Installing a New Window in an Old House

1. Preparation

When installing a new window, you will need a detailed manual for the procedures employed for an old house, since there are different methods, depending on design and opening type. But before the actual installing procedure begins, you should make sure to have all the tools.

You have to remove old construction pieces before you can start installing a new window in an old house. If this procedure still has to be performed, you can watch this detailed video manual on the topic and learn how to do it.

When installing a new window or front door professionally, it must be done according to RAL standards. In an old house this also includes multiple cleanings of the reveals, because dust and dirt can cause sealing tapes to exceed their full adhesive potential (Fig. 1). Even do-it-yourself enthusiasts should therefore install components in accordance to these regulations.

Take the measurements of the reveals before installing the components in an old house. This can ensure that your new window will fit in the wall openings and that the process can be performed smoothly. These measurements will also help, if you consider installing an insect protection later, as you will already have the respective dimensions. Here you will find a detailed video manual on taking measurements.

2. Preparing the new Window for an old House

Your new wooden window and front door is generally covered with protection foil. This is to protect the colours, handles, glazing bars and the glass plates during transport. The foil on the outer part of the frame should be removed before the installing procedure can begin, as removing is very difficult after (Fig. 2b). The rest of the foil can remain at the frame until the end of the installing procedure, as it will further protect glass, handles and bars.

• Now you can mount the handles of the new window. You will need the handle to open the window when installing it in an old house (Fig. 2c).
• Remove the locking pin, located in the upper stay bearing of the window casement. You can easily remove the pin downwards with a flat screwdriver (Fig. 2a).
• The open window now allows you to lift the casement out of the corner bearing. In order to protect colour, glass, handles and bars from damage while installing, you should cover the working area with a soft protection sheet.

3. Choosing the proper Sealant

windows24.com offers new wooden, composite and uPVC window frames with special sealant, leading to excellent u-values. All new window models in the available materials equally keep the heat inside the house. But only a perfect sealing can provide the most ideal u-values. To ensure the best thermal insulation in an old house, the theory behind the three installing levels need to be considered:

• "Inner" level: this level separates the climate outside from inside. It must be vapour resistant. You can choose between installing a vapour resistant foil or using acrylic jointing (Fig. 3a).
• "Middle" level: while installing, you have to completely fill the spaces between the window frame and the masonry. Possible filling materials are 1-component construction foam, round cord and cotton or mineral fibres (Fig. 3b).
• "Outer" level: this sealing must be weather-proof – in old and new houses – and resistant against impact rain while being open to the diffusion of water vapour. You can also choose between pre-compressed tape, silicon jointing and foil, open to vapour diffusion. The "outer"sealing can provide favourable u-values und can prevent later damages to the old house, by keeping humidity outside. Please do not try to save money when installing the sealing. Installing a proper outer sealing is even compulsory, in accordance with ISO regulations. All necessary sealing materials can be found in the windows24.com accessories shop (Fig. 3c).

4. Installation and Adjustment of the new Window Frame in an old House

You can now apply sealing tapes, foils or trioplex tape in the inner and outer levels (Fig. 4a).

• Start to mount the new window by inserting the frame into its opening before adjusting (Fig. 4a).
• Always check the vertical position of the frame during the installing. If the position must be adjusted, use the respective accompanying washers to get it in perfect vertical position (Fig. 4c).

5. Screwing in the new Window Frame in an old House

When the frame is correctly adjusted, you can drill the mounting holes and start installing the casement. There are only few differences between the procedures of an old house or new house.

• Use a drill and an appropriate bit to drill the mounting holes. Select a wood or stone bit, according to the material of the wall.
• Employ an impact drill or wrench when screwing-in the elements (Fig. 5).

6. Foaming and sealing the Gaps

Did you choose to install tape outside and foil inside? Then you must wait for the tape to fully expand, before you can start sealing the gaps.

• Fill the space between window and wall with foam or other filling materials. Carefully dose the foam. It will expand significantly after contact with air. You can still fill in more foam later (Fig. 6a).
• After the middle level has been applied, you can cover the masonry of the old house completely with foil inside or install an appropriate jointing outside (Fig. 6b or Fig. 6c).

7. Installing the new Casement in an old House

The casements may now be inserted in the old house, checking for tightness as well as the function of the locking mechanism (Fig. 7).

• If there is a problem with the opening and closing of the casement, you can re-adjust the component after installing. You can find a detailed manual on the adjustment process here. 
• The colour, handles, bars and the glass plate do not need extra protection anymore. You can now remove the rest of the protection foil.

If someone has decided to completely replace an old window in an old house with new wooden, uPVC or composite ones can use this manual for installing without professional help. You can easily learn the few important steps for the installation in an old house and also apply them for installing front doors as well. This procedure is very similar. For further information, a video manual may be found here.