How to Disassemble an Aluminum Double Pane Window

Aluminum window frames typically reside in brick or masonry homes, but also occur in other home types as well. They are often single-paned glass, although some double-paned aluminum windows also exist. If you decide to replace your aluminum double-paned windows, the first step is to remove the old ones from the wall. Removing double-paned aluminum windows requires disassembling a track system as well as the window panels, but does not call for any special skills on the part of the homeowner.

Screwdriver
Pry bar
Hammer
Utility knife
Ladder (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Stand on the interior side of the window and unlock it. Slide the movable panel on the aluminum window all the way open.
- 2
  Grasp the window on the sides with your hands and lift it up approximately1/4 to 1/2 inch. Pull the bottom portion out of the track and then slide the upper portion out of the track. Set the window panel aside.
- 3
  Look at the center aluminum rail and remove the screws at the top and the bottom that hold it in place. Grasp the rail and pull it out of the window frame. You may need to insert a slotted screwdriver to pry it out, if it is wedged in tightly.
- 4
  Insert a pry bar along the side of the remaining window panel where it meets the wall. Tap it gently with a hammer to slide the bar between the window panel and the frame. Pull the pry bar firmly to create a gap beside the window.
- 5
  Grasp the window on either side and lift it up by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Push the lower portion of the window out away from the house and then pull the upper portion out of the track.
- 6
  Walk to the outside of the home and cut around the perimeter of the aluminum frame using a utility knife to detach any caulk. Stand on a ladder, if needed, to reach all areas of the frame.
- 7
  Peer at the inside of the frame and identify the screws that hold it to the home. Remove each screw using a power drill.
- 8
  Grasp the frame from the exterior of the home and pull it out with force to detach it from the window opening. Some tracks are in four pieces that detach separately instead of as a single unit.

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