Vinyl windows are an energy-efficient, cost-effective window replacement option that can help homeowners save money on energy bills. Vinyl is low maintenance and versatile, and if you’re thinking of replacing your windows, vinyl window installation is a relatively simple project that many DIYers can handle.

Before starting this home improvement project, you need to know the right steps and materials. We put together this guide using expert tips, and we’ll recommend our top replacement window brands in case you’d rather leave the installation work to the pros.

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Why Vinyl Windows?

Vinyl is a synthetic plastic made of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, the most common framing material used in window replacement. Vinyl is budget friendly and can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here are more reasons why top quality vinyl windows are one of the most popular replacement options:

• Durable: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, vinyl windows have UV light stabilizers to keep sunlight from breaking down the material. Vinyl is also resistant to moisture as well as extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
• Energy efficient: Insulation fills the hollow cavities in vinyl frames, making them a great thermal insulator.
• Environmentally friendly: Vinyl is a recyclable thermoplastic that you can reheat and remold for new applications.
• Low cost: Vinyl window replacements cost $100–$900, roughly 10%–30% cheaper than wood and fiberglass.
• Low maintenance: You don’t need to paint vinyl, and cleaning it only requires soap and water.
• Versatile: Because you can mold vinyl into any shape, it’s versatile and comes in almost every color and finish.

*Costs estimates in this article are sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi

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Getting Familiar With Window Terms

Before you begin DIY vinyl window installation, you’ll need to become familiar with common window terms. Below, you’ll find a list of window-related terminology and a detailed description of each term.

• Awning window: This is a type of window with hinges at the top of the frame, allowing it to open outward from the bottom.
• Casement window: A casement window has hinges at the side and opens outward to the left or right.
• Caulking: Caulking is the process of sealing gaps around the window to prevent air leaks and create a waterproof seal.
• Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows have two functional sashes that move up and down. This allows you to open either the top, bottom, or both for ventilation.
• Double-pane: A double-pane window has two panes of glass, often filled with insulating argon or krypton gas.
• Flashing: Flashing is a thin layer of waterproofing material installed around the window to prevent water and moisture from seeping into the home.
• Glazing: Glazing is the glass in the window.
• Hardware: This general term refers to the parts used to lock or operate a window, such as crank handles and latches.
• Jamb: Window jambs are vertical components that form the outside edges of the window.
• Sashes: Window sashes are the parts of the window that hold the glass in place within the frame.
• Shims: A shim is a thin wedge, either wood or plastic, used to position and adjust the window before securing it in place.
• Single-hung windows: A single-hung window has an operable lower sash and a fixed upper sash.
• Single-pane: A single-pane window only has one pane of glass.
• Weatherstripping: This is a method of sealing window openings to prevent energy loss.
• Window casing: This is a decorative framing or trim around a window that blocks the space between the frame and the wall.
• Window frame: The window frame holds the glazing and supports the window system.
• Windowsill: This is a flat piece of trim found at the base of the window. It often looks like a shelf.
• Window stops: These thin strips restrict a window sash’s movement.

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When To Replace Your Window

Cracked glass or a rotting frame are clear indicators that you need to replace your window, but some signs aren’t as obvious. Window experts say these are some signs that it’s time to replace your window:

• Damage: Cracks or chips in the glass or a damaged window frame clearly indicate that you need a new window.
• Difficulty operating: Windows should open and close with minimal frustration. If you can’t get your window to move without much effort, it would be a sign of a bigger problem. In some cases, this could result from a broken window pane that requires replacement.
• Drafts: Drafts aren’t always easy to detect, but if you notice some areas of your home are cooler than others, there could be a problem with your window seals.
• Higher energy bills: Windows lose their energy efficiency with time. When this happens, it’s best to replace them.
• Foggy windows: Condensation between window panes isn’t always something to worry about, but if you notice this happening frequently, then that could mean the seal between the panes has failed.

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Guide To Vinyl Window Installation

Most window installers charge $30–$90 per hour, but you can save on this expense by replacing your own windows. In addition to these savings, you’ll benefit from vinyl’s durability and improved energy efficiency from the best window brands.

Below is our step-by-step guide to vinyl window installation. You can also watch our video to learn how to install a window into an existing opening.

