How To Replace Your Windows | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner select and install energy-efficient "replacement" windows.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How To Replace Your Windows | Ask This Old House
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[@Skammerd]

Her screaming off camera was priceless. But kudos to her for actually participating. Here's a young homeowner that's actually trying.

[@ZacharySalman]

You could hear someone behind the camera laughing

[@dartme18]

Yeah, glad they didn't edit that out! xD

[@talon501]

lol your right. Those jam liners are easy to bend, put the window in the middle & bend them down then up & no worries. Unless your planing on reusing them, witch wouldn't be hard to do, in a garage or something.

[@shanec4441]

I did it 😄

[@williamstone2902]

talon501 i

[@TrussttN01]

I usually measure 4 times for any job. Once before I do it, three times afterwards to figure out wtf I did wrong and if it’s still salvageable.

[@Varifyable]

This gave me a good laugh.

[@billsmith9249]

I laughed out loud for realz

[@colingulbrandsen6359]

Dad? Is that you?

[@Bjt5081]

Isn’t this what most of us do?

[@ThomasandKellyHanson-yu9zh]

Looks like we went to the same home improvement school. Measuring only 4 times, you must have taken the advanced course. I'm still at 6 -8 times interspersed with expletives.

[@MikeHurtubise]

I'm in the millwork design business, This is the first person in 32 years I've come across that knew the difference between window "stool" & "sill" Nice job!!!

[@DonkeyLipsDA3rd]

What's the difference?

[@nicolaspaglia3760]

Tom is an absolute unit

[@MikeHurtubise]

@@DonkeyLipsDA3rd 0:54

[@DonkeyLipsDA3rd]

@@MikeHurtubise thanks my guy....you my guy right here nah mean luck my jelly beans

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

D M The stool is a part of the finish trim. The sill is a part of the structure that supports the bottom of the window.

[@dustoff499]

I'm telling you... There is no blasted way my windows would be that easy to remove or install. I'd need to hire a carpenter, drywall specialist, painter and divorce lawyer to complete the window replacement. Not to mention the ER visit.

[@adrielhernandez4073]

Lol

[@tryan7]

A good contractor would charge you $40,000.00 That is what a friend paid in my area. Name brand windows. I replaced my own a few years back. $6,000.00

[@kennethebel7726]

@@tryan7 that's more than half what I bought my house for

[@opulence_prime]

A divorce lawyer 😂😂

[@ericlord1796]

Nothing in my house is standard or square etc. I agree - this looked like a model home with prefitted everything. Divorce lawyer would be essential! 😆

[@boatdetective]

I actually met Tom on a job and spent a bit of time chatting. This guy is 100% legit.

[@gaglug2897]

The exact measurements on the original windows shows you how well built that house was.

[@JasonTyler1985]

I was waiting to see if it was gonna be off but was amazed cause that almost never happens

[@whyisblue923taken]

For sure. When built that well, you can just watch one of these videos and actually replace the windows yourself without any problems.

[@ChipChurp]

Yeah not on new construction once Jose and fresh off the boat Manuel who knows everything get ahold of houses to frame. I tell people new homes avoid em . Framing and building used to have respect now it's all newcomers and drug alcoholic divorced dads

[@davidkwiatkowski5830]

I would love to have Tom's help for one week! Just can't get any better than to watch a Pro do things the right way.... Thank you Tom!

[@MSI2k]

5:37 LOL poor girl. Tommy doesn't even look up. he expected it haha

[@limrc1]

Aaaaa, it did it!

[@AckBoater]

He looked over to her when the springs flew out of the balances.

[@pipedope329]

he is very arrogant as most are on TOH

[@augustreil]

@@pipedope329, Come on, he is not.

[@whyisblue923taken]

He's like, "as long as you don't do it around me. I gave you enough of a warning."

[@wkbeats]

Long live Tom Silva

[@damiangrouse4564]

A squarely installed window? That installer was a god!

[@AMindInOverdrive]

As rare as hen's teeth

[@westsideken]

FYI, windows have one of the highest markups in installation and material costs in the entire home improvement industry, and it's one of the easiest DIY projects.

[@stephnwolf7319]

Thanks for that comment. That, along with this video, gives me confidence to do this myself!

[@dblood8529]

Where do you recommend buying windows?

[@Idiotsincarshere]

@@dblood8529 Big box store is fine for windows. Convenient and reasonable pricing.

[@slouchfromlocals]

And the installation "professionals" make themselves right at home and use your bathroom.

