Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 7/2/2007

Question
I have a Jalousie window in a steel frame.
The exterior wall is Block w/stucco.
And the wall has Aluminum Siding.
There is Capping around the current window.
How can i remove the window without destroying the Capping ?
I don't see how to remove the Capping because it goes under the J Channel
around the window opening & i cant remove the nails, which are under the
siding.
Also it has some kind of Caulking that is so hard i can't even cut with a
utility knife. ( never saw caulking this hard )
Is there any way i can remove the window thru the interior side ?
I herd there is a 1/2" lip around the exterior side of the window which will
stop me from pulling the window into interior side.
Any suggestions appreciated.

Answer
That's an "I'd have to see it" type question.  Are you hoping to replace it with another window?  You are probably familiar with replacement-type windows (usually double-hung) that are designed to be installed without requiring removal of trim, dripcaps, existing window frame...  You may be able to remove the glass panels and hardware from the jalousie leaving only a steel frame, which you could fur-out with wood jambs, head and sill if required for the new (replacement-style) window.  I agree that there are likely nailing flanges that prohibit pulling the window directly to the interior.  You could always cut up the frame in place (with a metal blade on a reciprocating saw) and remove it; however, to properly install a new window will require removing the trim/siding/dripcap anyway.  Hope that helps -- good luck!