How to Install Double Hung Replacement Windows | Add Value and Energy Efficiency to Your Home

One of the easiest ways to add value to your home and save on energy costs is by installing replacement windows. In this video I show you how I remove my old single pane window from 1946 and replace it with a brand new energy efficient vinyl replacement window.
Watch the completed remodel here! Epic 3 in 1 Remodel - • Epic 3 in 1 Remodel | ...
Window trim installation - • How to Trim an Interio...
My strange bathroom window/mirror - • Replacing My Bathroom ...
How window weights work - • How Do Window Weights ...
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Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@askmisspatience]

What I do for the weight space, drill hole at the bottom, 1/3 way up, & 1/3 way down from top. The top hole is the pully space. Leave the wood panel on. Install the window first. ***The drill hole needs to be bigger than the spray foam tub. Begin at the bottom, insert foam tub, spray to fill base. Allow time for expansion up. Then, insert tub in second hole from the bottom. Spray to fill about 50% the amount. Allow expansion up. Then, repeat in top holes. Allow time to expand each level. I do this after the window is installed. Or, the weight panel at the bottom will push out as foam expands. It’s easy with the window in. The property I bought had a few pocket replacement windows installed but not insulation in those cavities. This was how I dealt with the problem. Adding new windows this month. You’re video is very helpful. The style of mine are from 1900. Appreciate your multiple explanations for different styles of old windows. Unfortunately, someone at some point painted everything shut so I’m using a special trim remover and oscillating saw for anything that won’t budge. Hope some of this is helpful to other window replacement folk. 😊

[@awesomecitizen8460]

This is by far the best I replacement window video to date. Believe me I watched them all. You explained everything in detail and in layman's terms. I just replaced my windows and I watched your video afterwards lol . I didn't see it before so I couldn't watch it. Now I feel better watching your video after I did the job because now I know I did everything right . Thank you very much .

[@udalimb384]

Windows and hardware are great salvage. Some folks love the windows that have lasted 80 something years. It's doubtful some things made today could last that long. Yet gotta love the energy conservation of new windows.

[@brianregan1]

at the 14 minute 2 second mark when you are talking about how crazy it is to think about how long the windows have been in your home there is an orb floating downward. I thought it was just dust as first but it is much bigger than a dust particle and it disappears before it floats all the way down. people claim spiritual activity usually starts during a remodel of ones home. or maybe it is just dust lol either way thanks for another great video. I hope you inspire some of the younger generation to get in to the trade. it is important for people to know how to fix , repair, replace, remodel their homes at least the simple jobs like hanging a ceiling fan, replacing a window, repairing a hole in a wall Etc.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Woah. I just looked... could be dust but who knows. Yes, I believe it is important for people to not be intimidated and take on their own repairs. Thank you for the comment and for all the support. I will keep making videos if you keep watching! 😀

[@jwcsfsky9900]

Really appreciate that one Matt. And loved the window weights comedy routine... I think all men the world over would appreciate that "thud", so satisfying Can't wait to see the rest of the room remodel. Thanks as always for sharing with us.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂 who doesn't like a good thud? 😂. Hope the video helped out. Thanks for watching and for being a loyal subbie!!

[@jwcsfsky9900]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair My pleasure sir and hope you and the family are doing well.

[@nhiakhang2622]

Great job! I am currently 15 years in with a glass and glazing company (windows, doors, storefronts, and curtain walls) and I approved your installation method.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks a lot!

[@LeoInAMillion]

When I bought my house it still had the original metal frame single pane windows, damn it was cold the first night, as we couldn't turn the heating on until the boiler and system had been serviced the next day. Gotta love living in the UK 🇬🇧 Great video as usual 👌 👍 👏 😀

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yikes! So many exciting adventures moving into a new house. 😁🤣. Thanks for checking out the video!!