[@michaelsherron7815]

Uh, yes, I testify that your comment is true. My mother-in-law paid close to $10,000 dollars for 6 replacement windows.

[@Igorkocev]

Tom is the best.. Watching and listening this guy makes me feel I can do ANYTHING... Thank you Tom!!!

[@treeguyable]

Replaced all my windows, including a huge bay window, new front door, storm door, and complete double patio door and frame. They all look, and function great 20 yrs later. I guess, when you don't know what you are doing, you go slow, take your time, make sure it is right the first time. Great vid.

[@szargos]

Where did you buy the windows?

[@treeguyable]

@@szargos Lowes.

[@TiffanyLy-wm1oz]

ooohh thanks for the inspo!

[@PrankHouseClark]

hey bro you wanna help me with mine

[@BWIL2515]

I've watched this video a few times and i still laugh when she's carried the window away and the spring pops out. I don't know how Tommy didn't laugh

[@Jump2218]

His projects always go so well! The window fits perfectly with minimal measuring, he never has to modify something to make it fit or send a window back and order another one.

[@carlbs11]

If you look at some of the episodes, it's obvious things were fitted together and then taken back apart before the cameras start rolling.

[@michaelsherron5750]

I know...that's why i'm not impressed with his videos

[@Terra812]

That is what you get when you pay for experience.

[@zztop8592]

He's a real expert in woodworking, knows a lot of tricks.

[@Troy-Echo]

@@xmachine7003 I had a moment of dyslexia and mixed that up. Measure twice and cut once, or measure once, and cuss twice.

[@johnathansawyer8736]

I've been debating replacing my windows from the inside or the outside and finding Tom Silva doing it from the inside made my mind up. I think my house is about the same age as Emily's maybe even a little newer. I had a company give me a quote of $800-$1000 per window to purchase and install. Then I found the window for $275 a piece. I'm doing this one!

[@GoldenAura32]

How did it go bud?

[@johnathansawyer8736]

@@GoldenAura32 Haven't done it yet. Hopefully ordering windows this week.

[@Axi0s_1]

@@johnathansawyer8736 how'd it go now?

[@johnathansawyer8736]

@@GoldenAura32 ​ I changed my mind. LOL I'm an electrician and am hiring someone to do it that we may do some trading. He will be changing them from the outside by removing the metal around the window and replacing it. I also need some rotted wood replaced as well, so it didn't make sense to do it from the inside.

[@STBRetired1]

I wish this was done on an older window in an older home so I could see how much more work there would need to be done to create a suitable frame for the replacement window.

[@nholt]

Exactly. I wish somebody would take every bad scenario possible and show us how to handle them.

[@mrphilbert1]

A box is a box (or frame).

[@krazzygranny7032]

with ANY replacement window you measure in multiple locations and use a level in case the house settled or other issues and always go with the smallest measurement and minus a little bit more for oopses shimming is easier then trying to shave either the window or the opening to gain some extra space, I've been installing replacement windows for over 20yrs and there's very little in the way of openings i haven't come across, installing the window is the easy part, measuring correctly and thinking ahead is the number 1 job, next not all windows are easy to remove as wood windows so most of your time is in this area of the job

[@mistahozzy]

It’s the same thing

[@DK-ox3ox]

@@krazzygranny7032 My house was built in 1947, not really considered that old, but it was built with very low ceilings. It's a small cape style with 6'7" ceilings. The problem with such a low ceiling, especially this particular house, is that who ever installed the windows and the two exterior doors didn't have room to install the top molding, interior & exterior, to the width of the side moldings. The exterior windows on the front and back have a top molding that is less than a 1/4 of the width of the side moldings. The top of the windows go right up to the roof line. I can almost clean out the gutters on the front of the house without using a ladder. Of course the interior top molding is the same. It just doesn't look good. I bought the house from a contractor who bought it as a flip and didn't go out of his way to make thw windows or doors more appealing. He replaced the old original windows but he didn't use new windows so they were all the same, he used windows that were replaced from other jobs or he found something at ReStore. 8 windows on the 1st floor and 2 on the 2nd ( 1 on each side of the house, someday I'd like to have a couple of dormer windows on the front of the house) and none of the windows are the same. Instead of spending the extra money replace the windows the right way so they would not only look good but be efficient he replaced them with what ever he could find, the cheaper the better. What I want to do is replace them with a window that is smaller in height so the same width molding can be used on the sides and top with a inch or two space between the top of the molding and ceiling. On the exterior I would actually like to just see the same size molding. I'm sure some work would be required to accommodate a smaller window, adding to the top of the open frame like a 2x4 would allow for a smaller window ( in height) . Before I can do this are there building code issues I need to look into first? The windows now look like crap because they look to be too big for the house. Before looking at new windows should I contact my town hall and check with current building codes or can I just install windows that aren't as tall as the ones on the house now?

