Removing old glass block - replace with vinyl window

My friend wants to remove a large glass block window (approx 4 x 6) and replace with a sliding window in his kitchen. It is the old kind--the insert vent doesn't work anymore and the glass generates quite a bit of heat in the summer months.

The intention is to have a company remove the old block and haul away--we would be installing the new slider ourselves. I have installed vinyl replacement windows before with no major problems. My question is -- should we be concerned about potential damage to the window opening due to the glass block coming out? Or is the removal process a simple matter? Just want to be prepared in case.

Thanks!

 

What kind of construction is the window in?? Once you get them started, they come out fairly easily, and should not damage masonary construction. Other than masonary, depends on how the window was installed.

 

Bill, the best way I can describe the window is that it is set in a masonry wall. We are talking about an old brick bungalow, so the outside of the house is solid brick and the inside walls are plaster. I imagine the block window is original to the house (circa 1937). I don't know anything about block windows, so I am wondering if there might be a metal frame surrounding the glass block? Something that might pose a problem to remove?

There appears to be no wood framing around the window opening. The walls are very thick; I guess we will trim out the windows with 1 x 6's? We will also need to install strips of wood for the new slider window to rest against in the opening. I have helped install replacement windows, but never in a situation where there was no wood trim around the window opening.

 

My best educated guess, and it is only that, is that the window is held in place with mortar. One good pop(or two) in the middle of the window will prove me right or wrong.

 

Hopefully that will be the case. Do you know of any online instructions for framing out a window?

 

Online instructions? Only in written form on this site. (grin)

How you'll frame in the opening largely depends on what size your current opening turns out to be (once you remove the old window) and then what size your new opening will be. Is the new opening 2" smaller, or 10" smaller?

It also depends on how the new opening will be positioned inside the old opening...

-will the top of the window stay at it's current height, and the bottom of the opening be framed in higher?

-will the new window be positioned to the far left, or far right of the opening (so that you only have to patch in one side of the window?)

-or will the new window be positioned somewhat in the center of the old opening?

If you can provide us with the exact size of the old rough opening, the exact size of the new rough opening, and where the new window will be in relation to the old, then I'm sure we could help explain how to frame in your opening so that it's ready for the new window.

 

What sleeper said. The framing depends on what is going into the space.