Preinstallation Checklist

Before you remove the old window, you need to make a preinstallation checklist of the tools and materials required. Because you’ll work with fragile materials and some heavier equipment, you’ll need to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions. This involves wearing protective goggles and hearing protection. Here are other tools and materials you may need:

1. Remove the Old Window:
   • Slide both sashes as low as possible.
   • From the inside, use the prybar and hammer to pry the window stops from the sides and top of the window.
   • Pull the window sashes from the window.
   • If the stops don’t move, use an oscillating tool to cut them from the window.
2. Prepare the Opening:
   • Inspect the window frame for signs of damage, such as mold or rot.
   • Wipe away dirt and debris from the rough opening.
   • The frame must be square before installing the new window. Use a tape measure to measure diagonally from opposite corners to make sure they’re at least within 1/4 inch of each other.
   • If the frame isn’t square, you’ll need to remove the trim and adjust the frame with shims.
3. Install the New Vinyl Window:
   • Make sure the window fits in the opening and then place a bead of caulk along the inside of the outer window stops.
   • Place the vinyl window replacement in the center of the opening.
   • Use your tape measure to check that it’s centered.
   • Close and lock window sashes.
   • Place shims under the window to ensure it’s plumb and level in the opening.
   • Place shims along the top, bottom, and middle of the window. They should hold the window in place but not be too tight.
   • Open the window and locate the screw holes on the top and bottom.
   • Drill a pilot hole and then drill each screw through the shims and into the frame from the inside.
4. Finish and Seal:
   • Fill gaps between the replacement window’s frame and the existing frame with expanding foam insulation.
   • Let it dry, and cut off any excess foam with a utility knife.
   • Install new window stops on the window’s interior. They must be thick enough to cover gaps between the new window and the existing frame.
   • Seal the edges of the trim with silicone caulk.
   • Use paintable latex caulk to fill gaps or seams and smooth the caulk with a damp towel.
   • Paint the trim to match the new vinyl replacement window.

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When To Hire a Professional Window Installer

Installing multiple windows by yourself can be a challenging, time-consuming project. A professional window installer has the proper experience to replace your old windows. If you don’t have much DIY experience with window installation, consider contacting a window installer to help you with this type of home project.

Hiring a pro also has other advantages over DIY. If the work doesn’t meet your expectations, most installers offer a guarantee on their work, and your warranty from the window manufacturer may only be valid when a pro installs the window. Pros can also purchase materials wholesale, which costs less than what you can find at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s or The Home Depot.

The steps to finding a reputable window installer are mostly the same no matter the trade. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Contact multiple pros and ask about their experience, availability, and rates. 
• Check for proper licensing and insurance in your state.
• Ask for references from previous customers. 
• Look up the businesses on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Trustpilot, and other similar sites and read customer reviews or complaints.
• Get window replacement cost estimates, guarantees, or warranties in writing.
• Get a timeline for the project.

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Our Conclusion

DIY vinyl window installation can help you save money while improving the energy efficiency of your home. Vinyl is one of the most popular window frame materials, and you can find what you need in any color and finish. DIY is possible, but sometimes it’s better to hire a professional. Use the steps outlined above and the window manufacturer’s installation instructions to replace your windows, but don’t hesitate to call in the pros if you find yourself getting in over your head.

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FAQ About Vinyl Window Installation

How do you install vinyl windows?

Gather the right tools and materials, remove the old window, and prepare the opening for installation. Center the new window in the opening by using shims and screw the window through the shims and into the frame. Apply caulk around the trim, add insulation, and then fill gaps or seams with caulk.

What is the average labor cost to install vinyl windows?

The average labor cost is $30–$90 per hour, but a full-frame replacement will cost $180–$1,500 in labor. If it’s a retrofit window, labor can cost $100–$300. Complex installations could cost $600 or more.

Would I install vinyl replacement windows from the inside or outside?

You can install window replacements either from the inside or the outside. The side you would need to use depends on the type of window and the window’s location. If your window is on the second floor and inaccessible, you may need to install it from the inside.

What is the downside of vinyl windows?

The downside to vinyl window is that it’s very malleable. It can warp, twist, and bow in extreme temperatures. Vinyl can also discolor over time, especially in harsh weather conditions.

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