[@gabriellemarseille6981]

Thank you so much for all the instructions on how to replace, fixed or remodeling a old house as a home owner I couldn’t been more thrill of those videos please keep them coming thanks again

[@NosyHausfrau]

Wow. As someone who owns an old home, I REALLY appreciate this.

[@tonio909]

Great job Emily! It was great to see a fellow young home owner willing to give it a shot.

[@hisnewlife3543]

She didn't do much but stand around and twiddle a little and say okay. Id give a great job if she did the whole second one herself. Let’s face it. You guys find her attractive is all.

[@themalacast]

He goes to the trouble of explaining about the argon at 2:41 and then, betraying she has no idea what he was talking about, happily added “No more drafts!” to which he agreeably assented lol

[@scottcurrence6526]

Always nice to have good "weatherstrippin"! I love this old house and Tommy.

[@longlee1839]

perfect instructor I learn alot from you. clear and understand thank

[@vahidheydarinia7749]

I just started a glass and glazing business and this amazing man is teaching a lot. Thank you for being such good instructor.

[@pattoroy3979]

This old house projects always on point no troubleshooting hahaha

[@MrDeeBro79]

I love the way he says "order"

[@coolguy6624]

Why is everybody making a big deal of her saying "okay" alot of times? .. Tom is talking to her and she want to be polite and responding to him... I mean Tom is not only teaching the people who is watching this.

[@sodoberman]

George C ok

[@sodoberman]

Ok

[@Hypnodog_]

k

[@fd3871]

okay

[@shadowblack1987]

Ok

[@DavidS-pw5gd]

Just had 37 impact windows replaced! Not even close to what they did! From the outside used a multi tool to cut the jam to remove the windows & spring assembly. No trim on the inside or outside was removed or touched. I guess every situation is different. He is the most knowledgeable. He is the Guru!

[@lees5097]

Those this old house guys are just so knowledgeable , awesome.

[@Samuel-km5yf]

They always make it look so easy. If I tried to do this, it would take me an entire day to get a single window installed... and that’s if I’m lucky enough to have it actually fit in the opening properly. In any case, I would most certainly pay five times as much when I have to hire a professional to come out and fix the leaking, crooked window that I just botched.

[@jumbojoe55]

Nick P I’ll probably do the same too.

[@livingunderarockunderarock9963]

Just remember that sometimes contractors can screw stuff up just as bad as a home owner. I had a trim carpenter leave 1/4” gaps all over my house. I told him “I could’ve screwed this up just as good for free!” What you want to do is make sure you call a GOOD contractor

[@edithabakare4994]

Awesome video. I did this in 4 hours. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@Brkprsn]

I have a sears home and don’t want to replace the original 1930s windows, but want to seal and repair them. This video is amazing. Thank you!

[@dmccar12]

This did not help me reinstall Windows on my laptop at all.

[@socialkruption]

Should've installed Linux bro!

[@sodoberman]

David Uninstall and try the Vinyl-clad Windows- Composite edition 😂

[@Chicagoman36]

lmao..

[@bjornjoseph]

Did you run a bead of caulking around the monitor?

[@LFL-qp1fg]

Hardy, HAR, HAR, HAR.

[@orlandob9958]

I got a quote for 3 Windows and it was $3200 ( labor included) I went to Lowe's and got the 3 Windows for $480 plus all other stuff needed which totaled $535 The first 1 was the hardest then the other 2 were a piece of cake. I took a little under 4 hours to do them.

[@ToryEnlow]

I recently found your channel and found this video to be very helpful, especially for those who wished to replace their windows. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@briankearney6386]

Nice job I am just a little surprised you didn't use low expansion foam in the gaps before caulking the inside

[@clay100]

I wish i was around this guy to learn, he makes work look easy

[@clickbait7322]

Tom - dont let it go beavuse those spring balances will shoot away.. a second later off the camera all you hear is her screaming LMAO... Priceless...

[@nathanmalbrue2924]

*spring balancers go off* "ahhh" lol that was funny

[@santaclaus179]

really Tom is a very good teacher , I like the way he esplains everything so easy

[@dheezknutz]

Did anyone else get really excited when they saw the bernese mountain dog walking outside the window?

