Practical tips on how to properly remove a plastic window in an apartment and replace it with a new one yourself

Although replacing a plastic window in your apartment may seem difficult, it’s a doable do-it-yourself project if you take the proper approach. Here are some helpful hints to help you through the process, whether you’re replacing your windows with more energy-efficient models or just giving your room a makeover.

To start, planning is essential. Take precise measurements of the window frame you currently have. Make a note of the measurements to make sure the replacement window you buy fits precisely. Think about the kind of window you want, such as double-glazed for increased insulation or a different design to go with your decor.

Next, get your equipment ready. Generally, you’ll need a level to make sure the new window sits straight, a pry bar or screwdriver to remove the old window, and a utility knife to cut away old caulking and sealant. When it comes time for the final touches, have silicone sealant and a caulking gun ready.

Take safety measures to safeguard the area around the old window before beginning to remove it. To collect dust and debris, place drop cloths or protective sheets down. This keeps your house tidy and facilitates cleanup after the project is finished.

Moving on, let’s take out the old window. Pry off any molding or exterior trim that surrounds the window frame with caution. Cut through the caulking or sealant that is positioned between the window frame and the wall using a utility knife. Remove any fasteners holding the window frame in place, one by one.

After removing the old window, give the window opening a thorough cleaning. For the new window to be installed on a smooth surface, remove any debris or caulking that remains. Before moving forward, inspect the opening for any rot or damage that may require repair.

Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new window. Make sure the window is level and square as you insert it into the opening. Shims can be used to support and adjust the window as necessary. As directed by the manufacturer, screw the window into place to ensure security.

Lastly, use silicone caulking to seal the window’s perimeter to stop drafts and water leaks. Using a moist finger, smooth out the caulking for a neat appearance. Before taking off any tape or protective coverings, let the caulking cure in accordance with the product’s instructions.

You can successfully replace a plastic window in your apartment, increasing both the space’s aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, by using these helpful tips. Take your time, pay close attention to every detail, and bask in the satisfaction of finishing a project around the house that you did yourself.

What does the concept of dismantling and replacing PVC windows mean and include??

Plastic window replacement and disassembly involve the total removal of the old block and installation of the new one and are part of general construction work technology.

The labor-intensive process of dismantling a PVC window involves two stages: preparatory and main. The goal of both stages is to replace the entire structure in order to give the PVC window new operational characteristics.

Dismantling a window block primarily entails removing the broken block and clearing the area in order to install a new PVC block. The contractor is responsible for making sure that the work area is safe, following the technological disassembly sequence precisely, and preserving as much of the disassembled materials as possible.

Only after all dismantling procedures have been completed can a new block be installed.

When it may be necessary to dismantle and replace?

One of the most significant tasks in a home’s life cycle is taking down a window that is part of the wall structure. When the following things happen, a process like this has to be put in place:

  1. Natural wear and tear of window elements, due to which the initial characteristics of PVC windows have changed in a negative direction. The window became a source of cold, moisture and noise entering the premises, creating an emergency situation in them, which the repair of the old unit is no longer capable of correcting.
  2. Mechanical defects have arisen, for example, the main frame has burst, after which subsequent operation of the PVC window is impossible.
  3. The owner of the house decided to install a new modern energy-saving window.
  4. The window is not able to perform its functions because the installation technology was violated during its installation or the measurement of the window opening was performed poorly.
  5. The window was stored and transported in violation of the rules, as a result of which the frame was distorted.
  6. When opening/closing the doors there was strong pressure.
  7. If, during a major renovation of a house, the owner decides to replace outdated window structures.

Experts claim that taking apart plastic windows is one of the most labor-intensive tasks, frequently requiring more labor than simply installing new blocks.

Preparatory actions before removing the window structure

It’s important to dismantle old PVC blocks carefully because even small mistakes in the window opening can cause big issues when a new block is installed.

Dismantling and installing PVC windows, like any other construction task, must first involve preparatory work, which includes clearing the workspace of any furniture, flowers, and appliances.

The remaining large furniture must be covered with film to prevent contamination and potential damage to the walls and floors.

Compliance with safety standards is deemed to be crucial when disassembling a window block. To prevent parts from inadvertently falling on bystanders during disassembly, the work area under the window on the street must be fenced off and work must be done while wearing personal protective equipment. Marking tape is stretched along the protective zone’s outer contour in order to accomplish this.

What tools are needed?

