Removing Double Hung Windows

Once you have decided that you want to replace your old windows with new vinyl ones, you need to be able to remove your old windows.

There are the exact same specifications on almost all the wood sash double hung windows in America. From the inside out, first there is a wood stop which will measure about 3/8" x 3/8". Next you will find the lower sash, which is glass surrounded by a wood frame. Between the lower sash and the upper sash you will find another wood stop called the parting bead which measures approximately ¼’ x ½”". Next you will find the upper sash, which is again glass in a wood frame. Lastly, you have the outside wood stop which measures approximately ½” x ¾” and is called the blind stop.

When completely any home improvement project it is important to remember the proper safety gear, in this case gloves and safety glasses. You will avoid splinters by wearing gloves, and the glasses will protect your eyes from any debris that comes loose in the process.

Your first step will be to carefully remove the inside stops. You will be reinstalling these stops after you install the replacement windows, so take extra care not to damage them. Don’t worry if they do happen to break, all you need to do is take the broken pieces to a molding or hardware store and purchase replacement pieces. Some stops will have been painted to match either the wall or surrounding trim. If this is the case you can separate it from the surrounding area by placing a putty knife or flat screwdriver between the trim or wall and the stop. The paint will chip away if you pull the knife gently from top to bottom. You can then pry the stop away with the help of a stiff putty knife. The stop is most flexible in the middle, so it is best to start here: from the middle work out to the top and then the bottom. How long this takes will depend on how many nails were used to install the stop. Some stops are installed with as little as three nails, while some have up to six. While some windows will not have stops on either the top or bottom, most will have stops on all four sides.

You should have no problem pulling out the lower sash once the inside stops have been removed. You may need to pry a little at the window lock to separate the sashes if the windows were painted shut at any time. The lower sash will be attached to the window with the cords that are used to hold the window when it is raised. Cut the cords with a pair of tin snips while at the same time keeping the tension on them. This will cause the cords to coil back up into their assemblies. You can now safely remove the lower sash and place it to the side.

The parting bead, or middle stop, is the next piece to be removed. Don’t worry about being careful when removing this piece as it is just going to be thrown away. You will find the parting bead on both sides and on the top, but never along the bottom. You can pry out the parting bead by using a screwdriver in the groove between the side frame and the parting bead. The recessed groove is where the parting bead is nailed down. You will be able to remove the upper sash once the entire parting bead has been removed. You may need to use a stiff putty knife to carefully pry out the upper sash if it has been painted to the outside sash. Be careful not to cause damage to the outside stop. You will need to cut the cords under tension on the upper sash, just as you did with the lower.

Let’s review what we have done so far: the inside stops have been removed and reserved for latter use, the upper and lower sashes have been removed, the parting bead has been removed and thrown away, and the outside blind stop has been left intact. Inspect the opening to ensure that there are no remaining obstructions such as nails or metal screen tabs. Now it is time to remove any old caulking form the inside face of the outside blind stops with a stiff putty knife. This area should be clean and smooth, as it is the place where the replacement windows are going to rest. Once you have cleaned up any remaining loose debris you are ready to install your replacement windows.

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