Doors and Windows - Removing windows

I've been reading and researching for a couple weeks about replacing some windows myself. I've looked at various examples but can't figure out how they apply to my current windows. Can anyone help explain to me what I should be removing from my current windows. Here is a link to some pics. Thanks.

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1246815

It looks to me like you already have some vinyl replacement windows installed in your home. All the instructions you have been reading likely refer to the steps taken to replace the old original wood sashes. It also looks like the windows you currently have in your home are secured to the house with nailing fins, which are covered up by your vinyl siding. Your windows also appear to have a drywall receptor on the interior sides and top. If I had to guess, I'd say the windows in photos 3 and 4 are 10-15 years old, but the one in photo 2 is a newer window, less than 10 years.

Replacing these windows will be a major undertaking for you. It will involve removing the vinyl siding around the windows, installing your new window, and then hoping that your old siding will work around your new window. (since it was cut to fit the old window, the new one will need to be the same exact size, and be installed in exactly the same place in order for your siding to go back on in the exact same manner.) You will likely also need to strip the interior of the rough opening in order to insulate around the new window you install. That means new drywall or some sort of trim around your new window.

I'm also guessing that your double-hung windows are hard to operate because of the spiral balances (photo 3) which give out after about 10 years. Those parts can be replaced with new ones.

hi
From the pic i see there's 2 possibility
1. check inside the window fram if ther any screw that are set in the frame to the stud
2. there fasten from the outside.
You need to remove the siding around the window and the J trim you will see a plastic edge and they must be nailed in it or screws.

cheers

pg

Thanks for the replys but I'm a little confused. First off these pictures are all of the same window. We bought this house brand new about 13 years ago. These are all vinyl new construction windows not replacement windows. I thought the purpose of replacement windows was that you didn't need to remove the frame of the old window or do anything to the outside.

Yes one of the big reasons I want to replace these is because of those spirals.

I see. I thought they were pictures of various windows around the house. It didn't help that the "enlarge picture" link wasn't working! ;)

Replacement windows were originally designed as an easier way to install a window in an existing wood frame (such as older houses with wood windows). But the same companies that make replacement windows also make the same exact windows as a "new construction" window, with an attached nailing fin. This is probably what led to the confusion.

Since your windows are already vinyl, and are new construction windows (with nailing fins), replacement windows are just not the thing to use to replace your current windows. If you want to replace the window, you will need to replace it with another new construction window, likely a custom sized one.

I guess my estimate of 10-15 years old was about right. ;)

The spiral balances are fairly easy to replace, and replacing them should make your windows work like new again. If the vinyl has become dirty, cleaning it with soft scrub will help to restore the original shine. Cleaning the pivot shoe track and lubricating it with silicone spray, then wiping everything dry with a clean cloth may also help make things operate smoothly again.

Putting oil on a vinyl window to make it slide easier is about the worst thing you can do. If you'd like more information on replacing your spiral balances, just let me know.

Actually I would be interested in any info on replacing the spirals that you have. I do have another question though. On the outside you see the the wide flat frame area. Does this just pop off? How is it attached? The pics should zoom if you click on them. Thanks for the help.

The wide flat frame area that I think you are referring to does not pop off, it is part of the window frame. (when I click on the link to enlarge the picture, the picture won't open.)

Regarding spiral balance replacement, this .pdf seems to explain it well, provided you have an Adobe .pdf viewer installed. http://www.jeld-wen.com/_pdf/SWD009.pdf

To replace the spiral balances on your windows, you would need a screwdriver, and a spiral balance adjustment tool. Provided you know what brand windows you have, it should be easy to get replacements. They come in various lengths, so you will want to measure them and order accordingly.

I see that Home Depot carries various lengths, and they also have the tool to tighten them. http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1222142521.1110419691@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeaddedgjdlmjcgelceffdfgidgln.0&MID=9876

Thanks for the links. I'm not sure why the pics aren't comming up for you. You are clicking on the pic and not the text that says click to zoom? It also may be that you have a popup blocker and the window that opens up with the zoomed pic is considered a pop up.