Step-by-step window replacement
Bennie has years of experience in replacing window frames and is happy to tell you what to look out for if you are going to replace a window frame yourself. He works for a carpentry factory where hardwood frames from Toelevering Online are made (Nijhuis Toelevering).
‘At Nijhuis Toelevering we work for large projects and we have a whole book with points of attention for replacing window frames. We take practical things into account, such as weather conditions, but also the wishes of the resident and any window decoration. In this step-by-step plan, I assumed that we would remove an existing frame and install a completely new wooden frame from Toelevering Online’, says Bennie.
1. Measure
The first step of replacing a window frame is to measure your window frame. You measure the width and the height. You always measure on the outside of the frame.
Dimensions
Measure horizontally at three different points in the opening – from masonry to masonry. The smallest size is leading. Subtract 10 millimeters from your size.
Then measure vertically. You also do this at three different points. Here too, the smallest size is leading. Do you measure from the window sill? Then you subtract 20 millimeters from the smallest size.
You can read more information and measuring tips for window frames in our blog.
“When measuring vertically, I usually start from the bottom of the window sill to the masonry. Here I take the smallest size and take half a centimeter of slack. That is usually a size that is relatively easy to measure and therefore requires less leeway.”
Bennie
2. Order frame
Once you have measured the dimensions of the frames , it is almost time to order them. Before you do this, you should think carefully about the type of frame you want to install. Do you want to install a window frame? Then think carefully about whether you choose an inward or outward opening window frame. Are you going for a door? Then think about whether there is enough space to open the door or whether a sliding door is a better option. Not sure which frame is suitable? Gijs gives you tips in his blog for choosing the right frame .
Connection frame
In addition, it is important that you already think about the way in which you want to connect the frame. When replacing the frame, a renovation rebate is normally used. In this step-by-step plan, we have also assumed a renovation rebate.
Predefined frames vs. configurator
At Toelevering Online you can order your window frames quickly and easily online. You can put together your own custom frames in the online configurator , but you can also opt for predefined frames via our product page . In both cases, you enter the desired dimensions and properties of the frame yourself. The advantage of our user-friendly configurator is that you can build the entire window from scratch. You choose the sizes, the compartment division, the compartment fillings and the other properties (such as colour, wall connection and type of glass).
Products
3. Delivery of the frame
As soon as your order has been received, we will immediately start making your window frames. The frames of Toelevering Online are made in the factory of an established name in the window frame industry (Nijhuis Toelevering). The fastest possible delivery is already within 5 working days. With us you choose which day and part of the day suits you best.
“Before you even put a saw in the old frame, it is wise to check the new frame. Is the sizing correct and does it fit? This is a tip that we always give to our assembly teams. Check first before you start demolishing.”
Bennie
4. Free up workspace
Before you can start assembling the frame, it is important to clear work space. You do this by covering furniture, removing curtain rails and creating a clean workplace. When demolition you should of course also think about things such as gloves and a safety helmet.
5. Demolition of the old window frame
The demolition of the old frame starts with the removal of the rotating parts (windows or doors). For frames with fixed glass, remove the sealant by cutting it loose. You remove the glazing bars and remove the glass with a suction cup. After this, remove any intermediate posts and sills by sawing them in 2 places. You take out the piece you sawed, so that you can further demolish the posts and sills. When this is done, you demolish the outer jambs and the sills of the window frame in the same way. When demolishing the exterior styles and the sill, you try to keep the existing cavity wall if you succeed.
“When removing the lintel, it is smart to take a look at the existing moisture barrier. Is it there and can it be kept? In old window frames, the moisture barrier often consists of lead. You can reuse them in most cases.”
Bennie
The last step of demolishing the old window frames is cleaning up the workspace. You clean up the demolition waste and clear the window frames of the mess that is in them. By spraying PUR around the cavity wall, you can firmly secure the cavity wall again. This ensures that the cavity wall is properly fixed and also ensures a good draft seal.
6. Prepare the new frame
You can prepare the frame for installation by screwing the strip anchor into the rebate and sticking compriband in the stop of the renovation rebate for a good seal. How you mount the frame depends on the reuse of the existing cavity wall. If the cavity batten is too deep in the cavity and you have insufficient attack, you can get a better attack by means of an adjusting strip. You screw this over the existing cavity wall so that you can use it as a stop for the new frame (see image). You do not need to use an adjustment strip if you have sufficient deposits on the existing cavity wall.
"Paint the visible side of the adjusting strip black, then the seam around your window frame is black. This looks sleek and neat when you look at the window frame from the outside."
Bennie
7. Place the new frame
When placing the frame, it is important to evenly distribute the play on the sides, so that the seam around the frame is even. The frame must be level, so that you do not have problems with the moving parts.
“In older homes you often see that the frame has already been painted 10 times. Then there is a dirty edge on the wall from the painting. In many cases you can then choose to move the frame forward a centimeter, so that you can no longer see the paint and you have a fresh wall.”
Bennie
8. Screw in strip anchors
The best way to anchor a new window frame is to anchor it with strip anchors. In this way you can also order a glazed and sealed window frame and you do not have to screw through the rebate.
9. Purging and finishing
The space that remains after mounting the frame must be filled all around from the inside. You spray the space between the frame and the adjustment strip full of pur.
When the pur is dry, cut off the edges. After this you can finish the frames on the inside and your frame is completely ready!
Need help replacing your window?
You can replace your window frame in 9 steps. Don’t have any experience yet? Then my ultimate tip is to have your window replaced by a professional. This step-by-step plan is only a guideline, no rights may be granted to it. Would you like to take on the challenge yourself and do you still have questions after reading this step-by-step plan? The Supply Online team is happy to help you! Please contact us for this.
Do you need a new frame? Put it together quickly and easily in the configurator! The frames of Toelevering Online are delivered throughout the Netherlands. The frames can be delivered from 5 working days. This way you can quickly continue your project in Tilburg , Roermond , Leiden , Haulerwijk , Alkmaar , Almere , Hengelo or Apeldoorn .
Disclaimer
We close this blog with a small disclaimer: these are steps you can go through to replace a window frame. Our tips and steps are not definitive guidelines, no rights may be granted to them. At Toelevering Online we always recommend that the replacement of a window frame is carried out by an expert with a great deal of knowledge.
