How to Remove fixed metal Upper Sash Window (manufactured in 2002)

[houseshopper]

I want to remove the upper and lower sash from a metal window frame so that I can move furniture too large to pass through a bedroom door. Removing the bottom sash is easy. The upper sash is fixed and removal is more complicated. Does anyone have pointers or tips about how to remove the upper sash? I think the window was made by Prime Line in 2002.

[MarshBendLover]

I have removed/replaced upper fixed glass on very similar looking windows. I see your bottom is a tilt out and can be removed by angling the tilted piece. But for upper removal you are taking a huge chance on damaging the plastic bead molding around the outside edge and you might not be able to buy a replacement. Basically what I have done is to pry (carefully) the outside bead away from the edge of the glass insert frame. Then pop glass out, carefully save window glass seats for later, then reinstall. The plastic bead can easily break, crack or otherwise be destroyed during prying.

If you choose to go that route, make sure you can get replacements ahead of time or be prepared to pay a company to come fix it. There may be some videos on it. What are you moving in that will go through a window, but not a door???? Door frames come out easier.

[villagetinker]

I just had a similar experience, and I was able to remove several screws and take the large piece of furniture apart, this allowed me to move the bottom part in with rollers, and 3 neighbors to carry in the top part.
The only other suggestion I can make is possibly some furniture movers have come across this problem and would share their secrets.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm not understanding how it could possibly fit through a bedroom window, but not through a bedroom door. Your bedroom doorway should be taller and wider than your bedroom window. If it's brand new furniture that you've just purchased, maybe consider returning it and getting furniture that actually fits through the door?

[houseshopper]

I have removed/replaced upper fixed glass on very similar looking windows. I see your bottom is a tilt out and can be removed by angling the tilted piece. But for upper removal you are taking a huge chance on damaging the plastic bead molding around the outside edge and you might not be able to buy a replacement. Basically what I have done is to pry (carefully) the outside bead away from the edge of the glass insert frame. Then pop glass out, carefully save window glass seats for later, then reinstall. The plastic bead can easily break, crack or otherwise be destroyed during prying.

If you choose to go that route, make sure you can get replacements ahead of time or be prepared to pay a company to come fix it. There may be some videos on it. What are you moving in that will go through a window, but not a door???? Door frames come out easier.


Thank you, CigarMaster. My window frame is all metal (no plastic bead), but I will follow your advice to be ready to have someone fix breakage ASAP if I get into trouble.

[houseshopper]

I just had a similar experience, and I was able to remove several screws and take the large piece of furniture apart, this allowed me to move the bottom part in with rollers, and 3 neighbors to carry in the top part.
The only other suggestion I can make is possibly some furniture movers have come across this problem and would share their secrets.

Thank you, VillageTinker. The furniture to be moved is a high-end curved sleigh-back couch. The only thing removeable is the feet and that won't shrink it enough to use the door. The window is wider than the door so I'll have to make the window plan work.

[houseshopper]

I'm not understanding how it could possibly fit through a bedroom window, but not through a bedroom door. Your bedroom doorway should be taller and wider than your bedroom window. If it's brand new furniture that you've just purchased, maybe consider returning it and getting furniture that actually fits through the door?

Thank you OrangeBlossomBaby. The widow is wider, but shorter than the door. The couch I need to move can pass through the window, but not the door. I'd leave the couch up north, but my spouse is determined to see that couch sitting in her music room (aka third bedroom).

[MarshBendLover]

Okay. So it's not the size of the door entrance for the furniture, but the area outside the doorway is not wide enough for length to make the turn? Can you send me a pic of the outside of the window that you want to remove?

For DIY, complete removal of the window frame to rough-in opening can be fairly simple. Brickmold around outside window is usually pre-attached to window frame, interior molding is held in place with braid nails and caulk to paint/drywall. Once molding is removed on inside, nails hold window frame can easily be cut and whole window removed.

Let me know and good luck.

[villagetinker]

Thank you, VillageTinker. The furniture to be moved is a high-end curved sleigh-back couch. The only thing removeable is the feet and that won't shrink it enough to use the door. The window is wider than the door so I'll have to make the window plan work.

I was surprised to find out that some furniture we had to move (large sofa) could be broken down with the removal of a couple of bolts. When we did this the backs came off and the furniture was much easier to move. Did you try calling the manufacturer to if this would be the case with your furniture?

Also, regarding having someone available for window repair, make plans to have plywood on hand to cover the opening until this person arrives with the necessary parts and equipment. IMHO, unless you actually buy the replacement window and have it delivered, you will be several days or longer for the repair.