Dismantling wooden windows: prices in the estimate, how much the services of specialists cost, what determines the price, how to remove the block yourself?

Over time, any wooden structures require repairs, replacement of double-glazed windows, restoration of individual parts, or installation of windows of a different model and configuration in their place.
And then the craftsmen carry out the dismantling of wooden windows, which is carried out in two ways - neat, in which the main part (frame) does not lose its operational properties, and complete - removal of old structures that are not suitable for installation.

Most often, the dismantling of windows is necessary so that the opening becomes safe for living people and fully fulfills its protective and aesthetic functions after restoration or replacement of the window. What you need to know about dismantling, how it is done, and with what tool, read more in the presented article.

What it is?

Work on window structures, in addition to installation, necessarily includes dismantling after some time of operation. This concept is explained by experts as the primary stage of replacing a window opening, which is carried out with or without preserving the old window (for restoration).

Dismantling is carried out using special carpentry tools. It includes several main steps :

Preparing for the process.
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Removing window sashes.
Cutting and cleaning of the impost and frame.
Separation from the wall of the window sill and ebb.
Cleaning the surface from insulation and cleaning the opening.
Garbage collection.

You can do the dismantling yourself or invite specialists. To carry out the dismantling steps, builders use the technical document SP 325.1325800.2017, which describes the sequence of the process and is applied to any buildings and structures.

When removing the window structure, be sure to follow safety precautions and protect yourself from possible injuries:

work clothes;
gloves;
glasses;
shoes;
comfortable headdress.

The specifics of the dismantling work depend on the pre-drawn up work sequence plan and the type of window construction (sliding, removable, hinged).

When is it necessary?

The dismantling process in private or apartment buildings may be required in the following cases :

Major renovation of housing, complete replacement of the old structure with a new one.
Putting the window structure in order, repairing it, polishing and replacing individual parts (glazed windows, structural elements).
Low sound insulation and thermal conductivity. After removing the frame, the window opening is restored, puttyed, primed, insulated with heat-insulating material, and waterproofing is applied. The joints are then sealed with sealants.
The window has reached its end of life and is decommissioned (industrial enterprises).
Poor aesthetic appearance. The appearance of expansions and cracks on the outer surface of the frame, requiring stripping of the layer, treatment with an antiseptic, polymer and paintwork.
The frame moves away from the platbands (over time, for more than 30 years) or its geometric lines have shifted (deformations can occur due to man-made and seismic accidents).

Dismantling is focused on the individual preferences of the owner of the premises and his financial capabilities. Most often, old windows are removed in order to replace them with more modern models made of profiled or laminated timber with double-glazed windows that will be resistant to dust, temperature changes, precipitation, and will not form cold bridges.

If the windows are protected from the outside by metal fences, which is found on the first floors, then these bars are cut off first, and only then all other work is carried out.

Preparing for work

The steps to dismantle the window structure include the following steps :

Maximum room freeing up for unhindered work of the master. You need to take out the furniture that is near the window or move it to the other end of the room, remove things that may get dusty.
Remove curtains and curtains so that they do not get dirty and do not interfere with the process, remove green plants from the window sills, take out household appliances.
Cover floors, furniture and things in the room with wide plastic protective film or light unnecessary fabric (old sheets, light bedspreads, etc.).
Prepare professional construction tools if the work will be done with your own hands. Many people have at least some of the tools available. Electrical mechanisms can be rented temporarily for a daily fee (tenant advertisements are available on local websites).
Provide the technician with access to the nearest outlet. Prepare an extension cord if the electrical network is far from the window frame.
To prevent the film from sliding around the window, you can put pieces of old plywood (if available) on top of it. This will be convenient not only for the builder, but will also protect the flooring from scratches and other damage.
Wearing gloves, carefully remove the glazing beads and remove the glass from the frame, removing the nails using a chisel and pliers.

Then the main work is carried out to remove the sashes, strip the coating if it is heavily painted over and sealed, especially along the cracks, and the dismantling itself begins.

Carrying out the main work, especially when replacing the opening with a modern model of window construction, must be carried out in such a way that it remains in its original condition . Any imperfections or imperfections can then be cleaned out and sanded.

What factors influence the final cost of installing plastic windows?

The estimate is drawn up after the customer selects a window design model, and the contractor takes the full dimensions of the window opening and clarifies the operating conditions and other factors that will influence the final cost of the work, so that the error between the actual costs and the contract price is minimal.

The main assessment items that influence the final price of installation work for PVC windows:

volumes of dismantling;
wall material;
window model, opening type, number of double-glazed windows;
costs for installation materials;
wages for installers;
setting up fittings;
installation of drainage systems, window sills and slopes;
post-installation cleaning of the workplace;
fare;
overheads;
profit.

An estimate is an important financial document that determines the full cost of the work performed and the material and technical costs incurred during the installation of the window unit.

