As mentioned earlier, the wooden frame of the old window is rotted beyond all hope of repair. Therefore, the old unit will have to be completely dismantled and removed. To that end, we carefully begin demolition of the old window frame and lites (glass panels), taking the ants' lunch counter away in the process. Insecticide measures may be taken to ensure that the ants don't decide to take up residence again anytime soon.

When we take out the old window, we are in effect also removing a load-bearing portion of the home (consider what's holding that little flat roof up if not the window). As a safety precaution, a temporary support beam is erected to bear the load normally held by the window frame while we work on the installation. As you can see, we've also close doff the interior portion of the work area with a drop curtain to keep interior debris and disruption to a minimum.

The old window frame has been removed, the ants have been given their eviction notice, and the debris has been cleared. Now it's time to put in the new window unit. But windows like this don't come ready made from the factory, frame and all. A custom window frame will be built within the existing space to accommodate the new lites. The wooden frame will be cut from scratch and properly sealed and secured, as appropriate. Further sealing steps will occur as the installation progresses.

When the new frame is ready, the new window lites are installed and secured within the frame. Any and all gaps are filled with fiberglass insulation to assure energy efficiency. (Why have efficient windows if you're going to let the frame leak? Too many times this important step is overlooked.) When the gaps are filled, the exterior facade of the window frame can be installed. Options for this type of installation include simply painting the exterior wood of the finished frame or having aluminum trim custom formed to cover the exterior wooden facade (after the wood has been sealed) for extra durability and lower maintenance. Once the exterior installation has been finished, the final sealants will be put into place at the appropriate joints.

Of course, the real functionality of a window comes from how it works from the inside looking out upon the world. With our new installation, we've added some conveniences that the old unit did not allow for. Our new lites involve a combination of stationary and venting casements, making this new window one that the homeowners can actually open. The (non-glass) interior surfaces of the window unit come unfinished from the factory, allowing them to be painted or stained to blend with the home's interior. The windows themselves are engineered for high energy efficiency.

And here's our new bay window as seen from the outside. No more leaks, no more ants, no more cracks in the wall, and the window even opens. This beautiful bay window will provide pleasant views for many years to come.