The performer won’t require sophisticated equipment due to the high labor intensity of this procedure; instead, it will be sufficient to buy the following tools:

  • spatula or chisel for removing glazing beads;
  • chisel for cleaning the opening or knocking out the frame;
  • electric hammer drill for cleaning a technological opening in the wall;
  • screwdriver for removing/installing fastenings;
  • a small crowbar for knocking out the old frame;
  • hacksaw for wood and metal;
  • hammer and pliers for removing fasteners and anchor plates;
  • a set of screwdrivers with bits;
  • suction cups for removing glass;
  • measurement tools – square, tape measure, level and pencil.

Using a standard pencil, make all the necessary marks on the plastic frame. Once installation is finished, any leftover residue is easily cleaned up with regular dishwashing solution.

Step-by-step instruction

Start disassembling the PVC window after finishing the preparatory tasks, such as cleaning and fencing the work area. In actuality, there are two methods of window disassembly: with and without window preservation.

If the window is functional and being replaced only for non-technical or cosmetic reasons, the first option is better; if all of the window’s components are broken and cannot be fixed, the second option is the best choice.

A team of two or more persons is required to complete the disassembly process.

How to remove and save a window?

It is the most intricate, but it makes financial sense because an old PVC window can endure for many years. It can be installed in accessory spaces like a garage, shed, or fire pit where its appearance and actual level of energy efficiency are appropriate.

Here are detailed instructions on how to remove a PVC window with your hands while keeping the window intact:

  1. Dismantling movable window sashes.
  2. Remove the glass unit from the fixed sashes.
  3. Remove the iron rod from the high hinge and, carefully lifting the sash, remove it from the lower hinge.
  4. To remove a blind window, remove the glazing beads holding the double-glazed window in the window frame, starting with the longest.
  5. The old structure is disassembled into its component elements: sashes, fittings, seals and glazing beads.
  6. The spatula is carefully inserted in the center between the bead and the glass unit. After the bead is removed, carefully remove the glass unit using special suction cups.
  7. Prepare slopes to free the frame. If they are made of plaster, then it is knocked down from both sides with a hammer drill or chisel.
  8. To remove plasterboard slopes, first dismantle the F-shaped profile, and then use a screwdriver to remove the fastenings, drywall and the starting profile securing it to the frame.
  9. Remove the screws at low tide and tear it off sharply.
  10. Removing the window sill starts from the center, gradually moving towards the edges.
  11. Unscrew the fastening anchor plates on the frame, tear them out using pliers or a nail puller.
  12. Use a hacksaw to cut through the construction foam around the perimeter of the window and remove the frame.

The glass in the double-glazed window is taken out of the sashes in order to inspect and, if needed, replace them because the window will be reused.

Plastic window disassembly done at home: in the video

Without saving window

Initially, this kind of installation works in a manner similar to the previous one, up until the frame is released.

Next, it is sliced in multiple places:

  • width – 2,
  • in height – 3, with equal spaces between them.

Because the work needs to be done by hand, taking a regular saw for wood and a hacksaw for plastic, this process takes a while.

It is not advised to use a grinder to cut frames because the disassembly area will be covered in small particles and smoke from the combustion products of the frame. Additionally, common metal and wood discs can occasionally jam in the frame, crack, and injure the worker.

If the old plastic structures are to be replaced with new PVC windows, the disassembly process needs to be technologically executed so that the wall aperture keeps as much of its original shape as possible. You can restore the window opening and save a lot of money and time by doing it carefully.

If, upon disassembly, the window opening exhibits uneven surfaces and an irregular rectangular shape, these flaws must be fixed; failing to do so will result in an inadequately sealed window that will let in noise and cold air, as well as improper operation and eventual failure of the window structure.

How they change?

We start replacing the window after it has been prepped and its surfaces are clean and smooth. Workplace technology

  1. First, anchor plates are fixed to the frame at intervals of 700 mm; if the window is very high, an additional fastening unit is installed, while the boundary distance to the corner is no more than 25 cm, otherwise the frame will lose stability
  2. Mounting pattern: sides – at least 3
  3. elements, lower and upper – at least 2.
  4. Self-tapping screw for fastening 10 mm marked “for metal”, must have a drill.
  5. Insert the frame into the opening and level it using special mounting wedges 1-3 cm under the horizontal part.
  6. The plates are secured sequentially on the window opening from the lower left corner with 6×60 dowels, the upper plates are secured last.
  7. An anchor is inserted into the hole made through the frame, but not completely finished, so that the head does not reach the profile by about 30 mm, so that later, when adjusting, everything can be tightened completely.
  8. Align the diagonals of the window by shifting it slightly left and right.
  9. They check from the street that the window frame on the sides extends beyond the quarters of the opening at the same distance, even if this is done slightly with a violation of the internal symmetry, which can later be adjusted by finishing the internal slopes.
  10. After the frame is aligned, the anchors are finally secured with a screwdriver.
  11. After installing the frame, foam the seam, perform steam and water protection of the connecting seam.
  12. Next, insert the double-glazed window into the frame and secure it with glazing beads using a special rubberized hammer.
  13. Install the window sill and ebb
  14. Adjust the fittings.
  15. Clean the workplace after installation.

