Anyone know how to remove a double hung window that has aluminum tracks? The wooden double hung window is at least 20 years old and has some sort of noisy metallic spring mechanism instead of sash weights. I want to remove the sash to repair the outside putty and can’t figure out how to get it out of the frame. The windows don’t tilt in for cleaning. Is there a way to take it apart without getting snapped by the springs or removing the trim?
Any suggestions welcome. Thanks.
A new code-compliant, spill-safe outlet from Legrand offers a sleek solution for a kitchen island plug.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
the room I grew up in had something possibly similar -
to remove them, slide the sash to half mast and grabbing the top and bottom rail, jam the sash horizontally one way or the other (hard - work it!) - there was enough movement in the metal track to allow the sash to clear the track on one side - the 'noisy spring mechanism' stayed with the frame and behaved itself very well -
your mileage may vary....
Thanks for the idea, David. I'm doing my damnedest to get it out of the tracks but the window doesn't want to shove far enough to one side or the other. I'm considering hanging out the window to fix the points and the putty. Rats.
Hey DanH I'm seeing wood all around from the outside. I might be able to take the trim and track off of one side and get them out. Thanks for the advice on where to look.
Some are designed to have removable sashes, many aren't.
First look on the outside of the window, at the side edges. If there is a metal/plastic edge showing instead of the wood continuing all the way over then it may be that the sash can dismount from the gizmos that slide on the rails. And a few are designed as stated above such that you can push to one side or the other to pop them out. (Look for the recess to be deeper on one side vs the other.)
Parker,
I have no idea if what you are dealing with is what I dealt with but will share what I know.
I installed replacement sash that used the metal tracks and spring "weights"
To install them I had to remove the "parting bead" from the original sash.
Edit: I meant to say "Stop", not "Parting bead" the parting bead is the piece that seperates the two sash.
This piece was generally finish nailed to the frame of the window. Had to cut paint and work it loose to remove it.
Then you could tip both the metal tracks and the sash out of the opening as a unit.
Edited 3/23/2007 11:04 am by dovetail97128
Edited 3/23/2007 11:05 am by dovetail97128
That's it! Hey, it's the most recently painted wood trim in the whole blasted house. Funny how it works that way. At least I have the paint to match the patch. Half empty or half full? As long the glass doesn't have a bug in it.I appreciate all the help. Great discussion board.
Happy to have helped.
Been a long time since I messed with those windows and I wasn't sure I remembered correctly.
Use a utility knife to score the paint before you pry. Mine were held in place with a couple of brads on each side, one about halfway up the side of the upper sash, & one closer to the bottom. Once you locate them on one sash, the location should be consistent throughout...
You nailed it. I did a refin on 25 windows last year. Just like that. The springs attach at the head of the sash IIRC.Inmate # 40735 At Taunton Federal Penitentiary.
Solved
I found this post while researching how to remove the wooden sash with aluminum tracks to repair a payne of glass. After removing the wood trim stops and loosening the aluminum track, I still could not remove the sash. If you push the sash up and with a flashlight look on the bottom of the sash, you may see a metal tab which is loose and you can wiggle it. With a pair of needle nose pliers, pull down. This tab is connected to a nylon piece which fits in a groove in the sash and over the center of the alum track. This thumb shaped nylon piece has a cord connected to the spring. Mine was touch to pull after years of not being removed. When you pull it out you will need to lower the sash a few inches as the cord goes thu a slot in the alum track to the spring. Remove tab on opposite side of sash and the window will come out.
If you need to replace the aluminum track, I didn't see any screws holding the track on one side. Just holes top and bottom. Look at the top or bottom end of the aluminum track. Do you see 2 metal tabs sticking up to hold the aluminum track in the wall? If you put a screwdriver in the hole of the alum track, you will catch a screw. This holds the plate with the metal tabs which holds the track.
The track on the other side has screws, I didn't remove so don't know if that is the design or a previous home owner modification!
Hope this helps someone else.