[@januzi2]

How do you like the double tap thingy? ;)

[@skitzochik]

i was literally LOL when he was outside and someone was walking by, it was hilarious because of how relatable it is.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@briardan9226]

My uncles rehabbed "distressed" houses. When I was around 6 or 7 I used to find those window weights in the demo piles. I collected those and glass door knobs. My mom put a stop to that! LOL

[@kaytarracorrea25]

I was obsessed with the glass door Bob's when I was little I thought it was crystal or something. I also still have a weird obsession with skeleton keys 😅

[@my3sonsnh]

What an awesome step by step, practical video. Window replacement has always seemed like a daunting task while not disturbing the exterior trim. This gives me confidence to replace the old, single pane, worn out, drafty original windows on our late 1800's farmhouse. Measure twice (or more) and order once! ;-) Thanks!!!

[@davidparker9676]

Once you do it, you will wonder why you waited so long. It is definitely a nice way to get near instant satisfaction and a more comfortable and quiet house.

[@galady8632]

After watching your video I have a better understanding of the process. My home was built in 1967. I also have the add-on storm windows. I was thinking about replacing my windows but even if a friend and I do it 30 windows would be steep. Thankfully my utility bills are quite reasonable. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah that is a lot of windows... honestly, just do 1 at a time if you know you will be there a while. This was my last window in my house. I only had 10 windows. Took me 5 years but of course I remodeled my entire house at the same time. If you do end up doing it I wish you the best of luck and hope the video helps! Thanks for watching!

[@galady8632]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair....... Thx. I've owned it since 1985. I'm 72, probably time to downsize a bit. Since I have no family I'm leaving my home to the Humane Society - they can sell it and feed/care for critters. Your channel offers quality content, honesty re techniques/time factors/etc and you're not verbally constantly stroking your ego. That is refreshing. Thank you!

[@mmmichellegirl]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Did you find that the cost of windows increased with any significance every year?

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

Oh the bloopers!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 The real fixer comes out!!!! Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Your videos are so informative, easy to follow for the homeowner to do it themselves. Look forward to watching this room transform. TY

[@terrasonhunt6534]

I’ve been struggling finding videos that really help me understand the process. I want to DIY install around 12 windows in my home. I now feel confident to start this project! Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That is awesome to hear! Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[@CantankerousDave]

This was the clearest example of where to measure a window opening that I’ve come across. My house is from 1972 and has 10 wood frame, single-pane windows. I reglazed them all a couple years ago (lots of cracked and missing glazing compound = nasty drafts), but want to replace them eventually. Having the storm windows actually adds a good bit of insulation from the dead air space.

[@Ang.0910]

DONT replace wood windows. Just repair and use storms. New windows will never last as long and there’s plenty of research to show it barely saves any energy.

[@user-zd4ds9gb1n]

​@MissAngela007 where would you get storm windows?

[@Ang.0910]

@@user-zd4ds9gb1n u can get them made or make them yourself if you’re handy enough

[@catherineberry6971]

Great video. So informative and AUTHENTIC. I ended up breaking my storm window and like you “Hate it!” Mirrors too but it’s got to be done. We are very fortunate to live in an age where we have informative videos such as yours, equipment like tacky gloves that are firm fitting grip better than our own grip ( stuff in winter and sweaty slippery in summer), and goggles and measuring tapes that don’t wobble like those of yesterday (why are the wobbly ones still being sold!!), and cordless power tools and even windows we can purchase for DIY installation. Thank you once more and I subscribed to your channel. My home was built in 1926 and still has the original windows!

[@aaronmcghee2837]

I desperately need to replace my windows... can't wait for the time-lapse of this room!

[@kscheuerman5378]

That was great. I have paneling in my room & I am so looking forward to see what you will do next time. See ya then!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! See you soon!

[@JohnTesch]

Great tutorial. Thank you. And now I know I'm going to measure those grids in between the panes before I take it out of the store, even though I'm guessing that's not a common manufacturing error.

[@suecapra5005]

Antique shops will be happy to buy the old windows. Thank for the easy explanation. I'm very handy but I'm 70yo woman only mentioned the woman thing because of less strength than 30 years ago. But watching this video I feel better about tackling the project. Love all of your videos.

