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How to Remove an Aluminum Window From Cinder Block

Removing an aluminum window from a cinder block isn't much different from removing one from a wooden framed house. This is because most aluminum windows aren't mounted directly to the concrete cinder blocks, but instead are mounted to a wooden window mounting frame which is attached to the cinder block opening. Once you have removed the fastening screws from the aluminum window, it is usually a fairly easy task to pull the window out of the frame. Have a friend help you with this project, as aluminum windows can be unwieldy to handle.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Utility knife or plumber's torch
  • Painter's or masking tape
  • Heat gun
  • Assistant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look on the inside of the aluminum window frame and locate the plastic strips holding the glass in place in the frame. These will be a series of thin, plastic strips running along the glass edges. If possible, pry them out with a screwdriver and remove the glass from the frame. However, you may need to cut away any caulk holding the glass in place with a utility knife or melt it with a plumber's torch in order to be able to remove it.

    • 2

      Run tape in an "X" pattern across the glass panes and the frames, if you cannot remove the glass. This will help keep the glass from shattering everywhere if it breaks during the rest of the removal process.

    • 3

      Open the aluminum window. Look for any screws holding the window in place on the concrete window frame along the edge of the window. There will typically be screws in the bottom, sides and top holding the frame in place. Remove these with a screwdriver.

    • 4

      Cut away any caulk around the inside edges of the window frame with a sharp utility knife. Melt any caulk or glue that you can't reach with a heat gun.

    • 5

      Have an assistant gently push inwards on the aluminum frame window from the outside while you pull on the frame until it comes out of the opening in the cinder block.