How to disassemble a plastic window with your own hands. Instructions for use.

The need for disassembling a plastic window is different for everyone. Someone wants to save on dismantling when replacing double-glazed windows, someone has a broken seal and one of the parts needs replacing, or it’s simply time to change the window mode. There is a lot of information and videos on the Internet on how to disassemble a plastic window, it is not that difficult, but without general knowledge of what the window is made of and what a screwdriver looks like, it will be difficult. But nothing is impossible!

First of all, you need to prepare the tool.

To work you will need:

Phillips and flat screwdrivers;
chisel or spatula;
pliers;
knife;
suckers;
fabric gloves.

Required set of tools

You will need the following tools:

Gloves;
Special suction cups;
Set with screwdrivers;
Thin spatula or thin knife.

Always remember safety precautions. It’s like the joke: “A milling machine operator with three fingers has two very funny incidents in his life...”. Therefore, before starting work, you need to take care of protecting your hands.

To do this, you need to wear thick gloves that will protect your hands from possible cuts. Window disassembly begins with removing the sash. The sequence of actions is as follows:

The sash opens in a rotary rather than tilted state.
The rod is removed. This must be done carefully, trying to prevent additional damage.
It is necessary to monitor the retention of the glass unit. It is heavy, and the strength of one person may not be enough.
The sash should be placed so that it is more convenient to work with it.
The main advice is to avoid distortions so that problems do not arise later.

Do-it-yourself repairs

Regular maintenance (at least once every 3-5 years) can help prevent serious problems or breakdowns of plastic structures. What is the user's task?

Checking the condition of installation seams, the level of wear of insulation and replacing materials that have lost their suitability.
Adjustment of the movement of the valves. There should be no obstacles or friction when moving them.
Lubrication, as well as timely replacement of worn-out mechanisms.

With the right approach, the service life of metal-plastic structures can be at least fifty years.

Proper operation becomes a way to prevent various breakdowns. The most common troubles:

failure of fittings;
sagging lines;
shrinkage or rupture of sealing material;
changing profile geometry;
the appearance of condensation;
increased sealing of the room (with the window closed).

Attention on the part of the user and regular maintenance will prevent the occurrence of problems, as well as the need to replace the product

What to do with glazing beads?

They are removed in the next step after the steps described earlier are completed. If the window is not pulled out of the frame, then the owners will not have a clear idea of how the disassembly procedure itself is carried out.

A thin spatula or knife will become indispensable assistants.

The tools are inserted into the gap between the frame and the bead itself. This is necessary for the part to come out of the groove. You need to make sure that the tools are exactly in the middle. Their location near corners is unacceptable. It is recommended to choose glazing beads with the maximum length.

The bead is a flexible, fairly elastic part. It can jump out along with the seal from the groove in the middle of the frame. It must be pulled out of the corners with the utmost care. There is no need to apply additional force to this action. After this, the work will go easier. All other parts are removed starting from the free end. Special attention should be paid to the seals; they may fall out of the grooves of the glazing beads or may not be glued.

Preparation

First you need to provide free access to the window - move the furniture away.
Dismantling a window will inevitably entail a certain amount of construction waste, so it is recommended to remove small and valuable items from the room and cover the furniture with film. Next, you need to check that you have all the tools necessary for the job:

a set of necessary screwdrivers;
chisel;
screwdriver;
hammer;
work gloves and clothing.

If all this is available, then you can proceed directly to dismantling the plastic window.

This is the movable part of your window. It is the sash that is removed first. It is attached using a special rod. On old-style windows it is not closed with a plastic plug, as on new ones. Just pry the plug itself with a knife and remove it, after which you need to pull out the rod.

At this stage it is important to be very careful so that the sash does not fall. To do this, experts recommend performing all work together with a partner.

