Finned in – Removing residential windows?

We are often asked to how easy it is removing residential windows.

The answer is twofold of course we can remove it, then the challenging part of the answer is that there is no easy way to do it and there will be collateral damage as a result of removing it. Everyone needs to understand this, removing the window is the easiest past, what follows may be more costly.

Why costly?

First we need to help you to understand how residential windows are installed.

Did you know that residential windows are installed before the bricks are put on a home and often even before the roof is on.

Residential windows are what we called finned in with a reveal to the inside of the home.

Check out the images below and you will see the fin and the weather seal on the window that has been placed into the location. See how the fin protrudes out from the window, this is part of the process that ties the window to the building holding it in place.

You can see the window in place, with the weatherseal (poly flashing protruding – waiting for the bricks.

This image shows a close up view of the fin with the staple through it holding the poly flashing in place.

The next image shows you a partially bricked up window the fin is in between the bricks and the internal wall – the course of bricks locks the window in to place.

The window has now been completely sealed by the bricks – so now the answer to the second part of the questions – how easy is it to remove it!

In order to take this window out, we need to “break the back of the window” to release it from the fin and allow it to be removed.

So the collateral damage I was referring to is – likely the paintwork, timber architrave, the brick work or even the render may need to be patched or repaired after the window is removed – this is usually not part of the window companies task and other trades will be required to carry out these remedial tasks.

So as you can see it is possible. A commercial window on the other hand is installed in a completely different manner – but that is a tale for another day.

So if you need to create a larger opening or have a burning question let us know – remember we frame your views at Central Glass and Aluminium.

You dream it – We make it.

Contact us to find out how we can solve your needs!