How to Replace an Aluminum Single Hung Window
Replacing a old aluminum-framed window with an energy-efficient window can bring cost savings as well as a freshening design boost to your home. Removing aluminum windows is a task that sometimes requires patience but can be done by a skilled DIYer with a few tools and the time. Make sure you have your new replacement window at the ready for installation before you start on the removal process of the old. Depending on the size of the window or windows to be be replaced, this job should take between four and eight hours to complete. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- New window assembly
- Wood shims
- Small crowbar chisel, hammer, drill w/ screwdriver bit, mallet
- Silicone caulking
- Masking tape, old blanket
- Galvanized ring nails
Instructions
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1
Unscrew the aluminum frame screws with the drill from the top sides and sill of the aluminum window frame. Run a cutter or razor blade around edge of the frame and the sill to break the paint seal and cut through any caulking that has built up over the years. Use the thin edge of the chisel or small crowbar to loosen the window frame from the opening. Be patient and persistent here. It may take quite a while to loosen the window; just keep working on all sides.
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2
Lay a web of masking tape over the window glass, place an old blanket over the glass and break the window with a mallet or hammer. Clear away all of the glass from the frame. Without the glass in place, you will be able to grip, twist and pull the frame loose more easily. Remove the old aluminum frame and any debris.
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3
Inspect the rough opening for stability and any protruding nails or screws. Patch any exterior stucco or interior plaster displaced with the demolition. Run a bead of silicone caulking around the rough window frame unless this is contradicted by the manufactur's installation specifications which came with your window.
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4
Place the window assembly into the rough opening and check for plumb and level. Use wood shims as necessary to make level. Nail the window to the rough frame through the attached flange with galvanized nails.
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5
Run a bead of caulking around the window edge where it meets the rough frame and affix the trim moulding in keeping with the manufacturer's directions.
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