[@DiamondDustAndVerdigris]

I love the fact that you were so tickled by the window weights "thudding" on the bottom... LOL

[@jasonweekswardenofthenorth4061]

Thank you! You've convinced me to do my own windows. I've already done a couple in the back of the house so I'm not to nervous. I'll just Measure the rough opening and go see if they have any Thank you again

[@pshep123]

Excellent video, thanks for posting! Do you spray foam into the cracks into the voids around the window?

[@frannypalmer2726]

The window you took out can be used as something besides a window. I had some windows that are similar. I put family pictures on one side like a picture frame. My daughter loves it and she wanted another window for more pics.

[@smsucks7174]

Looking forward to seeing this room transformation. Really enjoyed your kitchen series

[@mahmodhamad1027]

I install windows for living in Miami we only install windows from a company called ESWINDOWS ( they are made in Colombia and shipped here ) we work with them because they make windows for us depending on the size we want and the strength so you can customize it, and when we install them we usually use 3 3/4 tapcon to secure it and we use baker rod or expansion foam and Zika flex silicone to seal it from the outside and Dap on the inside, but before we do that we need to get the permits and that may take weeks for the permits to get approved and months for the windows to get to the port

[@donnimetropolis9899]

Sounds like they're owned by the cartel.... no way I'd want that wait for clients

[@MrCudaguy71]

This is the best replacement window instructional video I’ve found. Great video! Thanks for posting !

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear. Thank you for that!

[@wendydix5534]

You make everything look so easy!

[@januzi2]

3:18 "You'll float too ... you'll float too!" Kudos to you, if you know that quote.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Of course I do! Huge fan of horror flicks! 😀. Thanks for stopping by!

[@januzi2]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair You're welcome. I've been watching your channel since the floor levelling videos. I think. I've also seen the stairs re-do video as well.

[@beglitchery]

I bought a house where they cut the weight cords and they’re sticking up off the sash 🙄 Might replace the window might fix the counterweights. Dunno yet but this gives me some insight into options so thank you!

[@snoozieq4584]

Great video! Love the blooper at the end! See you next time!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! There are sooooo many bloopers to choose from believe me haha. Thanks for stopping by! See you on the next one!

[@anaellefire7114]

The commentary was cracking me up. Hope they replace the sash for you! My OCD would not be able to let that go.

[@dirtfishingpaul3634]

You explained this project very well as I'm going to be doing my windows in my home that was built in 1900.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching! 😃

[@shoyrushoyru]

The builder of my house put windows in that we here in Long Island, New York are literally the NORTHERNMOST thing on the map. It’s Long Island, and then the southern half of the country. I do believe they are some craftsman windows as well. I imagine they picked up whatever was cheapest at home depot.

[@BigDreamsTinyBudget]

Great video! Thank you so much! I was just gifted this exact window and had no clue how to install it. This helped out a LOT!

[@T.E.P..]

love being a sub to the channel and you are having a blast with each and everyone of them .... great education and easy watch without any distractions

[@goldenretriever15]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure about doing this myself but after watching your video, I have the confidence to try it! Subscribed!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear! Good luck. Hope the video helps!

[@1styoudummy]

Here in South Florida, all the houses are made out of CMU and just wood bucks with the stucco and drywall wrapping around the window. Also these days, windows and doors have to be permitted with an NOA, Notice Of Acceptance which has all the windload data. We have some of the strongest building codes in the country.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Wow! Very interesting. I learn so much about different states from these comments. Thank you for the info and for checking out the video! 👍

[@crisgravel8387]

I'm about to replace some windows and this was hugely helpful. Thank you!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Happy to help!

[@lindal8596]

What an engaging way you have about you and your video. Thank you for taking the time.

[@bratttt100]

I bought mine from Home Depot. They had FULL Hand prints between the glass panels. I bought Argon gas but these windows let in so much heat, in the summer, that I have to close the blinds and curtains. Cold in the winter. The Company was Silverline. They did replace some of the windows, after my complaint with the BBB. (refused to answer my calls). One window went completely black , I guess from the sun baking the filament inside. Today I have several windows that you can't even see through because inside they have fallen apart. Bet of luck with your project.

[@stevenziegler2523]

Thank you for this great and easy to understand video. I noticed you did not use window flashing tape (think that is what it is called) any reason why?

