Removing Metal Frame Windows

This week we are going to talk about the process of actually removing your aluminum windows in preparation for installing vinyl replacement windows. Let’s start with a horizontal sliding window, which is pretty common nationwide. There is going to be a sliding panel and a stationary panel. You want to remove the slider first. All you do is slide the panel open, grab the sides of the panel with your hands,lift up and swing out. Under ideal circumstances, it would be that easy. However, there are small obstacles that can prevent you from lifting out the panel.

Many sliding windows have rollers on the top as well as the bottom. The top rollers don’t actually do anything, they are there more as spares to replace the bottom rollers when they wear out. But many times the window installer will adjust these top rollers to prevent anyone from lifting out the panel. If this is the case with your windows, there will be a screw at the top of each side rail. If you loosen these screws, then lift up on the panel, it should come out. Another obstacle involves a little piece of rubber that the manufacturer places in the top track. This rubber piece has the same effect as...