If you do the work yourself, then pay special attention to the fact that all movable sashes must be dismantled (sometimes there may be 2 or more of them, depending on the type of window you have). Naturally, if there are no movable sashes, then this step must be skipped

Glazing beads are a so-called rubber coating that ensures a tight fit of the window to the frame. In addition, the fastening mechanisms are closed with glazing beads, so they must be removed. In this case, a knife, chisel or spatula is used for work - any tool with a flat blade. First, the long bead is removed, then the top one, and lastly the bottom one. To avoid damaging it, it is necessary to guide the tool used from the beginning to the very end of extraction.

When all the beads have been removed, you can begin to remove the fasteners.

Removing the hardware yourself is quite simple. To do this, you need to sequentially check the perimeter of the window and remove all fasteners using a screwdriver or reverse screwdriver

Some of the elements will be publicly available, while others may be hidden under stubs - you need to pay special attention to this so as not to miss anything

If you do all the work yourself and have little experience, then experts recommend that at this stage you lay out all the fittings in the order of removal to facilitate the installation process.

We take out the double-glazed window

The double-glazed window is the most difficult part for those who dismantle plastic windows. It’s good if you have a set of rubber suction cups on hand. We must remember the large weight of this structure. It must be held in its normal position. This part of the job requires caution.

First you need to pull out the inserts that are used for fastening.
A knife is inserted into the vacated gap. You just have to try to tear the structure from its place.
A situation where the part is held in place by a sealant is acceptable.
When pulling out, adhere to the direction of the grooves in the frame.

The glass unit itself fits exactly into the groove dimensions. If there is a distortion, then further processing becomes impossible altogether. As for the frame, without a double-glazed window it is light in weight. If you didn’t have to put in too much effort, and if there were no distortions, you can continue.

Conclusion

Now you know how to disassemble and how to set up plastic windows. I am sure that the proposed instructions will be useful to you when using glazing in an apartment or country house.

Be sure to watch the video in this article, and if you have any questions, ask them in your comments.

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something, add a comment or say thank you!

Today, plastic windows are an integral attribute of most apartments in both big cities and small towns. New houses are no longer built with wooden frames, but with plastic double-glazed windows - they retain heat better and protect from any bad weather. However, few people know that only timely maintenance can ensure the long service of these seemingly eternal windows. To do this, plastic windows must be periodically dismantled. You can do this yourself.

Trying to remove the fittings

The first step is to remove the window handle. It needs to be pulled straight out of the lock.
At the end of the frame there is a metal strip, which also needs to be released from its place. In this case, self-tapping screws are used for fastening.
In order not to unscrew the fittings themselves, you need to understand where and what screws are located. They are easy to distinguish by their heads. Different manufacturers have different numbers of parts.
If everything was unscrewed correctly, the frame begins to move freely in the groove.

The design of the fittings consists of many parts. Among them there are tractions. You just need to disconnect them, no need to try to do anything by force. On the other hand, actions are carried out in the same sequence as in the first.

Glazing beads

Now you need to remove the glazing beads. You will not get a complete understanding of how to disassemble a plastic window without removing it from the frame. To do this, use a thin spatula or knife. You need to insert them into the gap between the frame and the bead to remove it from the groove. This should be done in the middle of the glazing bead, in no case near the corners. The longest bead should be chosen. The bead is flexible and elastic; it will pop out of the groove in the middle of the frame along with the seal

Carefully, without using excessive force, remove it from the corners. Longer it will go easier

All the rest can be removed from the free end. Watch the seals so that they do not fall out of the grooves of the glazing beads; they may not be glued.

Double-glazed window

Now double glazed. This is the most difficult job in the task of disassembling a plastic window. It's good if you have rubber suction cups. The glass unit is very heavy, be careful with it

You probably noticed. That this is a warning we repeat constantly

Caution is key in this job. It's still not easy with suction cups

You need to remove the inserts that secure it to the frame. Now carefully insert the knife into the vacated slot and try to rip it out of place. It can be held in place by a sealant. It must be removed strictly in the direction of the grooves in the frame. The glass unit fits its dimensions very accurately. It won't work with skew. You deform the frame and that's it! Consider that you don't have a window. The frame itself without glass is quite light. If you were able to remove it without effort or distortion, then you can continue further.

