Do-It-Yourself Installation for Circle Top Windows

Circle top windows are a non-ventilating type of window specifically designed for accenting other windows or providing light in a small space, such as above doors or at the top of a staircase. Though installing them yourself may at first seem like a daunting task, with a little measuring and a lot of research this could be a fairly easy project to accomplish. However, before you get started, check several window manufacturers' websites and compare information.

Steps to installing a circle top window

Installing a circle top window first requires that you locate the wall studs closest to where the window will be. If you are putting it in as an accent above an existing window or door, this part is already done for you, hopefully, as the existing pieces should be already between the studs. If this will be free-standing, than finding the studs is imperative-use a stud finder to be sure to get it right.

The next step is to trace a template on the inside wall of the room where the window will be. This template is usually provided by the manufacturer, but if not, make your own by tracing around the window onto some heavy cardboard. Once you have traced the template, drill three of four "starter holes" at the bottom and top. Using your saw and the "starter holes," get the hole started from the inside out. Once you have it going, move to the outside of the wall to finish.

Now that the rough opening has been cut, or the old window removed, the new one goes right in the hole. Once you have it squared and leveled, using shims if necessary, screw or nail the window frame to the house-most of these have four to five screws. The last step is to put on the trim. You can use either new trim or the remaining trim from the old window.