Window Removal
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outdated materials now recognized as possible health hazards,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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