Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 
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Leaving the Old
Frame in Place
For Aluminum Windows that have been mounted to the
underlying sheathing through a nailing fin, it is possible to
leave the old frame in and not disturb the siding.
First, you need to remove the operating sash and the fixed
sash, Usually this is easy to do unless the fixed glass is
glazed directly into the window framing. If so, tape the glass
with duct tape to help hold the glass together in case you
need to use force to get it out.
Once the glass panels are safely removed, used a reciprocat-
ing saw to cut through the vertical meeting stile as close to
the header and sill frame members as possible.
Once the center meeting stile is removed, apply a bedding
sealant and place the wide flange window against the old
frame and seat the sealant.
Trim the interior as needed. Be sure to address where the
flange of the new window sits against the old header to
make sure water is diverted out and over the new window
rather than behind it as it cascades down the side of the
exterior wall.
It is imperative that the top of the new window is sealed to
prevent cascading water from penetrating behind the exteri-
or flange and into the cavity between the window and the
opening.
Making the
Choice:
Leaving the
Old Frame In
SAMPLE MANUAL

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