| New vinyl replacement windows can offer many | | | | the rope close to the window with your utility knife, |
| energy efficient features with virtually no | | | | letting the weight drop in the void. There should be |
| maintenance. A popular upgrade for Grand Rapids | | | | enough rope to grab when you remove the pulley |
| remodeling, homeowners can cut heating bills and | | | | system later. |
| enjoy smooth easy opening windows while increasing | | | | To remove the top sash, the parting bead, sometimes |
| the value of their home. However the first step is to | | | | called a check stop must be removed. This stop |
| remove the old inefficient windows. | | | | runs between the two sashes. It can be pried out with |
| However drafty and loose, older windows normally | | | | a dull chisel or flat bar without concern, as it will be |
| are built into the home and knowing which parts to | | | | discarded. Often the bead will not come entirely out |
| discard or keep make all the difference. Removing | | | | leaving some in the groove it rests in, that's fine as long |
| them requires very few tools, many of which you may | | | | as the remaining wood is flush with the jamb. |
| already have. The list should include; | | | | Sometimes a small piece of wood is nailed under the |
| - Utility knife | | | | window to keep it up in place (making it a single hung |
| - Flat bar | | | | window) or there may be more counter weights |
| - Broad chisel | | | | (double hung). Remove either of these by prying the |
| - Hammer | | | | wood stop out with a flat bar or cut the counter |
| - Putty knife | | | | weight rope as before. Care should be taken during |
| - Step ladder or extension ladder | | | | this step as there is nothing holding the upper sash in |
| - Safety glasses | | | | place when stops are removed or the rope cut. |
| Prepare a work area to remove the old windows by | | | | With both sashes removed, check the opening for any |
| removing furniture and any window treatments around | | | | obstructions. The wheels that the counter weight |
| the old window. Be sure to lay a drop cloth or plastic | | | | rope rested on should be removed and discarded, |
| down to work on, the old window sashes can be very | | | | along with any nails or debris. If possible, pull the |
| dirty. Begin by removing the old trim around the | | | | weights out and stuff the void with batt insulation. |
| perimeter of the window. This can be accomplished | | | | Inspect the outside molding called blind stops. It should |
| with a broad chisel or flat bar and hammer. | | | | be in good shape and continue all the way around the |
| Sometimes the trim has been caulked or painted in | | | | window frame to the sill. This is what your new |
| and it may be necessary to score the edge with a | | | | window will rest on to keep it from falling out. |
| utility knife before removing. Carefully work the | | | | Vacuum the area and remove all the old window |
| molding out and save the pieces for reinstallation. A | | | | sashes, counter weights, parting bead and pulley |
| common method is "walking" the trim out. Start at an | | | | system from the area, saving the inside window trim. |
| edge and slowly pry a little at a time down the length | | | | For Grand Rapids remodeling, the steps outlined |
| of the board. With the trim removed the lower | | | | above can be the hardest part of upgrading to new |
| window sash can now be removed. Windows | | | | windows. |
| were often fitted with a pulley and rope system. Cut | | | | |