How to Remove Plastic Molding From Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows may come equipped with plastic molding which is designed to make the window fixture more aesthetic and give it a "finished" look. Over time, the heat from the sun as well as humidity can cause the plastic molding to become discolored or even to crack. Once this happens, the plastic molding must be removed and replaced. You can hire a handyman to do this for you, or you can use a few tools to do the job yourself.

Utility knife
Pry bar
Rubber mallet
Wood shims
Flat bar

Instructions

- 1
  Score around the edges of the plastic molding with a utility knife against the wall to break the caulk seam.
- 2
  Insert a pry bar between the wall and the plastic molding on your vinyl window. Gently tap the pry bar in a couple of inches using a rubber mallet. Do not strike the pry bar too hard or you may cause the pane to crack in the vinyl window.
- 3
  Slip a wood shim between the plastic molding and wall, then pull the pry bar out. Move the pry bar about 6 inches down, and tap it in between the wall and molding with your rubber mallet.
- 4
  Insert another wood shim, then remove the pry bar. Continue this pattern all the way around your vinyl window.
- 5
  Fit a flat bar into the gaps created by the wood shims, and pry the plastic molding away from the wall around the entire vinyl window.

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Window & Door Repair