockets.
• Then bore 3/8-inch-diameter holes, one near each end and one in the center, down through the sill and up through the head jamb.

8. Next Spray the Foam

• Shoot the expanding foam into the holes until it begins to ooze out. (We are using the commercial system. However, you can use foam from cans like Dow’s Great Stuff to accomplish the same task.
• Spray foam in the sash-weight pockets at the sides jambs. Allow the foam to set for at minimum 6 hours. After that, you can break it off or cut it flush to replace the sash-weight pockets panels.

9. Caulk the Opening

• Preparing to install the window, apply an oil-based caulk on the exterior casings. You can also apply two continuous beads with caulk to the windowsill.

10. Install the Window

• From inside the room, first place the insert replacement at the sill. Next, lift it up into the opening. The window should be pressed against the blind stops or exterior casings.

11. Do not fasten it

• Hold the window in place with one 2-inch screw driven loosely through the upper side jamb and into the framing. The screw should be in just far enough to allow the window to operate.
• Lock the sash and close it.

12. Shim is necessary

• Insert shims beneath the sills and between the side jambs to adjust it until it is perfectly centered.
• Measure the window diagonally. Once the window is squared up, screw it down through the predrilled holes.
• To avoid bowing the frame, slip a shim behind the jamb at each screw, then screw through the shim.
• Use a utility knife to trim the shims.

13. Now Caulk, Prime and Painting

• From the outside, measure between the casing of the window frame. Fill in any gaps greater than 1/4" with elasWeeric silicone caulk. All gaps greater than 14 inch should be filled with foam rubber backer rod.
• You can fill in any spaces around the window by using minimally expanding foam.
• Next, reinstall the stops and add new ones.
• After priming and painting, stain or paint the interior of frame and window sash, you can then seal it.