In contrast to the preliminary calculation, which can be performed according to the price list indicated on the contractor’s website, it finally determines the contract price, which in the future can only be changed by agreement of the parties.

Tools needed

To work, the master will need the following carpentry tools :

Saw (any of them – reciprocating saw, grinder, jigsaw, electric saw).
Hammer (regular and rubber).
Pliers, screwdrivers, nail puller.
Crowbar (preferably several types), axe.
Construction knife (with insert blades).
Grinding machine (for repairing and restoring windows).
Chisel, chisel, chisel to pry up the frame.
Spatula, emery for cleaning the surface of the opening.

You may also need a concrete cutter, construction tape (to carefully remove the frame without damaging the glass if the structure is to be repaired), rags, an industrial vacuum cleaner, wide polyethylene for covering floors and protecting things from dust in the room, and garbage bags.

It is best to turn to professionals for dismantling, who will complete the work as quickly as possible, if they have their own tools.

Prices in the estimate for installing a window sill

In section 1 of collection 10, it is also possible to select prices in the estimate for installing a window sill. If you look at Figure 4, you can understand that the most suitable price in the estimate for installing PVC window sills would be one of the norms in table FER10-01-035. As you can see, table FER10-01-035 contains three standards. The standard code FER10-01-035-01 takes into account the installation of PVC window sills in stone walls up to 51 cm thick. The standard FER10-01-035-02 can determine the cost of installing PVC window sill boards in panel walls, and the standard FER10-01-035 -03 provides for the installation of this type of product in stone walls thicker than 51 cm. The work of the standards of table FER10-01-035 includes such work as fitting the window sill to the level, installing the product and treating the seams with foam. The amount of work is measured in standards by the length of the window sill boards in meters.

Figure 4. Table FER10-01-035

When installing a PVC window sill, the question may also arise of how to take into account the installation of window sill plugs in the estimate. The answer to this question may be the FER10-01-036-01 standard for the installation of PVC corners. The work of this standard includes work on marking and cutting, applying glue and gluing corners.

In addition to the prices in the estimate for the installation of PVC window sills, among the standards of the collection 10, there is also the opportunity to select a price in the estimate for the installation of wooden window sills. Standards of this type are collected in table FER10-01-033. For the installation of wooden window sill boards, table FER10-01-033 provides three standards. Standard number 01 takes into account work in stone walls with an opening height of up to 1 meter, norm 02 applies for opening heights of up to 2 m, and norm 03 for heights of more than 2 m. The work in this table includes work on installing window sills, fitting them, as well as upholstery with felt and gravy with mortar. The unit of measurement in the standards of table FER10-01-033 is 100 m2.

How to remove the block correctly?

Step-by-step instructions for removing a wooden structure with your own hands, after preparing the room and tools for work, are carried out in two main ways :

without saving the frame (complete replacement);
while preserving the frame part (repairing it or using it for other openings).

Dismantling a wooden frame without saving consists of the following steps :

Remove window sashes, if present, or remove glass (if solid).
To do this, pry up the wooden elements with a chisel, nail puller or pliers, remove the old fasteners and pull out the glazing beads. The sashes or glass from a blind window are placed away from the work site.
Remove the window sill, separating it from the wall in such a way as not to damage it. At the same time, it is unscrewed from the anchors. If necessary, the concrete window sill can be tapped with a hammer for better separation, so that it can be pulled out more easily from the concrete openings.
Carefully remove the ebbs, having first figured out how they were mounted - this will make it easier to remove them from the frame.
Cut the main part with a hacksaw, jigsaw or power saw. Tap the surface and remove it from the window opening.
Remove the slopes, remove the old insulation, clean the surface from debris and remnants of fasteners.

Complete removal of the old frame in parts is much more convenient than the whole thing, especially when the wood crumbles over time. During work, building material must be removed confidently, because it will no longer be useful.

Dismantling a window frame while preserving the structure is carried out almost according to the same principle, with the exception of some nuances :

when removing the sashes, they are pryed from below and removed like doors, regardless of their type (sliding, folding);
excess fittings that interfere with work are removed or unscrewed with carpentry tools;
do not cut the joints of the window and slopes, but carefully remove the seal without disturbing their surface;
slowly use a chisel and crowbar to pry it under the window frame on both sides (it is better for 2 people to do this), and then pull it out.

To preserve and repair a window, when dismantling it is necessary to act coherently, clearly and accurately, so as not to waste time on its restoration later. You cannot break it out or forcefully press on the frame.

The window structure can be dismantled year-round, but preferably at above-zero temperatures.

Price for dismantling PVC window sills in the estimate

In addition to the prices for the dismantling of window fillings, the sample estimate 2022 for replacing windows with plastic ones may also include the dismantling of other window elements, for example, the prices in the estimate for the dismantling of window sill boards and the prices in the estimate for the dismantling of PVC window sills.

