If you are embarking on a
home renovation project, one area that deserves some attention is windows. This article will focus on how to replace the sliding glass windows in your home. The good news is that sliding glass window replacement is one of the easier tasks for first time home renovators to tackle by themselves, and it's the kind of project that offers nice returns on property value. So even if you do not have a lot of experience sawing and hammering, you should be able to manage the removal and installation without any major problems or setbacks.
The first thing you will need to do is obtain the new windows that are going to be taking the place of your old ones. When purchasing your new sliding glass window units, it is important to consider the make of the product that you currently have (keep in mind that this will usually include the frame as well as the glass itself). Check the window that you have for the manufacturer and contact this company about window replacement. If it is an obscure brand, you may need to order your replacement directly from the manufacturer, but if it is a relatively popular one, you might be able to find what you need at a local Olympia hardware or DIY store.
You will also want to check whether or not your old sliding windows operate using rollers. Many of the older models and some newer versions, as well. However, you might want to think about window replacement units that do not include these rollers. Many of the latest state of the art models being sold nowadays do not require them, relying instead on a track with a good fit, which allows the window to slide back and forth easily.
Once you have obtained your replacement
windows, it is time to get started on the actual home improvement process. The first thing that you will need to take care of is removing the old windows. Start by taking out the screen. To do this, simply pull it gently out of position from either the bottom or the side. Then push the glass window into the middle of the frame so that it is neither completely open nor completely closed. Wearing gloves for protection, hold the window in place with one hand and slide the other between the sliding and stationary windows.
Now, lift the sliding window from the top while guiding the bottom of it out of the frame. Once the bottom part of the window is completely free, you should slowly lower the window again, freeing the rest of it from the frame as well. Then put it off to the side.
Your window replacement is now halfway complete. The next step is to clean the frame. Use an old rag and liquid window cleaner to wipe away any dirt and dust that may have accumulated. Then install the new unit by following the removal steps in reversal. Once your new sliding glass window is in place, clean it on both sides and put the screen back in.
