How to remove a complete window unit

[Wing Commander]

Right, I need some urgent help!

I need to remove this complete window unit to fit a sofa through it... It was bought by the M-i-L today, with me and the OH in tow. Now it's my fault that it doesn't fit through the door as, being the man, I should have said... but that is another story!

This is the window, and the only idea I have of how it is all held in is 2 big screws. I have zoomed in on one of them (at the bottom of the open window aperture), and the other side is the mirror opposite obviously. Apart from these two big screws, I cannot see anything substantial enough to be used to hold the whole unit in place.

This leads me to think that maybe the bottom of the unit slots into place, and the two big screws are then all that is required.











Any urgent help is *very* much appreciated. We have had shouting, screaming and tears today - and I am in the dog house naturally.

Thanks PH

[DrDeAtH]

You will find it is more than the 2 screws.. possibly 6. Also you will need to chip off the render to the sides of the window.. not an easy out I'm afraid.... Tell the M-I-L she is a silly cow for buying to large an item of furniture....then run

[miniman]

Before you remove it... you're sure there's a lintel above it? REALLY sure?

[Wing Commander]

Nope, not sure on anything I'm afraid! I'm nothing more than I quick learner when it comes to diy.

There is apparently a window man coming tomorrow so hopefully that should sort things.

It's no ones fault, just it definitely isn't mine

Doesn't help that I've started knocking away door frames to make it fit, all in vain by all accounts. Ho hum

[mgtony]

There's most likely another couple of screws on each side, but probably hidden behind the glass, ie the window's been fitted then glazed to hide them. Might be a pig of a job. You could use a cable/pipe finder to locate the screws!

[tim0409]

I feel your pain. I built my own house last year and the once it was finished the OH decided she didn't like the sunroom door opening inwards so I had to carefully remove it which was a PITA even though I remembered how I put it in.

I have one of these

http://www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/boptocs2-uk/DIY/Tools...

and was able to run it down the side of the door frame between the firestop in order to cut through the screws (you need a few metal blades!!)

Good luck!

[Simpo Two]

mgtony said:

There's most likely another couple of screws on each side, but probably hidden behind the glass, ie the window's been fitted then glazed to hide them.

This looks like single-glazed older stuff with all sections opening, so the other screws are behind the slidey hinges.

Frankly I'd dismantle the sofa or get a smaller one. And yes, the rendering seems to go over the frame, so frankly, leave it.

[Wing Commander]

Simpo Two said:

This looks like single-glazed older stuff with all sections opening, so the other screws are behind the slidey hinges.

Frankly I'd dismantle the sofa or get a smaller one. And yes, the rendering seems to go over the frame, so frankly, leave it.

It's only the top windows that open, and I *think* its double glazed but hopefully it is all in hand now, with the original window installer man coming out tomorrow.

Sofa will not dismantle any further, and I have lots of rectification work to do tomorrow and Tuesday I fear...

Thanks all!

[Simpo Two]

OK, good luck!


1987 by any chance?

[Pooky67]

You're sure the sofa doesn't dismantle?

[cpas]

It might be cheaper and easier to get a replacement window made up looking as near to this one as possible, then take this window out (destroying the frame in the process) and replacing it with the new one.

[Wing Commander]

Simpo Two said:

OK, good luck!


1987 by any chance?

Que?!

Pooky67 said:

You're sure the sofa doesn't dismantle?

Yep, unfortunately!

[renorti]

just smash the frame ,claim accident on your insurance, they will fit a new window. just pop your stuff in before they pop in the new one,

[tim0409]

renorti said:

just smash the frame ,claim accident on your insurance, they will fit a new window. just pop your stuff in before they pop in the new one,

Not sure committing fraud is the answer :-)
Any decent joiner will have that window out in one piece.

[stevieb]

We made the same cockup.. But thankfully the patio door lifted off the runners giving the extra room needed to get it in the house.

[Muncher]

I wouldn't take that out, you're going to ruin the render and paintwork around the window for a start, the cost to take it out and make it all good will be more than the cost of the sofa.

Sell the sofa and buy a smaller one!