In the same collection FERr56 under the code FERr56-3 there is a table for the dismantling of various types of window sills. Thus, the FERr56-3-1 standard takes into account the dismantling of concrete and mosaic window sills, the FERr56-3-2 and FERr56-3-3 standards are used as prices in estimates for the dismantling of wooden window sills in stone and wooden structures, respectively, and the FERr56-3- 4 can be included as a price in the estimate for dismantling PVC window sills. All these standards can be seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Table FERR56-3

At the moment, there are no direct prices in the estimate for the dismantling of window grilles as part of the estimated regulatory framework. Therefore, if there is a need to apply prices for the dismantling of window grilles, it is possible to apply the standards from the construction part of the collections, taking into account the coefficient from the dismantling reference books.

Possible mistakes

Difficulties during dismantling may arise for non-professionals if they do not follow the sequence of window removal and carry out improper preparation for the work process. Errors that will complicate the process and damage elements of the window structure, especially if it is dismantled for restoration, can be of the following type :

Failure to remove sealant and caulking at frame seams.
Do not remove the sashes immediately (this will severely damage the glass).
Applying force rather than using a prepared tool.
Not removed fittings, glazing beads and fasteners (nails, screws).

When sawing the frame, the slopes may be damaged, so it is better to cut grooves in the plaster in advance and carefully remove the frame along them , especially if you need to save it. When working with tools and old windows, you must follow safety precautions.

It is easier and more convenient for two people to carry out the dismantling process than for one person.

How to save money?

Many customers who have encountered the installation of PVC windows believe that the greatest savings can be obtained if they order a turnkey service from a contractor - from the moment of measurement to full installation. Because it is profitable for the contractor to receive such a large order, he usually reduces the estimate for contingencies, transportation and profitability.

Some customers save on installation costs by doing some of the work themselves, for example, dismantling windows, preparing openings, removing garbage and finishing slopes. But this is possible if they have the skills to perform such work.

If you invite another third-party organization for these operations, it is unlikely to work out cheaper , since the third-party organization has its own markups, which increase significantly with small volumes.

How much does the job cost?

The performance of work by professionals largely depends on the following factors :

Difficulties. Evaluated by a master, provided for in the company’s price list.
Seasonality. In the warm season, work is always cheaper.
Floors. The higher the floor, the more expensive the work may cost, especially if the window is of a special design and requires the help of an industrial climber.
Quantities. Calculations with builders are carried out depending on the number and dimensions of window openings in the apartment, taking into account 1 m.
Region. The Moscow, Leningrad and northern regions lead in terms of salaries in the federations, therefore the services of specialists are much higher than in other cities.

Drawing up an estimate with prices for work on dismantling wooden windows is carried out by a construction company foreman , after a visual diagnosis of the window and measurements taken. If the estimate relates to a drawn up contract (for example, this company will install new windows), then it must be attached to the main document and the report on the work performed.

Average prices in the Russian Federation for the service are approximately 550-800 rubles/m2. Most companies, in order to attract customers, especially if they order new window designs with modern double-glazed windows, provide dismantling services free of charge.

Construction company teams remove windows within 1-2 hours, while they perfectly preserve the surface of the opening.

Prices for dismantling plastic windows in the estimate

The prices in the estimate for dismantling windows can be part of both the estimate in form No. 4, a local estimate or a local resource estimate for repair work, and part of a sample estimate for replacing windows with plastic ones. Most often, prices in the estimate for the dismantling of PVC window blocks and prices in the estimate for dismantling window sills when drawing up an estimate for replacing windows can be found in the collection of repair and construction parts of FER or GESN under the number FERr56. The specified collection, as you can see by looking at Figure 1, contains a fairly large number of standards necessary for the production of this type of work.

Figure 1. Collection of FERr56

The price for dismantling PVC windows can be selected from the standards of table FERr56-1. Table FERr56-1 is designed for dismantling window frames in stone or log walls. Standard number 1 in the specified table, in addition to the price in the estimate for the dismantling of window fillings, also includes in the work the price in the estimate for the dismantling of window slopes, or rather the plastering of window slopes.

When applying the standard code FERr56-1-2, the cost in the estimate for dismantling windows with breaking out quarters in masonry will be taken into account. And the FERr56-1-3 standard is designed to determine the cost of the estimate in the estimate for the dismantling of PVC windows in log walls. It should also be noted that the norms of table FERr56-1 can also be used as prices in the estimate for the dismantling of wooden window blocks or prices in the estimate for the dismantling of aluminum windows in cases where the technology of work coincides with the composition of the work specified in the standards. The unit of measurement in the FERr56-1 table is the number of dismantled blocks in pieces.

In addition, the standards of table FERr56-2 are designed for the removal of window sashes. When applying the FERr56-2-1 standard, the estimate takes into account the work on removing non-glazed sashes, and the FERr56-2-1 norm is applied to the dismantling of glazed sashes.