DIY Network

Longing for Paradise / Window Installation From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-203

	Don Baker expresses his frustration with a sitting room in limbo
	This room is a long way from paradise, but it has potential.

Homeowners Elle and Don Baker were married four years ago in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and they consider it their favorite place. The only problem is, they are stuck facing the wintry cold of Indianapolis. The Bakers, who've longed for the tropics since their honeymoon, would like to bring a sense of paradise to the sitting room in their 1880s Victorian home.

Don has made a few attempts, but is at a loss. Elle says he has a great vision of what the final result should look like, but has no idea -- once in the middle of a project -- how to make it happen. That's where the DIY to the Rescue crew comes in! The crew is ready to help the two Midwesterners escape to the Caribbean without leaving home. Here's what's in store for the Bakers' rescue:

• Replacement of old windows with ones that are energy-efficient -- and without damaging the home's original trim
  
• Installation of a new hearth to replace the vinyl tiles with sleek new granite that complements the original fireplace
  
• Faux finishing techniques that bring dappled sunlight to the Bakers' walls, as well as a stenciled palm tree motif
  
• Finishing touches that will include a picture rail, new wood molding, tropical plants, gauzy window treatments and a look (Antique British Colonial) that will marry Victorian with Caribbean.
  

With a plan in place, the crew is ready to get started!

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Window Installation

The Bakers' home has good "bones". The sitting room features antique pocket doors, original horsehair plaster and wood trim, and beautiful stained glass. One problem is the damaged windows. The crew plans on installing new energy-efficient windows to remedy the problem; homeowner Don wants the original trim surrounding the windows to remain intact.

Materials:

Safety goggles
Gloves
Hammer
Pry bar
Tape measure
Drill
Screws
Window and appropriate hardware

1. With old windows, which aren't likely to be level or plumb, three measurements need to be taken inside the frame: at the bottom, center and top. The smallest measurement will determine the sash size needed.

2. Remove the inside stop from the side jambs with a chisel and hammer. Then remove the bottom sash (the main part of the window).

3. Take out the center stop to allow removal of the top sash. Use a hammer to tear out the weather stripping.

4. If working with an older window, remove the old pulleys, pull out the old sash weights, and cut the ropes.

5. Dry fit the top sash and secure it by screwing top brackets into the window frame and sash (pre-drill holes if necessary).

6. Place the first bracket about 4" down from the top (figure A). Install bottom bracket 2" up from bottom of top sash, and space the remaining ones evenly in between.

7. Install the lower sash filler blocks (figure B). Secure them to the frame beneath the top sash using a nail gun.

8. Screw in the vinyl jamb liner brackets (figure C). These the jamb liner securely against the frame of the window and parallel to the lower sash filler block. Next, snap the jamb liner into place on the brackets.

9. Install lower sash by sliding the pivot pin into the groove of the jamb liner and snap it into the sash balance on each side. Then, lift the lower sash into place and test window operation.