[@jsaysyay]

i've seen those sorts of windows a few times, never got to experience that nice *thud* though. i remember like quite some years ago we had all the windows replaced during january and my first memory once they were done is that when i had to wake up for school back then at sunrise, my room for the first time wasn't literally freezing

[@joevangorder6050]

Very good display enjoyed watching you just great for me I feel confident after watching that of replacing my own thank you

[@autobotdiva9268]

hopefully the windows will bring costs down this winter

[@karenweir7310]

Hey- down here on the gulf coast code is requiring storm/wind resistant window replacements.. super expensive to upgrade to those..I have a triple window the span of 3- 5ft windows side by side with what appears to be no/ minimum framing in between-!one has lost its seal and is becoming cloudy.. can one window be replaced without having to replace all three?- I know it would be a guess on your part.. but haven’t been able to figure it out myself. Fyi - I’ve been following since the Ring doorbell install episode… ( and thanks to you, i was able to install it)

[@UltratecJS]

Thank you, will have to try this out this weekend!

[@geanettbrowne5668]

Hey watching from Buffalo NY as always very informative 👍 thanks for sharing 💙 glad to see your remodeling is coming together nicely

[@Romaniac1988]

16:46 into the video the kids cheering scared the crap out of me. wearing headphones :)

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

haha sorry about that

[@BrentAyotte]

Great video!! Love the outtakes…lol

[@el.handyman]

Good job Fixer! Nice job explaining the install 👍

[@jimurrata6785]

Those 'little pieces' are parting stop, typically 1/2 x 3/4". If they are painted in try using a pair of sheetmetal hand seamers, or better yet the Vice-Grip equivalent to rock and pull that stop out of the groove.

[@tannervermillion3520]

Great video! Did you need to do any flashing on the outside with aluminum?

[@gusnaif]

Very nice video and easy to follow (good job). Can you please tell me where you ordered your custom windows from (website/store)?

[@SouthBayFamily]

Hell yeah boy you know what you doing love it get down handle it my man

[@lindacsmith13]

What an awesome video about removing windows. My brain misfired and all I could see was me taking a sledge hammer to the paneling. Wait, did I say that out loud?

[@chrisw443]

Plenty of levels. Perfect.

[@stelladina2437]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful posting ❤

[@turtuhl]

cant wait for the room reno!

[@RdandTrk1]

Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@cynthiacarter532]

Interesting old window. I grew up in 2 suburban houses both built in very early 1950's. They had wood double hung windows but no rope on the sides. It was in California, so we never needed storm windows.

[@bhadz100]

Is it quieter vs the single pane with storm window?

[@rebeccaramirez-]

thank you for this video "the fixer" now i know what that scew is for on my windows (anchors) to make the new fits sucurely lol

[@67NewEngland]

I had dirt between the two pains of glass on a new replacement window. Home Depot sent a new sash for free.

[@dasbomfim]

That small vertical gap on the inside, between the window and the wall, where the anchor screw is, do you fill it with anything, or it stays like that? I am going to install a window, and I am curious if it will be OK to leave a little gap like that. Thanks!

[@Yackhammer75]

Our old windows were so covered in paint layers that until watching this video I didn't even know they had access panels for the weights. Would have been nice to know 30 years ago as a kid I could have fixed my bedroom window instead of using a prop rod. HAHAH

[@pachecolljk]

Are you going to do any window flashing on the outside? eg. remove the siding and add some zip tape?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

If I end up replacing any trim I will but I don’t plan on it. The window that was there lasted 80 years and didn’t rot plus I replaced it with vinyl. Thanks for watching!! 👍👍

[@cherrypoutines6269]

​@@TheFixerHomeRepairis the video "how to replace water damaged windows sill and trim" the same window? If so, does that mean flashing is always needed?

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Me just looking at this wondering how to simply fix a spiral window balance in a window that looks like this new one? Any easy tutorial videos like this? No need to replace the window.

[@brady4222]

Isn't newer windows one piece of glass and the grid stuck to the glass? love your videos by the way

[@michaelplays2449]

Very Enjoyable, thanks 😊 👍

[@tommycho9068]

Great video. Thank you.