You can learn how to install a plastic window by hand by watching this video:

Possible difficulties and errors

The consequences of this step will be quite negative and will result in significant financial costs that will be necessary to restore the window opening’s normal technical condition if the performers disregard the advice and roughly and carelessly disassemble the window unit.

Common errors made when taking apart a window frame:

  • the workplace is not prepared and the necessary safety measures have not been taken;
  • the work is carried out by one person, although according to the requirements there must be at least 2;
  • the frame is dismantled incorrectly, with the window sill and ebb installed;
  • the sashes are not removed from the window correctly;
  • the sashes are removed from their hinges incorrectly without releasing the plastic covers; correctly, you first need to remove the top hinge, pull out the rod, and then tilt the sashes to remove it from the bottom hinge;
  • the block is removed without trimming the mounting foam;
  • the frame cuts were not made correctly with a hand saw;
  • preliminary dismantling of the fittings was not carried out.

Although replacing a plastic window in your apartment might seem difficult, it’s a doable do-it-yourself project if you take the proper approach. This article offers helpful, step-by-step instructions for safely removing and installing a new window. You’ll feel more confident taking on this renovation project successfully and efficiently once you know how to set up the necessary equipment and supplies and recognize the important phases of the procedure. You don’t need to hire a professional to replace your windows; if you follow these simple instructions, you can upgrade your windows for better insulation or aesthetics.

What determines the price for work, the rules for drawing up estimates

The collection FERr56 should be used to get an idea of the approximate costs for this kind of work, as it applies to both stone and wooden window openings. It involves work on window slope restoration in addition to their disassembly.

The tables are made to complete tasks for each unit that is disassembled:

  • with quarter sawing in masonry;
  • dismantling the entire frame;
  • dismantling ebbs, slopes, window sills;
  • removal of bindings, both glazed and non-glazed.

The following indicators are taken into account when estimating the cost of installing PVC windows and have an impact on the total cost:

  • taking measurements;
  • volume of PVC window dismantling;
  • volume of required building materials;
  • construction workers" salaries;
  • transport and overhead costs;
  • level of complexity of work;
  • number of storeys;
  • work completion time;
  • standard profit.

Unexpected expenses may also be included in the cost of dismantling work; the total of these will be decided by the parties in agreement between the contractor and the customer.

The customer is able to independently calculate the overall costs of disassembly by knowing the cost per unit indicators of expense items.

The final computation for PVC windows varies depending on the size and wall structure materials (wood, brick, and block), as well as whether preserving the original window during disassembly is required.

Average prices for the service

This indicator’s calculation is based on the requirement for one square meter of glazing area.There is a 15-20% price difference in interregional markets, with Moscow and the Moscow region having the largest price difference.

Average cost to remove PVC windows:

  1. Facade glazing from 700 rub.
  2. Dismantling PVC windows for a one-story wooden house, 300 rubles.
  3. Dismantling PVC windows for a one-story stone house, 400 rubles.
  4. Dismantling PVC windows in a multi-storey building, 550 RUR.
  5. Dismantling of window sills, slopes and ebbs, from 200 rubles./m2.
  6. Departure of a specialist to an object up to 20 km, 1200 rubles.

After the job is finished, cleaning and trash removal are included in the dismantling price.

Although replacing a plastic window in your apartment might seem difficult, it’s a doable do-it-yourself project if you take the proper approach. First, get the tools ready. You’ll need a pry bar, a utility knife, screwdrivers, and maybe a drill. Make sure you have goggles and gloves for safety.

Take out the window sashes first, and then carefully take apart the frame. Note the installation method of the previous window as it will help you install the new one. To get rid of any dirt or outdated sealer, give the area a thorough cleaning.

Next, carefully place the new window frame, making sure it is level and fits snugly. If you need to adjust, use shims. To keep the warranty valid, screw the frame into place, paying careful attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Lastly, use expanding foam or silicone to seal the frame around it to stop drafts and moisture intrusion. Open and close the window multiple times to make sure it works properly. After you’re satisfied, tidy up any leftover debris and take pleasure in your freshly installed window!

Video on the topic

How to easily remove the sash of a plastic window or balcony door. Installation Service Kramatorsk.

How to remove the sash from a plastic window?

How to remove a plastic window sash

What factor is most important for you when choosing materials for building a house??
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Milan Yashina

Design engineer, specialist in development of design documentation. I will help you correctly design your home or other building.

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