Installing Vinyl Windows on Brick Houses

Replacing the existing windows in a brick home is not difficult. While there are some challenges, they are easily overcome with deliberate planning and a little patience. Do not expect to walk into the hardware store to pick out new windows and take them home that day. Every window you replace will probably require a custom manufactured replacement, which costs more. However, your home's improved energy efficiency and its increased market value will offset the initial investment in a short period of time.

Measure for the New Windows

Measure in three places for the vertical and horizontal measurements.

To correctly measure the opening, first carefully remove the interior molding around the window's frame. Be gentle with the molding, because more than likely you will need to reuse it. With the interior molding removed, you can see the casement that supports the window frame. Measure the opening between the vertical legs of the casement. Measure across at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the opening. Measure the vertical in the same way: measure on one side, then in the middle, and then on the other side. Check the corners with a framing square to see if they are 90-degrees. If any of the casement boards are warped or damaged, replace them.

Order New Vinyl Windows

Order replacement windows directly from the manufacturer to save money.

Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, order the windows yourself directly from the manufacturer to eliminate the expense of a middleman. It may take two to three weeks, but your windows will drop ship directly to your location. If you are replacing more than one window, create a unique identifier for each window, and then write the dimensions for each replacement window on the interior wall underneath the location of the trim, that you removed earlier. Subtract 1/16-inch from the vertical and horizontal measurements. For example, if the opening measures 47¾-inch by 36¼-inch, your order will actually be 47 11/16-inch by 36 3/16-inch. Finally, insist on windows specifically designed for remodeling; the attaching flange is slightly different from windows designed for new construction. You will experience installation problems if you don't do this.

Remove the Old Windows

Use extreme caution when removing old or damaged windows.

Brick veneer siding can be brittle around window openings. Always exercise extreme caution when removing the old trim and old windows. Use the lightest tools possible and avoid prying directly against the brick veneer. Whether the old window frame is wood or metal, the process for removal is the same. First, remove the old windowpanes from the window frame, if possible. There may be screws, but more than likely the old window frame is attached to the casement with nails. Gently and slowly remove the nails from one side of the window frame. If you jerk the nails out too quickly, you could damage the casement boards or loosen them from the brick veneer entirely. Don’t be afraid to dismantle the frame a piece at a time by carefully cutting through the window frame with a handsaw to facilitate removal. Use a hacksaw, instead, for metal frames.

Prepare the Opening for the New Vinyl Windows

Clean the casement all around the window opening from the outside of the house. Make sure that there is nothing that will hinder the insertion of the replacement window. If the casement is wider than the flange of the replacement window, it will be visible. Many people choose to repaint the casement with an oil-based paint at this point. If you do, wait until the paint completely dries before installing the new window.

Install the New Vinyl Windows

Caulking the window and the trim is essential to prevent water damage.

Apply a thick bead of caulk around the exterior side of the casement, next to the opening edge. Put the replacement window in place and gently press the window in to seat it. Insert screws into the pre-drilled holes in the window flange and seat them into the casement. Never use nails; you could easily damage the casement, or the brick veneer, by repeated hammering. Once the window is installed, replace the exterior and interior window trim pieces. Caulk the exterior trim boards to prevent water from leaking into the window opening.