[@johncheney950]

Good video. I learned a lot! Thanks.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@johncheney950]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I just installed my first window. Your video made it go a lot more smoothly 👌

[@scottieporter]

Just curious on what you plan to do with your videos when your house is finished? Is this the last room to remodel? Will you redo the basement to livable space?

[@Timmo93]

Jesus! That’s not a weight, thats a weapon! 😮

[@silentghostproductions6453]

Did you get a new camera? The quality is amazing!

[@ReggieR3gg]

Wife would kill me for using the $1,500 Dyson on my carpentry projects

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Just don’t film yourself doing it. Be smarter than me 😂

[@Born2be76]

Great detailed video

[@seepack2910]

Great job!!

[@joebouzan4971]

Good information, thanks

[@georgep22]

I tried taking out that middle piece of the window didn’t move at all. Are some old school window different ? Is there other ways to take out the top window? And thanks for that tip didn’t know that piece can come out so easily

[@JamesLeatherman]

27:46 was the first time I have seen you smile like that - pure gleeful destruction.

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Looks great!

[@kazzellinempanger8998]

11:40-12:15 "Weight access panel! See? 😃" Me: Wait, WHAT?? *checks old kitchen window* OMG--there it is. How did my dad never know about this? These weights have been broken since I was a kid, so we've never opened these windows! Now I'm just replacing them (cause they're old and unoperable). 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Edit: Hmm. The kitchen window is two windows side-by-side with the weights in the middle. Mom bought one larger window to replace them with. Any reason we shouldn't do this? 🤔

[@gridiron2112]

When you replace a builder grade vinyl window with a replacement window, how is it different? Do you just sawzall the window fin in place? Also, what do you do when two windows or three windows are attached together? Do those have to be special ordered or can you attach three from off the shelf?

[@jameshall2663]

Can I use spray foam to fill the void were the weight was? Thanks

[@rackoone]

So much easier than how I did it...

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Well now I am curious how you did it… 🤔😁

[@rackoone]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I took out the entire frame and the trim on the outside and inside. Basically took it to studs and made a box for the remodel window to fit in. The house had old, brittle vinyl siding so it was difficult to trim under the siding and then patch the vinyl around every window. Also very expensive to trim the outside and inside and the box. Im remembering now that alot of the trim was rotted so I probably would have had to redo it all anyway... It was painful.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

@@rackoone Ah I see. Yeah that is a lot of work. Well worth it I am sure though! Thanks for checking out the video and thanks for sharing!

[@jeremywatts2768]

Are you not going to foam (or fiberglass) the sill pocket? I couldn't figure out how you can install the sill extender first, so I foam and then work that trim piece in there. Its a pain to do it that way tho

[@user-kh7xe5ut9n]

what do you do about screens when windows are open? Don't the bugs come in?

[@matreyia]

You didn't use sill seal tape?

[@davidparker9676]

Using sealant on the stop bead and the window is really not optional, The window will likely leak at some point if you do not put sealant as the manufacturer requires. Caulking the gaps afterwards as mentioned in this video will likely fail in a matter of months or years, allowing water and air to where you do not want it.

[@curiosity2314]

Nice video on the topic.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks!

[@robertsmith3518]

Ty ! Great job

[@m60hein]

My old boss referred to people he wasn't to fond of as flatheads. I always laughed at that knowing how much flathead screws suck.

[@leticiafantini5344]

Do you have a video replacing the window on a brick house? Would you send me the link?

[@thebelow9117]

Here in the UK, if someone put a double glazed window in like that, it would be no good at all. Doesn't block any noise, not draft proof...it just wouldn't do. You definitely need a good bead of mastic around that to properly seal it & prevent heat loss & outside weather incursion...

[@catherinerowe6815]

Great video🔨🪛

[@_Rikk_]

thank you

[@stephenlacher587]

You remind me of a friend named Earl. He took something back to Menards once and told them, "I cut this off three times and it's still too short!"

[@00manlaw]

Hi: do you put the storm windows back on.

[@elliejones8777]

How will you address the frame where the storm window was?