best way to remove original aluminum windows

punkabilly136 · May 1, 2011

I am looking for ideas on how to replace my o.g. aluminum windows in my house. They are the kind that has the flange on the outside and then the aluminum siding goes over it and I am trying to figure out a way to get them out without screwing up the siding...any thoughts?

ETravis · May 1, 2011

Maybe use a grinder to cut as close as you can get to the flange? I haven't done it but I think it would work.

punkabilly136 · May 1, 2011

I was thinking of that as well

Jess · May 1, 2011

When I had my old single panes replaced, they cut the flange off with a metal cutting blade in a circular saw. The new windows were made to fit into the opening left. Should be easy enough to do yourself.

Jess

tonydanzah · May 1, 2011

Jess said:
When I had my old single panes replaced, they cut the flange off with a metal cutting blade in a circular saw. The new windows were made to fit into the opening left. Should be easy enough to do yourself.

Jess

yep a circ saw with a good blade will cut right through aluminum

kursplat · May 2, 2011

tonydanzah said:
yep a circ saw with a good blade will cut right through aluminum

go slow so it doesn't snag and rip a panel off...
you could have a window company come out to give you an "estimate" and ask a lot of questions about how they do it

good luck with it

Mike662 · May 2, 2011

When I did mine, I first removed the glass panes. Then, I used a sawzall to cut the nails that were going through the nailing flange. So, basically, I put the saw blade parallel to the wall, between the nailing flange and the sheathing. I had to first cut the frame and pry on it to get enough access.

Finally, I used a prybar and the sawzall to bend and cut the frames enough to get them out.

After about the third window, I started to get pretty good at it.

deathbound · May 2, 2011

You can also go with retrofit windows. Remove everything but the perimeter frame. The retrofit window fits inside the existing frame, has a flange on the exterior to cover the existing frame & part of the siding, then finish the interior with moulding. Only down side is you end up with a slightly smaller window, but very quick & easy install.

rsanter · May 2, 2011

Mike662 said:
When I did mine, I first removed the glass panes. Then, I used a sawzall to cut the nails that were going through the nailing flange. So, basically, I put the saw blade parallel to the wall, between the nailing flange and the sheathing. I had to first cut the frame and pry on it to get enough access.

Finally, I used a prybar and the sawzall to bend and cut the frames enough to get them out.

After about the third window, I started to get pretty good at it.

this is what I was thinking

bob

BlindViper · May 2, 2011

If the side has a j channel you will need to just the caulk with a knife. Are they double hung or fix upper/ moving lower? You will need to remove both sashes. Then take a saw all and cut the in the middle of the sides and top/bottom. But make sure you stop before you cut the siding. Then pry up on the frame from the inside and finish cutting frame(you should only have some of the flange left. Then just work your way around the window taking each piece out as you go. A picture of the window would help as well.

dougmac · May 2, 2011

Here is a video of a tool that works great for removing window frames....

punkabilly136 · May 2, 2011

that tool is awesome, and I may have to build one...er, buy one

Mike662 · May 3, 2011

That does look awesome. That is basically what I had to do with a pry bar, after cutting the nails with a sawzall.

punkabilly136 · May 4, 2011

Im assuming you were only able to cut the nail heads?

BlindViper · May 4, 2011

Cutting the nail heads is a waste. If you cut the frame in the middle it will pry out and pull the nails with it.

Mike662 · May 4, 2011

punkabilly136 said:
Im assuming you were only able to cut the nail heads?

I cut most of the nails, in between the nailing flange and the sheathing. The nail heads would be on the outside of the flange. Hope that makes sense.

I didn't need to cut them all, since I pulled some out prying on the frames. I might have been able to do it without cutting the nails as BlindViper pointed out, but I was trying to do as little damage to the house as possible.

Interestingly, a few of my windows were held in by 4 nails...one in each corner :shocking:

best way to remove original aluminum windows

punkabilly136

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ETravis

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Jess

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