Accessories

First you need to remove the window handle. Take it out of the lock. There is a metal strip at the end of the frame that needs to be removed. It was fastened with self-tapping screws. They must be distinguished by their heads so as not to unscrew the fittings from it. Different windows from different manufacturers do not have the same number of them. Therefore, rely on visual impressions here. If you unscrewed everything correctly. Then the bar will move freely in the groove of the frame. Try to remove it from the frame without any effort. Be careful not to hit the window valve. The fittings consist of many parts, one of them is rods. Do not try to force the mechanism out; the rods must be disconnected. Now on the other side, in the same sequence. You've sorted everything out. Window. Place all the parts in some kind of bag or container so as not to lose anything. We do not recommend disassembling the glass unit. You've got an idea of how to disassemble a plastic window - that's quite enough. The maximum you can afford is to pick out the sealant. And then - this is fraught with the fact that the glass may burst

Even if, acting very carefully, you managed to get to the fittings and remove the glass from it, I don’t want to congratulate you on your success. You killed your window

It is not possible to assemble a double-glazed window at home. In any case, you may be able to give it an external resemblance to the complex product you used to own. But you will not be able to achieve the necessary qualities that he should have. However, success! And good luck! Video on the topic:

Additional recommendations

These tips will help you prepare before you begin the process.

It is recommended to draw up a preliminary plan that describes approximate work activities. You need to make sure that you have all the necessary tools at hand to perform dismantling.
The sequence of actions performed must be written down literally at every stage. This is especially true for those who take long breaks from work. And then he can’t remember the reverse order to put everything back together.
First you need to take care of safety. Cotton gloves will provide additional protection for your hands.
It is necessary to think separately about noise and waterproofing of joints after repair work. Adhesives and sealants will become indispensable assistants in this regard.

What do the concepts include?

In order to begin repairing a plastic window, you need to know all its intricacies. Disassembling a PVC window is an operation aimed at the step-by-step removal of all structural elements with the exception of the frame: headset, sash, double-glazed windows and seals, for repair work or replacement of faulty components.

Assembling a plastic window is an operation aimed at restoring the integrity of the structure; it is performed after completion of repair work or replacement of individual components. It consists of the step-by-step assembly of all window components: seals, double-glazed windows, fittings and sashes.

Reference. Damage that will require disassembling the window is glass cracks, fogging of the glass block from the inside when the integrity of its structure is compromised, or distortion of the frames.

Reasons that lead to damage to PVC windows:

impact from hurricane winds or a flying object;
violation of installation technology;
incorrect measurements of the window opening;
improper transportation and storage of the window;
excessive pressure when opening and closing the valves.

Construction of plastic windows

It is better to study the features of the product in advance, this will allow you to better understand what and how to do. And the window itself is less likely to suffer additional damage. A mandatory element of any window is the sashes. The structures may be solid. Then they cannot be opened.

The following parts are required in standard designs:

Accessories. It is responsible for the movement of other elements.
Glazing beads. Needed to secure the window in the frame.
Impost. Serves as a kind of separator. Thanks to this, the window can have several sections at once.
Sash. This is the name of the part that opens.
Frame. It is attached to the walls of buildings and is required to firmly fix the glass unit.

Handle breakage

This problem occurs quite often and is easily fixed. First you need to buy a new handle for the window. This can be done at a home improvement and building supplies store. To replace it, you will need to find the decorative plate, which is located directly under the handle, then turn it so that you can see the screws that will need to be removed outward.

After this, the old handle will be removed without any problems, and you can put a new one in its place. Screw the screws back; At the same time, you can install an opening limiter. To do this, you need to install a regulator plate for ventilation into the base of the element, after which the handle can be screwed on.

