Doors and Windows - removing aluminum storms caulked in place
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VirginiaSmile
10-07-04, 08:50 AM
Many thanks for the advice to come.
I have a bow window with 15 panes (three rows of five). The wooden substructure is sound. There are flat aluminum storm panels that are screwed into the wooden frame (inset about an inch or so into the wood).
The previous owner caulked (!!!) the storms into place, then screwed them in. The seals have been broken for years and the space between the panes is full of dirt and drips. I removed the screws (on two panels, to test) and went around the edge (btwn the wood frame and the aluminum edging) with a utility knife then a putty knife. The caulk has been broken along those edges. But the panes are immovable. They are firmly stuck to the interior of the window by this &$#!@ caulk!!!!
Please help. I assume I will need to break the glass on the storms to access the interior seal (with a putty knife??) but a) I don't know how, b) I don't want to also break the window (about 1 1/2" space between). I can't get leverage on the interior surface because of the wood frame (storms are inset). I am exceptionally handy. Just don't want to create a huge mess for myself.
Local window repair contractors refuse to participate (liability). Help???
I have a bow window with 15 panes (three rows of five). The wooden substructure is sound. There are flat aluminum storm panels that are screwed into the wooden frame (inset about an inch or so into the wood).
The previous owner caulked (!!!) the storms into place, then screwed them in. The seals have been broken for years and the space between the panes is full of dirt and drips. I removed the screws (on two panels, to test) and went around the edge (btwn the wood frame and the aluminum edging) with a utility knife then a putty knife. The caulk has been broken along those edges. But the panes are immovable. They are firmly stuck to the interior of the window by this &$#!@ caulk!!!!
Please help. I assume I will need to break the glass on the storms to access the interior seal (with a putty knife??) but a) I don't know how, b) I don't want to also break the window (about 1 1/2" space between). I can't get leverage on the interior surface because of the wood frame (storms are inset). I am exceptionally handy. Just don't want to create a huge mess for myself.
Local window repair contractors refuse to participate (liability). Help???
lefty
10-08-04, 10:31 PM
Virginia,
A cook has to break some eggs to make an omelet -- you might have to break some glass to get these things removed. Sounds like the previous owner got a really good deal on caulking and bought it by the case. You might try taping the panes and using a glass cutter to get the glass out. A few big chunks are a whole lot easier to deal with than a million little shards.
A cook has to break some eggs to make an omelet -- you might have to break some glass to get these things removed. Sounds like the previous owner got a really good deal on caulking and bought it by the case. You might try taping the panes and using a glass cutter to get the glass out. A few big chunks are a whole lot easier to deal with than a million little shards.
johnam
10-09-04, 10:14 AM
A glass cutter is of no help since the cut would have be run by tapping it from the opposite side.
glasman2
10-10-04, 09:01 AM
sounds like you need to break all the stormwindow glass to get to the inside.
Try using an automatic center punch " lowest setting " at the bottom edge corner of each windowpane.Then using a glass cutter to remove the rest of the glass.
Safety glasses and gloves a must, tarp off the ground around the window to minimize the mess. You may want to duct tape the edges of the broke out windows to help keep from cutting yourself.
Score the inside caulking then use a thin prybar on the inside and pry out slowly, until you can get a grip on it from the outside.
Try using an automatic center punch " lowest setting " at the bottom edge corner of each windowpane.Then using a glass cutter to remove the rest of the glass.
Safety glasses and gloves a must, tarp off the ground around the window to minimize the mess. You may want to duct tape the edges of the broke out windows to help keep from cutting yourself.
Score the inside caulking then use a thin prybar on the inside and pry out slowly, until you can get a grip on it from the outside.
daswede
10-11-04, 11:41 AM
Try a heat gun. not a hair dryer . Might soften caulk enough to pry away.
A small toilet/sink plunger may work to pull panels of .
A small toilet/sink plunger may work to pull panels of .
joneq
10-11-04, 12:07 PM
Is the inset a rabbit or a piece of trim that might be removable.Just a thought
VirginiaSmile
10-13-04, 08:51 AM
Is the inset a rabbit or a piece of trim that might be removable.Just a thought
I wish!! Good thought though.
Thanks to all for your input. Think I'll tackle this next spring -- duct tape in hand.
I wish!! Good thought though.
Thanks to all for your input. Think I'll tackle this next spring -- duct tape in hand.