DIY Window Installation for Cinder Block Homes: Save Thousands!

In this video, we will show you how to save money by replacing your own windows in a cinder block home. By replacing your own windows, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on labor costs. So, if you're looking to update the look and energy efficiency of your cinder block home, watch this video and learn how to do it yourself.
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[@dmech5135]

Once I see you roll in with a festool hepa vac, I know you are going to do a nice clean install! Great to see someone take pride in what he is doing - that's a professional!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Festool is the king of vacuums; any other brand runs a distant second. Mine are all over 10 years old and work as well today as the day I unboxed them, showing no signs of slowing down. They cost a lot upfront, but in terms of value over time, they are practically free.

[@michaelgrandinetti3170]

Hi Ron. Treated material used is a smart choice in your window installation. People at times just use scrap materials.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I didn't want to chance rot and bugs. This extra cost was minimal and now I don't have to think about it again. Do it right, Do it once.

[@sdsconstruction]

Great instructional video! Thanks. I have enjoyed watching the progress of your Fixer! This video reminded me of my 34 years working in construction and the span and variety of projects I have been involved in and skills I learned along the way to complete those projects. Originally, a college student, I worked construction on a small crew during my 5 summers. We did it all from remodels and “handyman” single day filler jobs to building houses where only the foundation was subbed out. As a full time teacher, I had maintained the weekend/summer work as a roofer and as a handyman and as a small project remodeler. Eventually returning to the area I got started in (returning “home”) I partnered with my original crew chief from the early 90’s and we had a real successful run as part-time contractors with clients that were okay with our nights/weekends/summers availability. This video specifically reminded me of cutting concrete and installing doors and windows and steel headers in basements. Oh the heady-days of dust and heavy saws. Nostalgia? ….never thought I would look back on those projects with fondness but your window install took me back and I did find that I appreciate those days for the skills and experience. Unexpected from your window install video but very appreciated just the same. If I find that I am ever in Florida, I will drop by and drive a nail for you to say thanks!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I would love to meet you in person.

[@sdsconstruction]

@@TheSmartWoodshop if I make it your way, I will be sure to have my faithful 20oz Estwing and a 16penny!

[@dustman96]

Great video, no bs, to the point, covered all the bases, quality work. Looking forward to checking out some of your other videos, subscribed.

[@TheSoftspokenShaman]

Video isn’t complete without a yelling, disapproving wife 😂

[@Hendragorden]

Terima kasih,video luar biasa langkah demi langkah sesuai untuk melakukannya sendiri dirumah

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

You are welcome and I am glad the video was helpful.😎

[@ronaldsears834]

I'd like to find out how to trim out the exterior of the windows on a block house like this one

[@spacecoastfisherman1128]

I ripped the weather treated wood to match the width of my window flanges. Put it level with the edge of drywall, marked stucco with pencil, then used angle grinder to cut stucco so ripped board sat flush then used tapcons to fasten it. Once that was done, I took a 2x4 and cut it 1/16” longer than flange of window and shimmed it on both sides and along top. Window sat in perfect and when I screwed it down, I had zero movement. Maybe I over killed it

[@rodpotts2666]

I just went through this as well, my brick had a very heavy texture,so a few windows were a little tight. i ended up using a dimond wheel to smooth it up. talk about a messy job.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey Rod, I was lucky and found a cold chisel cleared what I needed so the mess was lumpy instead of dusty.😎

[@irakopilow9223]

Okay, I've stayed silent long enough. Whenever I hear you say Florida Fixer, I am reminded of the movie "Step Brothers" when they talk about the "Catalina Mixer". Sorry, not sorry.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I am lost as I have never heard of Step Brothers or Catalina Mixer. 😕

[@irakopilow9223]

@@TheSmartWoodshop KZbin has a couple clips out there, but I would hesitate to link to them as I can't find any referencing the mixer that does not have "salty" language. Walls 'round here have ears.

[@2manycardz]

Gotta love the videos step-by-step keep it up Wood Shop brother 🔨🪚

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Thanks 👍

[@bibbidi_bobbidi_bacons]

Too bad you can’t use Ramset nails that would speed it up a bit. Or maybe you can not sure. Nice video 🤙

[@bibbidi_bobbidi_bacons]

Tbh what’s the point of installing anything but a solid triple pane window that doesn’t open? Yall don’t want that hot outdoor air inside lol

[@wynnnelson5039]

What is the make of the vacuum you are using? I have had a large shop vac for 25 years. Works fine but yours looked interesting.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

My vacuums are all Festool, the king of vacuums. Mine are over 10 years old, so the models have been updated.

[@entoletao]

Thanks, Ron for the video. Now that I have watched your video I'm going to try to install my impact windows. What kind of caulking do you recommend?

