Replacing Steel Casement Windows

I have been getting quite a few emails from homeowners wanting to know how to replace their old steel casement windows. Those are the type with the handle that you crank and the window opens outward. My instructional video didn't cover these windows, so I am going to dedicate two articles to this subject. This first article will cover the removal procedure and measuring for your vinyl windows. Next week I will go over the installation procedure.

The first thing you need to do is order your vinyl replacement windows. You can't remove the old windows until you have the new windows. So, let's start with a single casement window, no fixed panels. Crank the window open from inside and you will see a metal lip approximately 1/2" wide extending from your drywall on all four sides. This part of the frame stays in place, so the new window is going to fit inside those lips. So, to get your width dimension, measure left to right from lip to lip, then subtract 1/4" to get in. Do the same for the height. Let's say you measure 35 3/8" width and 38 3/8" on the height lip to lip. You would order your new window 35 1/8" X 38 1/8". If you live out west, where retrofit frames are available, you want to order the retrofit style frame. In parts of the country where only replacement style frames are available, you will have to add trim to the outside after you have installed the window.

After your windows arrive, it's time to remove the old window. Single casements with no fixed panels are the easiest of the casements to remove. When you crank the window open, you will notice two pivot assemblies. There is one on top and one on bottom. Cut off the metal piece where the pivot pin is attached. Just like that, the entire window frame and glass are removed. Now, remove the crank assembly by removing the screws holding it in place inside the house. The last step is to remove the protruding metal studs that you cut at the pivot to remove the window. The easiest way to do it is to clamp a pair of channel lock pliers or vice grips as close to the frame as possible, then raise and lower the vice grips to break the metal off. That's it.

If you have a combination of casement and fixed panels, you remove the casements as I described. Then, you have to remove the fixed glass. I used to put duct tape all over the outside of the glass. Then, I used one of those 2 dollar glass cutters that you can buy at the hardware store. Put a drop of household oil on the cutter tip before each cut. From inside, score the glass accross the very top of the glass, the very bottom, and along each side. Then, using the tip of a screwdriver, tap the score all the way around the glass. Put a tarp or old sheet down outside the window, take the handle end of a hammer, and knock out the glass at the score. You will have a vertical metal bar in the center where the casement window locked. Using a reciprocating saw or a hacksaw, cut the bar where it meets the frame coming from the drywall. There will be bits of glass protruding beyond the metal lips. You need to knock those out, so they aren't in the way when installing the new window. You can leave the glazing putty in place, since it will be hidden after you have installed the new window. PLEASE WEAR GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES DURING THIS ENTIRE REMOVAL PROCEDURE!!

Next week I am going to explain the two types of installation procedures, whether you install retrofit or replacement style frames.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978.

To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

---

Grandfather Clocks Bring a Sense of Awe?Theyre So Tall

Standing tall and big are the stately grandfather clocks. They... Read More

Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you... Read More

Wall Oven - A Necessity For The Disabled

Wall ovens, available in electric and gas forms, are best... Read More

Choosing Your Builder: Cheapest Quote Wins?

You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint of Heart

Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe... Read More

Router Bits Basics

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a... Read More

Five Easy Ways to Give Your Kitchen Designer Wow!

A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even... Read More

Here Comes The Sun: Solar Energy is Becoming More Attractive for Mainstream Consumers

The price of a barrel of oil has never been... Read More

Are You In or Out of Balance?

CLUTTER: When clutter starts to accumulate in an environment, imbalance... Read More

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project.... Read More

Housing and Smart Houses; Energy Self Sufficient Possibilities

Housing and smart houses. I believe that we could have... Read More

Electrical Home Inspection: What You Need to Know!

Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to... Read More

Interior Design For New Homes

When decorating or making decorating decisions for new homes, it... Read More

Log Home Mistakes Ebook Review

Ok, you are ready to build a log home. If... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Light Up Your Life

A house or any particular room can be carefully planned,... Read More

Which Water Purification Systems Are Best? - A Comparison of the Three Most Common Technologies

Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not... Read More

How To Select Scraped//Distressed Hardwood Flooring

Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice... Read More

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Theater ? Without Spending a Fortune

So you've scraped and saved, now you've finally gotten together... Read More

The Importance of Bedroom Design in a Home Decoration Project.

A home is a place where we live, spend most... Read More

Interior Design For Bargain Hunters

Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More

Are Showers Harmful to Your Health?

The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More

Get Everything Done Quickly Using Your Basic Tools

No one wants to have their house equipment broken. But... Read More

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction

The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More

Duct Cleaning - Proper Principals and Practices

As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that... Read More

Installing a Brick or Paver Walkway

The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway... Read More

Selecting Color Schemes

Choosing a color scheme for a room can be a... Read More

Buying The Right Comforter For Your Bed

Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the... Read More

Useful Home Products Will Help Your House Sale Profits

Even if you've never been involved in the sale of... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine

There is a perception amongst most folk that every house... Read More

A Guide to Commercial Steel Buildings

Commercial steel buildings are prefabricated and custom-designed for use as... Read More

Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1

Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More