Repairing window fittings is not that difficult even if it becomes jammed. To do this, you will need to find and disable the blocker. The procedure depends on what accessories you have installed. If it is an AUBI brand, you will need to find a metal plate with a spring: it is usually located near the handle. Press it against the seal and try to turn the handle smoothly. Fittings from other brands, such as Maco, GU, Winkhaus or Roto, have a metal tongue located at the bottom. It needs to be pressed, forcing it to stand parallel to the sash.

Sometimes this method does not help, and then it is worth checking whether the blocker is caught. To fix the problem, you will need to open the window and find the place where this element touches. After this, you must remove the fastenings of the blocker, install a plastic spacer between it and the clinging structural element and put the part back.

Don’t be afraid to repair plastic windows yourself. The window doesn't close - that's not a problem. This usually happens because the handle does not turn due to a lack of lubricant in the fittings or sagging of the sash itself. The latter can be determined visually by carefully examining the window. The product can be adjusted by tightening the bolts that hold it in place. If everything is in order, it is worth checking the lubricant. You will need to purchase a special product, and it is advisable to lubricate all parts of the mechanism that are driven.

Timely maintenance of plastic windows will help avoid many problems. However, if the product does not sag and lubrication does not help, you will most likely need the help of a specialist.

Video: How to replace the handle on a plastic window

Taking the low tide

When removing the ebb, you need to be extremely careful so that other parts are not damaged. On the ebb itself, additional force must be applied to remove it. It is simply torn off from the surface and the opening. The structure is also disconnected from the sealant that is used for fastening.

Most often, this function is performed by types of polyurethane foam. If fastening involves the use of bolts or screws, you must first remove them. Only then is brute force applied to the rest of the structure.

Troubleshooting locks

The use of window units equipped with locking mechanisms becomes relevant when there are small children in the room who need special safety measures. The lock, which is installed on the window fittings, serves as reliable protection against accidents. The need for system repair arises in the following cases:

mechanical failure;
identifying manufacturing defects.

Replacing the locking system is less expensive than reinstalling window hardware. At the same time, timely repairs return the product to its original functionality. The lock provides security and eliminates the anxiety that reigns in the house.

Recommendations for working with a window sill

Removing old window sills is a process that can take place differently depending on what materials the bases are made of. Plastic windows usually come with the same sills and window sills. Since PVC material is not without its advantages:

Easy care and cleaning.
Resistant to sunlight.
Self-extinguishing properties. The material does not support combustion.
Long service life, up to 20 years with proper use.
Little weight.

If the window sill is wooden, then it is sawed in several places. Why do you use hacksaws for wood? Then they simply remove it using a crowbar or use brute force.

If concrete is used, the structure is broken into pieces using several tools:

Hammer.
Bumper set to bumper mode.
Manual labor. In this case, a crowbar or a chisel or a hammer become assistants.

The fastest way will be the one that involves using a grinder equipped with a special circle for processing concrete. The main thing is to remember that in this case the formation of dust in large quantities cannot be avoided.

After each working cycle, it is necessary to sweep away any debris formed earlier from the surface. When working with angle grinders, do not forget about safety and the appropriate devices to ensure it:

Respirator for respiratory protection.
Safety glasses that have polycarbonate glass that is resistant to any mechanical damage.
Construction gloves.

It often happens that the owners are completely satisfied with the condition of concrete window sills. And there is no desire to deal with replacement. Changing the window sill does not always accompany the dismantling of old windows made of plastic. But we must remember that, as materials, plastic and concrete practically do not combine. And there are reasons for this:

Compared to concrete, the heat capacity of plastic parts is much greater. They are much warmer, which causes condensation.
An old window sill and a new window can lead to gaps between the structures. Even complete sealing at the initial stage will not completely eliminate the formation of cracks.

Concrete window sills are often covered with regular tiles to get rid of the problem. Ceramic mosaics will be an excellent decoration for those who care about appearance. It is permissible to use several shades at the same time. A good addition is decorative glass.

Questions that arise when parsing a window

Do I need to change the rubber gasket and how to do it?

