How to Take Out Old Windows

Old windows and doors are a prime source of heat loss from a home. Replacing the old doors and windows will help reduce the cost of your heating and cooling bills. The do-it-yourself handyman can take out and replace most doors and windows by himself. However, large picture windows and over-sized doors will require some additional help.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Carpenters pry bar
• Power screw driver

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Instructions

1. Measure the existing window jambs height and jambs width at three points along the window. You will need to add an additional two inches to the average of the three dimensions for the jamb thickness and shims. This will give you the RO (rough opening) for the window. Take the rough openings for all the windows to the window supplier to order your replacement windows. You do not want to remove the old windows before your new windows have arrived.

2. Remove the interior trim from around the window. Use a utility knife and cut any paint that is around the perimeter of the window trim. Use a carpenters pry bar and a hammer to pry the trim from the window jamb. Save the window trim so that you can reinstall it after the window replacement.

3. Remove any caulking from the exterior of the window. The caulking acts like an adhesive and will keep the window secured in place.

4. Remove any screws used to connect the window to the frame. A hammer and a nail punch can be used to punch any nails through the jamb that secured the window to the wall framing. A power screw driver is best for this step.

5. Pull the window out of the wall framing toward you. Be careful when performing this step.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a scrap piece of wood to protect the sheet rock from the pry bar when removing the window trim.

• Wear safety gloves and glasses to protect yourself.

References

• DIY Windows and Doors;
• Books.google; How to Take Out Old Windows
• This Old House; How to Install Replacement Windows