Remove those you can and drill out those you can’t.
Once the screws are removed, the whole window unit
can be removed and the opening prepared with cap-
ping and/or new blindstop of aluminum/vinyl or
wood as described in “aluminum window removal.”
Under frequent circumstances, however, old steel
windows are too firmly embedded to be “removed” as
described above.  The first step, then, is to remove
the window operating assemblies by unscrewing or
cutting with recipro-saw or hacksaw.
Once operating assemblies are removed, carefully
remove or tape-protect all glass in the fixed panels.
Using the recipro-saw or hacksaw, cut all remaining
muntins and bottom metal frame leaving sides and
top intact to serve as outside blindstops.
There are a couple of ways to create "the blindstop"
to mount the new window against. First is to leave
the old frame intact. Using coil stock, shape a “cap”
to fit over the old steel frame remaining in the open-
ing.  The “U” shaped cap (app. 1”x1”x1”) will cover
the frame and hide the old exterior putty or concrete
embedment.  Once caulked, the exterior 
will be neat, finished, and weathertight.
Cover or caulk all cracks and holes.  Install new win-
dow against outside “blindstop” formed by remaining
frame pieces covered by the “U” cap.
The second option is to nail a 1" x 2" around the
opening. This wood "blindstop" can be mounted with
either the old steel frame completely removed or left
intact. If the removal of the old frame creates a dam-
aged area larger than the 1" x 2" can cover, a larger
piece of wood can be used. If the opening is complete-
ly disrupted, a wood buck or frame of 1" x 4" can be
attached on all four sides and then the 1" x 2" blind-
stop affixed. If the wood buck is necessary, don't
measure for the new window until the wood buck is 
in place.
Pre-
extruded
shapes 
or “Snap
Trim” can
make the
job easier.
Mount 
the angle
of the
snap trim
with “pop
rivet” or
snap into
accessory
groove to
the top of 
window.  After placed in opening, mount angle to
other sides.
Cap and caulk additionally as necessary outside, and
caulk and/or trim interior as required.
If you remove the whole frame which is embedded in
the masonry/brick, then you can use “F” Channel
effectively to cover the cavity and install the new 
window - anchoring it to the wall.  Equally effective is
a wood buck surround to cover the cavity, anchored
to the wall which then provides a mounting surface
for the new window.
Recipro 
Saw
Duct Tape
Remaining 
Steel Frame
Steel Frame
Caulk
Capping
Capping
Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 
67               ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission
SAMPLE MANUAL

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