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

That was so staged 😂

[@SmittyWarben]

This answered so many questions to be able to see it start to finish. I think it would be helpful to talk about when to use spray foam around the edges, I guess that wouldn't necessarily apply here because the spacing was so small? Thanks!

[@Irelandgal]

I’m watching, reading, listening, praying a lot for my great grandparents homestead, 27 windows, original with the heavy style pulleys. Want to teach?! Western MA 🙏☘️

[@busyrand]

This looked like so much fun!

[@LeonardoRodriguez-vq7go]

you sir are a true professional , this video showed me what I was looking for to save me enough money in the installation thank you so much 🙏

[@ranmas2004]

It cant be this easy. I got a window replacement quote and it was insanely priced!!!

[@hisnewlife3543]

Me too! I mean, crazy prices for only half of my windows! They wouldn't let me see a sample of what the window was on the quote at Lowes and I am guess it was junk.

[@juliosantos9289]

I'm Tommy Silva. Nails bow down to me in respect!

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Julio how are you doing

[@KevinRay_man]

She is the most adorable person I’ve ever seen in tos lol

[@landonlefevre5167]

Ok

[@shanewatts1785]

Yes, hard to believe there’s nothing on that ring finger!

[@l337pwnage]

@Rollo Larson the whole department?

[@gabron21]

Rollo Larson You know, she could also be a firefighter.

[@joey8701]

Okay, okay..... awesome, awesome. Irritating, not adorable . Lol

[@santaclaus179]

also I can see that Tom is a very patient person

[@davidazinger5639]

that guy is really bright !! Makes it simple to understand !

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Hats off 🎩🎩 to the young lady and of course Tommy. Young homeowner willing to get dirty, learn & invest in their home. 👍👍

[@bblack340]

At 5:15 "... Were gonna pull hard out, but don't go out too far." God Tommy is smooth as silk.

[@borys444]

I can sum this video up in 1 word and that’s OK.

[@daniellanzotti2391]

time to Otter a new window

[@lipevolcom2]

Second before the springs goes out, Tom looks like Rob Cosman!

[@wombatburrito]

Yep, works that well every time

[@samwilliams1888]

at 5:36 he almost smirks because he knows what is about to happen lol.

[@Omrentonth999]

tommy set her up he knew what was gonna happen heh

[@wildwoodtop]

4:43 She almost knocked Tom Silva upside the head 😂🤭

[@abiel.rodriguez]

5:38 best part!

[@SaltySugar]

Awesome helper, cute and knew how to work, seems like a fun person! Also, very handy video. I think I might gamble with the Home Depot. Thanks!!

[@todddebockler7786]

Hi Emily you made that look easy thank you for doing this video

[@pbrad08]

Tom: *says things* People: “ok”

[@mannyperez609]

Tommy the legend Silva

[@sikorskybama1]

great video. No proper PPE. Glad the young lady didn't get hurt or cut.

[@LostMindsFoundSouls]

Thank you, perfectly illustrated.

[@williampmcd8548]

Thank you.

[@BeerkegGarage]

Nice video, good job Tom. Now you can come over to my house and help me DIY my 37 windows

[@paramroop10]

love how Tommy just acts like nothing happened hahaha

[@DetroitFlipKing]

5:36 Hold tight or the springs will shoot up... Lady screams in terror is hilarious as he pays her no mind! 🤣😂🤣

[@codykanz1350]

Question for a pro (or a geometer): @7:40, when Tom checks for square, the measurements are 57 5/8 on the first diagonal, and 57 3/4 on the second diagonal. He has the homeowner move nudge the window over 1/8, but wouldn't that just swap the imbalance to the other diagonal? Why wouldn't he have her nudge it over by 1/16?

[@cmeller55]

Never question Tommy. You are playing checkers to his 3D chess.

[@ryaj2356]

You’d actually have to recheck the other side as likely one side was out, the other is too. It’s how it works with square boxes. Overall, I think this step was done to show DYIers how to check for square and how to adjust to fix it.

[@xmachine7003]

Excellent Tom. Your expertise is invaluable. Thank you,Chuck.

[@bklynwam]

Great video with a lot of information for DIY people. Would you like to make a video (or direct if already have one) to show how to remove a vinyl and aluminum frame window which was installed when the house was built with nailing flange outside with an exterior vinyl siding and install a new energy efficient window?

