How to install windows

Before you go about doing a full home window replacement we would recommend a quick read of our page about when to replace windows and when to fix them to be sure you really need to. Sometimes they aren’t as bad as you think and repairing them may be a feasible option.

We also have a detailed page on how to choose the right windows, but the short story is as follows: Triple pane windows from our research will usually pay for themselves in the long run, as will gas filled windows. The gas will dissipate through the glass over time, so after a number of years they will be reduced to just having air between the panes, but the savings realized during that time still make it worthwhile in our opinion.

Low-E coatings reflect heat back into the home and are also a sound investment for energy savings, but not to be overlooked with all these window options is the comfort factor. High quality triple pane windows will mean a much more comfortable living environment, so even if you have been advised that recuperating the added cost with energy savings is questionable, there is no disputing the fact that your home will be more comfortable if you invest in better quality windows.

You will also be faced with a choice of frame materials, we prefer fiberglass or a combination of wood and exterior aluminum for reasons performance, durability and limiting environmental impacts. Vinyl / PVC frames dominate the window market, but the production has a very negative impact on air quality and is considered by the USGBC to be among the most environmentally destructive building materials available when the full life cycle is considered.

“[the manufacturing of] Vinyl is the largest use of chlorine gas in the world, consuming about 40 percent of total chlorine production, or about 16 million tons of chlorine per year. PVC is the largest production-volume organochlorine, a large class of chemicals that have come under considerable scientific and regulatory scrutiny in the last decade because of their global distribution and the unusually severe hazards they tend to pose.”  -USGBC

There is a lot to consider when you want to install a bigger window, because you will need to lengthen the header. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it is the support beam across the tops of windows and doors that supports the load and protects doors and windows from being damaged by pressure from above. Think of it a bit like a bridge that transfers the weight to either side of the window opening. And worth noting - replacing windows just to 'save money' or energy doesn't always make financial sense, read more here - 

When to replace windows and when to repair them

In order to be able to carry the load and transfer it to the support members on either side, it needs to be sized correctly for the span to ensure it doesn’t sag. For example, you may currently have a  2x6 header (which would be either doubled or perhaps tripled) that might need to be replaced with a 2x8 header, depending on how much greater the span will be. So there is a bit of engineering that may need to be done depending on just how much you are increasing the span, and that would depend largely on your local snow load.

As you can see from the diagram below, the header (#2 and triple in this case) is resting on what is called the jack post, which is secured to the king post. To enlarge the opening, you will need to remove enough wall section to replace those studs along with the header. Note - this image includes a double bottom plate (#4), which is rather unsual and probably not necessary.

If it is a double-walled building envelope, make sure that you know which of the walls is the supporting wall, but you should see that by the location of the existing header. Sometimes a double wall system will have a 2x6 supporting wall with an additional 2x4 interior wall simply for the purpose of adding additional insulation. Below is a photo of a double wall system that may or may not look like yours, but in this example you can see that the exterior wall carries the load and holds the window, the interior wall is not load bearing, it is for insulation, and wiring is done in this wall as well so as not to compromise the air barrier. 

About the windows, I’m not sure I understand your question about the double and triple pane. If it were me replacing windows, I would certainly purchase triple-pane for efficiency as well as comfort, but you do not need more than one window per opening if that is your question. Just get really good ones. Windows will always be the weakest point in a building envelope, that’s just part of life, and good reason to buy higher quality.

And lastly, I’m not familiar with where SE Wi is off the top of my head, but google is telling that’s Wisconsin, is that right? If so, we don’t know builders in that region, sorry. 

Here are some pages that may also be of use to you, good luck with your renos!