Installing new windows can drastically enhance the aesthetic appearance of your home. They also provide advanced features that can step up security, improve room lighting and climate comfort, and increase energy efficiency, as well.

Certain aspects of removing old windows are dependant on the particular window type involved. However, other aspects of removal are applicable to all window types.

Basic Guidelines

Regardless what window type you have, care must be taken during removal. Consider the following:

• The risk of breaking glass can represent a danger to safety. Place strips of masking tape crisscrossing over the glass surface will help reduce the risk of glass breakage during the removal process.
• Lay a sheet or tarp outside, below the window area. Not only is this another good safety precaution, but saves on clean up time in the event glass does break.
• Windows are heavy and can be awkward to handle while removing, so help will be required. And because old windows are commonly coated with layers of old paint which can be lead-based, wearing a NIOSH-approved dust mask and gloves is recommended.
• As with any demolition project – especially those involving outdated materials now recognized as possible health hazards, prompt removal of debris from the premises is important. In addition to efforts to prevent as much dust and debris from filtrating into the home while the project is in progress. Prompt interior clean up and vacuuming is important.

Specific Removal Techniques for Window-type
Follow the procedures below for specific window-type removal.

Wood framed windows

although removing an old wood window sash is fairly easy, some types of wood frames may be nailed in place through the exterior casing or jambs. It may be necessary to pry off the casing using a pry bar. Use a hacksaw blade to reach between the jamb and frame to slice through any nails in order to remove the window. A reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade can also be used.

If the window has been nailed through the concealed portion of the blind stop, remove the exterior casing and pull out the nails holding it in place. If the window has counterweights, remove the access panel and take them off before working on the rest of the window.

Metal framed windows

because most metal framed windows are screwed in place, removing the screws is usually all that is required. The screw heads on old windows may be concealed by layers of paint; searching for each and scraping them off and cleaning out the screwdriver slots might be required before removal.

Aluminum and vinyl framed windows

will typically be nailed to sheathing under the siding through flanges. This can make removal a more difficult process than other window types. A portion of the siding will have to be removed to expose the perforated nailing flange in order to remove nails and pry the flange loose. A cats paw can be used to work out the nails for easier removal.

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