[@paulc6747]

I never saw my window installer measure that many times to ensure it is squared. Ten years later, a couple of my windows now had a hard time closing down when it is opened :(. I got a bad installer.

[@tonio909]

Or house could be slightly settling.

[@jameswalker590]

Do you have vinyl windows? Some of the less expensive vinyl windows, as I understand from research, can bow over the years and make them hard to shut.

[@Zincink]

@@jameswalker590 that’s why you lift weights to shut the windows haha

[@stephmo371]

What about windows with the old rope and counter weights?

[@KazingaD]

man i wish tom would come over to my house

[@peterl4614]

Other than appearance, why not leave the storms in place? Is there a reason?

[@karlzwaschka4905]

Great Video, thanks Tom!

[@09roushsupercharged26]

Made it look easy.... Great video

[@jimmy5540]

Best home show every

[@westsgarage5969]

I love your videos. You didn't lose any of my attention on this one, lol.

[@arleneharf4327]

I need this guy

[@michaellim4165]

5:38 what you were looking for

[@cup_and_cone]

Tom is the only other person besides her husband to have heard that scream.

[@quaytran3653]

How to fix the pine from laundry & kitchen joint to the main dran

[@Abi-yt4te]

I love Tom, but hilarious to see him speak with decades of experience to a first timer, for her it sounds like "your gonna wanna measure the sill against the stuappah and hold it tight there, see that? Now take the measure and jimmy jam the doohicky up knot the whole frame, right? You see that shim flan? Just grab it and pull and save those sash splints for lateh. Greaaat , now just pop off these staples *BOOM!* caulk in and you're done." Que theme music

[@Zincink]

Haha I think all tool hobbies have their own slang. I learned car mechanic slang from Dad so your explanation was hilarious 😆

[@ionlyplayps5530]

5:38 tommy like, “pshhhhh!”

[@nheng6913]

Nice job Emily. It's great that you were able to get involved to this level. But for goodness sake, protect those beautiful eyes with safety goggles. You never know what is going to shoot, pop, spring, fall or swing into your eyes. You only get two !

[@passivesolarhousingcoop1903]

Outstanding job!

[@shanemb3]

Wut no “Emily can you grab my caulk” jokes?

[@ZeZe-ji9oc]

Who would not like to an great partner like her to do any projact in house. Ausome job cheers for both

[@wongwang7666]

Great teacher!

[@TradBarbie]

Good teacher. I shall use this video.

[@the_jonathan_o]

5:37 When she yelled! 😂😂

[@theforceq]

Leon The Professional: Stop saying ok all the time, okayyy?! Mathilda: OK

[@JJ-rf7dg]

The cute home owner boost the rating of this video. Who's with me?

[@wenjunli2006]

I have a question. The bottom of the new window is flat without a slope but the sill has a slope. so there should be some space between the window ans sill. Is this normal?

[@yourmedicareguylarrybelt7792]

I spend under $200 for a good vinyl window that size. Paint the outside to match the trim. No customization. Order stock and fir out an inch or 2. Would I rather have her window? Yes. But to do my whole house in those it would have been an extra $10,000. My windows will be less maintenance as well.

[@markkavit3165]

Larry Belt hope you know that vinyl will not last as long as other types.

[@replyhere590]

Mark Kavit But easy to replace again once you have the right sizes, etc. And name brands help you sell the house if that’s what your goal is (ours, too). Thermostars from Pella are in the $150 range, stick to std sizes, yes for sure not the worlds best, but the name is familiar & golden to most semi literate agents & homebuyers. In 10 years, install new, latest and greatest, you & the new homeowner still saved a bundle over renewal by Andersen etc; Did anyone realize that consumer reports loves Thermostar? A copy of their review page will be in the home when it’s being shown. It turned out that all the custom built wood windows, single pane, in our house, matched up exactly to standard in stock sizes at Lowe’s. Ka ching for us.

[@robertmikita5745]

I'm a disabled vet I just brought a house this past Feb it needs windows do you of any grant programs for vets so for home improvement thanks luv the show

[@lydialas8756]

@Hello Robert how are you doing

[@arthurl8385]

5:30 LOL walks off camera "It did it"

[@josuetello5358]

The young owner, is very beautiful. .love her voice♡♡

[@augustreil]

Oh yeah !!

[@83AirGuy]

I always use plenty of cocking when on the job site

[@jw404]

Right......

[@matreyia]

"Don't let them go or else they will shoot away.." "OK" 2 seconds later.... "Ahhhh!!! it did it..." ROFL😄