ComputerHunter.org

 

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







Google News - Top Stories

CNN

The Fix The Palin Stunner
Washington Post - 34 minutes ago
By Chris Cillizza DENVER -- John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate is a stunning surprise almost certain to recalibrate the race heading into the fall election.
Video: McCain Introduces Alaska Gov. Palin As VP AssociatedPress
Sarah Palin is serving her first term as Alaska's governor CNN
Reuters - FOXNews - Wall Street Journal - The Associated Press
all 4,538 news articles


California Majority Report

Bid to break state budget impasse falls short
Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago
State Senate Democrats push the first floor vote on a budget in 60 days, but it falls three votes short of the two-thirds majority needed.
Video: Raw Video: Governor Says Budget No. 1 Priority kcratv
California spending plan fails in Senate Forbes
KOGO - New York Times - Belmont Citizen-Herald - Daily Democrat
all 225 news articles


Calgary Herald

Nursing homes use Katrina lessons for latest storm
Forbes - 38 minutes ago
By TOM MURPHY 08.29.08, 4:32 PM ET Preparing for Tropical Storm Gustav, Jefferson Healthcare Center outside New Orleans had already evacuated its Alzheimer's unit by Friday afternoon, and the nursing home was ready to move patients on dialysis.
Video: Hurricane Gustav Nears, Is New Orleans Ready? AssociatedPress
A hurricane again, Gustav plows toward Caymans The Associated Press
Houston Chronicle - CNN - MarketWatch - ABC News
all 5,951 news articles


WELT ONLINE

Putin Suggests US Provocation in Georgia Clash
New York Times - 1 hour ago
By CLIFFORD J. LEVY MOSCOW - As Russia struggled to rally international support for its military action in Georgia, Vladimir V. Putin, the country’s paramount leader, lashed out at the United States on Thursday, contending that the White House may have ...
Georgia breaks diplomatic ties with Russia Ynetnews
Zakaria: Russia overplayed hand in Georgia CNN
Hindu - Washington Post - Reuters AlertNet - Voice of America
all 907 news articles


Telegraph.co.uk

Karadzic refuses to enter pleas in war crimes case
International Herald Tribune - 3 hours ago
By Marlise Simons PARIS: Radovan Karadzic appeared in court Friday for the second time since his arrest and quickly seized the chance to demonstrate the first step of his defense strategy: He refused to enter pleas to all 11 charges against him and ...
Video: Mothers of Srebrenica react to Karadzic - 29 Aug 08 AlJazeeraEnglish
Karadzic Declines to Plead New York Times
guardian.co.uk - BBC News - Washington Post - TIME
all 841 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base