My house was built in 1958 and we have these horrible crank out metal windows that are drafty, and half do not open and the other half are nailed shut (because they would not close). I have searched everywhere for tips on removing these windows. The best I can tell they are set between the outside walls and the siding with a flange. My husband and I are quite adept at remodeling, (finished basement, built shop, remodeled kitchen) but are a little stumped on how to remove these windows. Should we just cut the metal flush to the frame? Any body out there have a history with these beasts? Not really wanting to go another winter with these drafty old nasty windows.

Post two pictures, one inside and one outside of one of the windows.
What type siding do you have?
Is the flanges on the windows under the siding on the outside?

"metal crank out windows"... one piece window, or a tubload of little glass panes that tip up and down?

the former are casement windows, and generic parts that fit most brands are on a pegboard at most big home centers.

the latter are Jalousie windows, and serve no good purpose except maybe in Florida. those should be dumped.

if the windows themselves are in good shape yet on casements, the hardware can be readjusted or replaced. if the glass is "blown" and is cloudy and appears moldy, the glass elements themselves can be replaced for a hundred bucks or so. weatherstripping is readily availiable.

we refinished our casements, replaced the glass, and put in new edge weatherstrip, and they're working great.

otherwise, there are "replacement window" units that allow you to leave the weatherstripping in place, take out the old windows and stops, and fit in a modern efficient window unit with little labor. beats tearing down to replace "new construction" windows hands down.

There is no repairing these, single pane, aluminum (I think)surround. They are drafty even in a southern winter. I have to line the curtains with blankets to keep the draft out.

We have vinyl siding over the original lapboard siding and best we can tell the flange is under the original siding. I would like to get by with out ripping the siding off.

and now the inside. Hard to se the crank in the bottom right. This is a two section (top/bottom) roll out awning style. Most of them are 3 sections.

quote:

Originally posted by LilPinkToolbelt:
My house was built in 1958 and we have these horrible crank out metal windows that are drafty, and half do not open and the other half are nailed shut (because they would not close). I have searched everywhere for tips on removing these windows. The best I can tell they are set between the outside walls and the siding with a flange. My husband and I are quite adept at remodeling, (finished basement, built shop, remodeled kitchen) but are a little stumped on how to remove these windows. Should we just cut the metal flush to the frame? Any body out there have a history with these beasts? Not really wanting to go another winter with these drafty old nasty windows.

I don't have a history with these beasts, but I would like to know do you want to replace this window and need our help?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SandraCher,

The right way to replace them is to remove the siding around the windows, remove trim around the windows inside and out.
Most likly the flanges around the windows will have screws holding them in place and a gooy sealer behind the flange, remove the screws and use a flat bar to pry them out.
Once the windows out the new constrution window can be slid in and window tape applyed to the nailing fin.
If you cut them out as suggested there's no way to seal around the windows properly.

So there is no way to use a replacement window for this fix? Not really jazzed about removing the exterior siding x 2 (vinyl and wood).

No way of knowing since you didn't remove the inside trim and take a photo of it. Some you can remove the window and abut a replacement window to the existing frame.