The rubber gasket or seal drys out and loses its properties, in which case it must be replaced. Since the seal is only laid in a special groove and is not secured by anything else, it is not difficult to pull it out; just pry it with a screwdriver or knife and pull it out.

Is it allowed to drill through the window frame to install cables?

The frame for plastic windows is quite durable, as it is made of a profile and a reinforced metal strip, and a small hole of 5–6 mm will not affect its functionality in any way. When drilling a hole, do not use perforation, as vibration may cause the glass to crack.

And after laying the cable, the hole should be sealed with sealant so that cold air does not pass into the gap.

How to seal the gaps between the window frame and the window sill?

During operation, the sealed installation seam may crack, and cracks will appear from which cold enters the apartment. The simplest and most effective remedy in this case is to cover the cracks with acrylic water-repellent sealant.

How much does a double-glazed window weigh and is it possible to dismantle it alone?

The weight of a double-glazed window depends on the number of glass sheets in it (there are two, three, five layers) and on the size of the metal-plastic window itself. The weight can vary from 10 to 20 kg, so for independent dismantling you need decent physical training and rubber suction cups or work will have to be carried out with an assistant.

About finishing work

Construction work is not complete without generating large amounts of waste. Especially if you use tools like a grinder. Small dust particles can simply eat into the surface of the furniture. Therefore, it is recommended that each action be accompanied by complete cleaning of the premises from any contaminants. A broom will help deal with large particles. A shoe knife and chisel will remove the foam.

If the frame was installed on a concrete or stone surface, then this surface must be sanded and cleaned of any irregularities.

Protective films made of dense polyethylene remain until the new window completely replaces the old structure.

Removing the old window frame

Removing a window frame

After making several cuts on the surface of the frame, pull it out in parts. To do this, you can use a crowbar, any available means, or a hammer drill with a special attachment in the form of a spatula. Remove the frame from the window frame without leaving any residue, thus ensuring maximum secure fit of the new window.

Tips for dismantling double-glazed windows

It is not necessary to replace the entire sash, even if the glass is damaged. Sellers are not interested in selling only double-glazed windows. But a separate replacement is possible in principle.

In addition, sometimes buyers want to replace the part itself with another one that has better properties in terms of operation.

The stages of work can be divided into the following actions:

The glazing beads are first removed from the window sash. In this case, gaskets made of plastic or any other material at hand are simultaneously inserted into the damaged cracks. First you need to get rid of the long side beads. Then they move on to the short lower one, and at the last stage - to the upper one. Compliance with this sequence will protect against premature damage to the glass.
A marker marks the places where the beads were previously secured. Then there will be no problems with returning them to their place later.
The glass unit must be removed from the glass. It is best to call an assistant to help support the product.
The new double-glazed window is placed in its original place. After which the position of the structure is fixed.
Then they proceed to installing beads using the reverse sequence. The top one comes first, then the one below. Finish the work with the side parts. Glazing beads are needed to ensure the proper level of sound insulation. Therefore, in the future there is no need for additional sealing.

Features of the procedure

In a wooden house

Peculiarities

In a wooden house, frames and glass are dismantled, and then a check is made for the presence of additional fasteners (for example, fastenings with anchor plates).
It is necessary to determine which of the old frame posts is the closing one. Disassembly should begin from this rack.
The opening is cleared.
The casing frame is being inspected. If it is damaged (rotting, fungus, defects), then such casing is dismantled and a new one is installed in its place.

Read our other articles about repairing fittings, about the intricacies of window maintenance, about installing a valve, about repairing windows and mosquito nets, about how to do micro-ventilation, cashing on windows, and about lamination, how to install a comb and a lock.

In a panel house

Dismantling the old frame in a panel house is carried out in the following order

The sashes are removed using the standard method. If the glass does not hold well in the frame, it is removed.
A block measuring 15–20 cm is cut out on the lower frame.
The block is removed with a nail puller or claw crowbar.
The remains of the old frame around the perimeter are removed.