Replace Door Window

Tools:

tape measure
hammer
utility knife
nail set
nails
pliers
putty knife
high-impact plastic replacement piece
caulk

1. Remove the trim before measuring for the replacement piece. Cut paint or caulk line with a utility knife, then pry out trim using a hammer and putty knife (figure A). Mark each piece of trim so you can put them back in the same position.

2. Now measure the inside opening (figure B). Subtract 1/8-inch from each measurement to leave a bit of wiggle room.

3. Write down the measurements and take them to the hardware store and ask to have a piece of high-impact plastic cut to those dimensions.

4. Run a nice, thick bead of caulk around the inside of the frame next to the interior trim (figure C).

5. Ease the plastic sheet into the opening, making sure it rests in that nice line of caulk.

6. Loosely fit the trim pieces back into place. Leave the top piece for last as it may be the hardest to fit back in place. Have a friend grasp both surfaces of the plastic and lift it up in the opening a bit while you work the trim into place.

7. Go around the perimeter and lightly tap on all the trim pieces with a hammer (figure D). Be careful not to hit your new window.

8. Secure trim pieces with nail brads, then sink the heads of the nails with a nail set for a nice, finished look (figure E).