If you are looking for DIY window replacement tips, search no further – here are a few excellent ideas to help you become one of the DIY enthusiasts who have already tackled the task of replacing their own windows successfully.

The Tools You Will Need

For a successful DIY window replacement project, you need the right tools – here are the most important tools of the trade:

• Safety equipment, including glasses, gloves and a helmet,
• A caulk gun,
• Good quality hammers and screwdrivers and a power drill or power driver,
• Knives, including a putty knife and a utility knife,
• Tape measure and a level,
• A suitably sized pry bar.

Choosing the Right Type of Window

Whether you decide to buy brand-new windows or you go for second-hand, here are the most common types of windows:

• Insert windows – a good choice for solid, undamaged frames and for situations when the new window is of exactly the same size as the old one,
• Full-frame windows – the best solution if you want to modify the size or the shape of your windows. The types they come in include double-hung, awning, specialty and casement windows.

The two types are different in terms of complexity – full-frame windows are a bit more difficult to install than insert types, but with the right tools and some planning, none of them are very complicated.

How to Make Accurate Measurements

To be able to buy new windows that fit perfectly, you need to know exactly what size to buy. Measure the width of the window at three height points between the inside of one jamb to the other, then measure the height the same way, only vertically. For both dimensions, use the smallest measurement as reference.

Removing the Old Window

Use your knives, your pry bar and your screwdriver to remove the old window. Try to be as gentle as possible and take care not to damage the area around the window. You will find that Lansing windows were built well, so be careful not to damage the wall when removing them.  Remove the old sash, the sash chords and the sash weights as well – many old windows still have these components.

Make a Rough Installation

When the old window has been removed, clean the opening as much as you can, then remove the packing clips from the shims of the new window and place the window into the opening to see if it fits. Pay special attention to the shims – mark their exact location on the wall for the final fitting. Make sure your new window is exactly where it should be, then use the mounting screws provided with the windows and fix them into the jambs and fix the window header as well. Test the new window by opening and closing it repeatedly and make the necessary adjustments to the sashes and the shims to ensure smooth operation. If you are sure the window is in the right place, fix it all into the opening with caulk.

We hope we could make your project easier with these DIY window replacement tips – the replacement will make your home more comfortable and more attractive and you can enjoy the fruit of your own work.

 

When homeowners think of roofing, the first type of roofing material that comes to mind is tiles – if you are currently in the process of choosing the best roofing cover for your building, here are the top types of roofing tiles, with short descriptions of their benefits.

Metal Tiles

Metal roofs most commonly come in the form of large panels, but this is not the only option. Metal tiles are smaller pieces of curved roofing material that look very much like clay or slate tiles and they offer all the benefits of metal roof as well as some additional features. The qualities that make metal roofs so popular include lightweight construction, longevity, durability, resistance to harsh weather, including heavy rain, snow, fire and storms accompanies by strong winds. What metal tiles add is variety in terms of color and texture – this great roofing material is available in almost endless color and texture options.

Slate Tiles

The most traditional and the longest-lasting type of tiles are also the most attractive – no two slices of stone look the same, so the roofs that are covered in this natural material look beautiful in a rustic way. However, slate tiles are on the expensive side, they are quite heavy and they also need professional installation, but once installed, they can stay on your roof for 100 years.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are widespread across the country. The features that make them so popular include durability, low maintenance needs, variety in terms of style, size and color. However, homeowners considering this type of roofing must be aware that ceramic tiles are also quite heavy and are therefore suitable only for buildings that can hold up a heavy roof.

Concrete Tiles

Very similar to ceramic tiles in appearance and in terms of physical features, concrete tiles are even more resistant and durable than ceramic materials and they are less prone to cracking and chipping. Concrete tiles are heavy as well, so the same weight-related restrictions apply as in the case of ceramic tiles.

Bituminous Tiles

These tiles are the perfect choice for homeowners looking for the durability and the varied design options offered by concrete or ceramic tiles, but without the weight. The material is made by imprinting cellulose fiber or fiberglass with bitumen and then covering the top of the tiles with basalt or granite granules. The resulting tiles are resistant, durable and attractive and they are installed using adhesive, without any screws, nails or bolts, which not only speeds up the process, but also reduces the risk of leaks.

Polymer-Sand Tiles

This new material is made by creating a mix of sand and polymer material that is placed into a mold to give it shape. The tiles made from polymer-sand resemble ceramic tiles, but they are more durable and more flexible, therefore they don’t break easily. They are fire-resistant and lightweight tiles as well.

Above we listed the top types of roofing tiles to make it easier for you to choose the best variety – whatever your home design, a tile roof will add curb appeal and longevity to your building, so take your time to browse available varieties.  As with any decision, contacting one of the professional roofing companies Wichita KS offers, is a great place to start, and see what they recommend for your area.