How to Replace a Window in Cedar Siding

Replacing the window in a house with cedar siding is the same

process as any other window replacement. This is because the siding is

bordered with exterior wood trim around the opening, which acts as a

stop to keep the window in place. There's a similar piece of trim on the

interior holding the window in, which you will remove and reinstall

during the process. It's a good idea to go ahead and re-caulk around

the exterior trim where it meets the cedar siding while you're putting

in the new window unit.

Tape measure
Hammer
Pry bar
Replacement windows
Carpenter's level
Shims
Screw gun
Long-mounting screws
Spray insulation
Finish nailer
Caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure for the new window with the old unit still in, taking width and height measurements. Move the sashes up and down as needed to get at the sides. Order the replacement windows. Leave the old windows in place until the new unit arrives.
- 2
  Remove the old windows by prying off the trim border around the interior perimeter of the opening. Keep the trim intact as you remove it. Pull the old window sashes straight out of the opening. Don't remove the identical border of trim that's around the exterior edge of the window, butting up to the exterior cedar siding.
- 3
  Stand the base of the replacement window unit on the bottom span of the window opening. Push the top of the unit up and in, until it comes to rest against the border of trim around the exterior edge.
- 4
  Set a level horizontally on the window unit and slide shims in around the edges to get it level.
- 5
  Drive screws outward through the sides of the unit through the provided screw holes, into the surrounding edge.
- 6
  Spray insulation around the spaces surrounding the unit.
- 7
  Use a finish nailer to set the trim back in place around the window. Caulk around the trim where it meets the walls and the window. Re-caulk along the exterior trim where it meets the cedar siding.

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Window & Door Repair