[@jeffdwatson22]

Where did you get your replacement windows?

[@beno.9958]

What kind of windows are these? I heard you say "impact" but don't know the difference between those and storm windows.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Jeld-Wen. Many companies make "impact windows," which are rated for use in areas with hurricanes. The glass is very thick, and the windows and doors are extremely heavy.

[@ElbaKivat]

Structural detail needed

[@chrisryan0]

Does Florida require homeowners to get a permit for replacing windows?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Yes

[@chrisryan0]

@@TheSmartWoodshop thank you

[@breeanafreyre]

why didn't you use weather proofing tape along the bottom of the window opening before installing window?

[@Innovationlu]

looking for this answer too

[@chech102]

Because it’s sitting on concrete block and not wood. Doesn’t need tape

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

This isn't a wood application. Every window and door I have ever installed in wood has a pan or at least a flex wrap. Also, note there is no flange like wood framing requires. I don't like block and hope I never work on another block home.

[@prestonball4982]

As a window installer for 27 years I’d say good job. They only down side is using Jeld Wen windows. They are affordable garbage.

[@angienelson2617]

What about rubber flashing?

[@bradralph3317]

What area of Florida did you move to? Lots of interesting places in Florida. I enjoy all your videos.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Venice on the West Coast

[@georgecisneroz597]

Hi Ron, Have enjoyed your videos. I’m a long time subscriber. I also have a 1950s-60’s fixer. I’m about to do the exact same job. Great timing. When removing the bucks I found the cinder blocks hollow in some areas. Should I fill with Morten first? Then plumb opening. Thx George. Be safe.

[@georgecisneroz597]

Mortar

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I didn't add mortar. I figure that even hollow would hold with so many Tapcons per window. In my case, the previous windows only had 1"x1" bucks attached with cut nails and only on the sides, nothing on top or bottom. I now have 1"x3" bucks on all sides attached with caulk and (3) 2-¾" Tapcons each. Then the widows have screws on all four sides attached through the bucks and into the block. Then 4 layers of caulk: 1. buck, 2. flange(blind), 3. exterior, 4. interior.

[@randallb7511]

I have marble sills don’t see any screws on th3 bottom holding the window in ?

[@cidgrad130]

Ron - what method did you use to measure for the replacement window prior to purchase? did you use an outside measurement? We have a stucco over concrete block house on the east coast of FL and I'd like to tackle this job as a DIY as well - but didn't see how you ensured you ordered the correct sized windows to complete your project - thanks. BTW, great content.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I was able to measure the outside. The windows were caulked in, but I could clearly see all four edges. This is a block home, so there are standard sizes. Lowe's had all of them in stock, so there was no wait time and significant cost savings over a custom order.😎

[@WarmFLBear]

We live just south of there in North Port. The inspection/oversight here is horribly intense. Is it any better in Venice?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

We have had good experiences with the Venice building inspectors. I have always liked working with our building inspectors as I consider them partners in getting the job done right. They are just a second set of eyes looking for errors. We got our windows and doors inspection signed off Monday and our inspector found 2 screws I missed on one window.

[@michaelwaters7969]

Thanks for the video. Did I miss what you did to the top left side since it was out of plumb by 3/16?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I installed the buck plumb😎🤙

[@michaelwaters7969]

@@TheSmartWoodshop well that just makes too much sense. 🙃

[@treas7400]

what do you do if your tapcons strip when driving them into the block?

[@roberto7639]

You can stick a zip tie in the hole and send the screw in

[@treas7400]

@@roberto7639 thanks I ended up using string trimmer line

[@bobertdeath]

Hey Ron. What is the width of the bucking when you ripped it down? Also, did you cut an angle on one side of the bucking for the drywall? I’m replacing my windows in a Florida block home as well and did it know what width I should cut the bucking and if I should do the angled cut on the side or not

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

My bucks ended up 2.75" and no angle. I butted to existing drywall.

[@robeggers5560]

Florida is different isn’t it.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

It sure is. Every place is beautiful and the weather is perfect even in the summer. The only thing bad I can say is pedestrians beware crosswalks are target zones not safe passage.

[@1979z]

Where did you buy the windows and what brand are they?

[@stern4141]

Jeld Wen at Lowes

[@PaulBC1981]

Is there still a problem with snakes in Florida?

[@mikemd2697]

No, they are all in Washington D.C.

[@PaulBC1981]

Ain't that the truth....

[@johnconnors2386]

Yes, gators & FL man, too. Please don’t come!

[@stern4141]

Horrible problems. Multiple deaths per hour. Stay away.

[@sergeantseven4240]

I was looking for videos on installing windows in block walls where no window existed... title was misleading.

[@stern4141]

No his title is fine your perception is faulty.