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  • Window Removal and Vinyl Window Installation / Drywall Repair
  • From "DIY to the Rescue"
    episode DTTR-205


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    Window Removal and Vinyl Window Installation

    After the bedroom contents have been cleared, host Karl Champley instructs Bo and Heather Bothe in the removal of their old, single pane windows. Together, they will replace the old with new vinyl insulating windows.

    Materials:

    Pry bar
    Utility knife
    Safety goggles
    Cordless screwdriver
    Hammer
    Chisel
    Shims
    Reciprocating saw
    Tape measure
    Contact paper or masking tape
    Latex caulking

    1. Use a utility knife to score around the window casing and interior wall. Use a hammer and chisel to separate the casing from the reveal board.

    2. Once you’ve created the separation, use the pry bar to pry off the casing, reveal (figure A), stool and apron.

    3. Place contact tape or heavy masking tape on the glass to prevent breakage during removal.

    4. Remove bottom sash of single hung window.

    5. Remove any old caulk around window. Remove the nails securing the jambs to the frame by cutting them with a reciprocating saw or mini hacksaw. Remove window (figure B) and any remaining debris (figure C).

    6. Place new window in opening and measure around the perimeter to determine if window is centered. (In this example, old reveal boards are re-used to fill any remaining gaps.) Use shims to help center and level window. Use a level to determine the window is level and plum.

    7. The featured vinyl replacement windows have pre-drilled holes. Use 3-inch wood screws to secure window to the frame of the house (figure D).

    8. Use a hammer and chisel to cut the shims flush with the window casing.

    9. Run a bead of caulk around the interior and exterior of window (figure E) and you are ready to install the window trim.

    10. In this example, host Amy Devers assists Bo with the construction of new window reveals. The two simple measure, cut and nail together a simple rectangular reveal, then secure around the window.

    11. To finish the project, fluted casings are measured and cut to surround each window (and doors). The casings are joined in a simple butt joints -- eliminating the need for miter cuts -- and connected by rosettes at the corners.

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    PHOTO

    Figure F
    PHOTO

    Figure G
    PHOTO

    Figure H
    PHOTO

    Figure I
    Drywall Repair

    Bo took on a little DIY project, but then found himself with a rectangular hole in the wall. The Rescue crew will help Heather Bothe tackle the project and eliminate the gaping eyesore.

    Materials:

    Drywall (4" x 8" sheet is recommended for do-it-yourself projects; standard 1/2" drywall should be used for 16" on-center framing, while 5/8" should be used for 24" on-center framing.)
    Drywall tape
    Drywall screws
    Drill with screwdriver bits
    Tape measure
    Quick drying joint compound
    Putty knife
    Carpenter's square and pencil
    Fine-grit sandpaper

    1. Measure the size of the hole (figure F) and transfer the measurements onto the new drywall board using a carpenter’s square.

    2. Cut drywall with utility knife just through the paper and slightly into the drywall. Snap the sheet back to break the sheet along the cut. Cut the paper back with the utility knife (figure G).

    3. To support the drywall patch cut a piece of 2" x 4" or 2" x 2" for your brace. Make sure the brace extends at least an inch or two past the opening.

    4. Score a 1/4" bevel on the outside edge of your hole (figure H).

    5. Place support brace behind the drywall and screw into place using drywall screws. Sink the screw 1/16" into the drywall. (Sinking screws further could cut the drywall paper and leave wall looking uneven.)

    6. Place drywall patch in place and spread a layer of drywall compound approximately 1/8" thick, feathering edges outward.

    7. Cut drywall tape two inches longer than patch. Place the tape over the seams of your patch. With a putty knife, rake the tape downward, then spread a wide layer of compound over the tape (figure I), feathering the edges.

    8. Allow joint compound to dry before sanding. Repeat application if necessary.

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