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Replacing Steel Case Windows
How to Replace Steel Casement Windows with Vinyl
Replacement Windows
By Mark J. Donovan
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Steel case windows are the types of windows that you have to
crank a handle to open them outwards. Steel case windows are not commonly
used in new home construction today due to their reliability and low thermal
insulation properties. Many homeowners of older homes with steel case
windows want to replace them, and fortunately it’s not that hard to do. This
article summarizes how to replace steel case windows. The real trick is
ordering the right size vinyl replacement windows to replace them.
First, do not remove the old steel casement windows until you’ve order and
have had deliver your new window replacements. |
The last think you want is to have to spend weeks with polyethylene covering
your home’s window openings.
Measuring for and Ordering New Vinyl Window Replacements
To remove an old casement window start by cranking the window open to its full
extent. As you crank the window open notice that there is a metal lip that is
about ½ inch wide extending around the perimeter of the steel case window frame.
This part of the window frame will be left intact, so that the new vinyl window
replacement can attach to it. Use a tape measure to measure from top to bottom,
and side to side, of the lip opening. Then subtract ¼ of an inch from each
measurement. Record these measurements and proceed to your local window store.
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Order new vinyl window replacements to your
recorded measurements. Depending upon where you live you
might be able to buy retrofit replacement window frame kits
when you are ordering the vinyl replacement windows. If you
are unable to buy the retrofit replacement kits then you’ll
have no choice but to have to incorporate window trim to the
exterior of the new window replacement after it has been
installed.
Once the new vinyl replacement windows have shown up on the
jobsite you can then remove and replace the old steel
casement windows.
Warning: Always wear eye and
hand protection when working around glass.
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To remove casement
windows with no fixed panels simply crank the window wide open.
As you crank the window open you’ll notice two pivot arm
assemblies. There is one located at the top of the window and
another at the bottom. Using a hack saw, cut off the pivot arms
at the point where they attach to the window panel. Once cut the
window panel can be easily removed from the window frame.
Next use a screw driver to remove the crank assembly from the
window frame. There should be a couple of screws that can be
removed from the crank assembly to disconnect it from the window
frame.
Finally, to complete the removal of the steel case window twist
or cut away the pivot arms that are still attached to the window
frame. Vice grips work well for flexing, twisting, and breaking
off the pivot arms.
Installing Replacement Vinyl Windows
To install the replacement vinyl windows, first run a bead of
caulk along the exterior lip edge of the old window frame. Next,
place the vinyl replacement window up against the metal lip of
the old casement window. While someone holds the replacement
window in place, square and plumb up the window and then attach
it to the metal window frame lips with screws.
Once the vinyl replacement window is securely mounted, apply
another bead of caulk to the exterior of the vinyl window
replacement. I highly recommend using a 100% silicone caulk. It
is flexible and will last longer than a latex caulk, albeit the
silicone caulk is much more expensive than the latex caulk.
For more information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and
install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
Get Free Window Price Quotes,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on windows from one of our prescreened and licensed window contractors. This
process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your
window replacement price estimate.
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