How to Remove Wooden Windows
- 1). Score the seams along the blind stops or the strips of wood that hold the window sash in place. The sash is made of the wooden frames that hold the glass panes. Most windows consist of an upper and lower sash. The sash on wooden windows is held in place by wooden stops. Use a utility knife to break the seal of the paint along the seams of these stops.
- 2). Pry the stops loose to remove them from the window using a small flat bar. Work from one end of a stop and pry lightly until the stop is loose. Gradually work on the stop until it can be completely removed. Follow this process to remove all of the stops.
- 3). Remove the window sash once the stops are removed. If they are stuck, you may need to score the paint with a utility knife to free them from the jamb or side frame of the window.
- 4). Loosen and pry off the interior trim or casing on the wooden window. This will reveal the nails that hold the window jamb or frame in place. Use a flat bar to carefully remove the side and head or top casing.
- 5). Cut the nails that go though the jamb into the framing timbers around the window. The nails will be driven through the side jamb into the wall framing timbers. Also cut the side jamb away from the window sill. The sill is left in place for the installation of replacement windows. The side jamb is typically nailed into the ends of the sill. Use a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade to cut the nails.
- 6). Pry the exterior casing loose where it joins with the front edge of the window jamb. Shift it just enough that you can slide the blade of the reciprocating saw into the seam to cut away the nails holding the jamb in place. Cut all of the nails along the side and head casing. Tap the casing back into place with a hammer.
- 7). Remove the side and head jambs from the window opening. Use a flat bar to assist you in the process as necessary.
- 8). Sand the rough opening and window sill. Pull out any nails or other fasteners that may be in the opening or sill with pliers.
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