How to Remove a Window

If you are buying a new home, or living in an old one, you may be required to replace one or more windows at some point in time. This obviously means you have to take out the old window.  If you do not know what to do, here are the basics on how to remove a window.

Most all windows are about the same.  Since double-hung windows are most common, here is an illustration of what you should do. 

Run a razor blade around the casing (trim) to make a clean break from the paint and/or wallpaper around the window. Remove the inside stops around the window with a pry bar.  If you don’t have one, use a very wide chisel.  Remove the interior casing around the window.

Raise the lower sash (the frame that holds the windowpane), remove the apron (the piece of wood under the stool) and stool (the ledge or foundation piece above the apron).  Check to determine how the window is held in place. 

If the window is really old, the jambs are nailed directly into the studs.  Drive the nails through the jamb using a nail set (a tool to drive nails into wood) and hammer.  It may be necessary to chisel the wood around with a hammer or pliers. Or, it may be necessary to use a think hacksaw blade to cut thick nails between the jamb and studs.

However, if the window is newer, it is held in place by nails driven into the outside casing.  Drive them through with a hammer and nail set or remove them from the outside.  Remove the entire window unit from the outside of the house.   

While removing an old window maybe a little more complicated, nonetheless it can be done.  Having a newer type of window is, as you can see, much easier to do.