Removing wood windows for repair, leave shashes in during removal?

My brother wants me to help him with his windows since Ive been talking about replacing mine. One of his will most likely need to be pulled out for repair. Is it best to leave the sashes in so frame wont warp or a chance of it separate during removal as one side and top of the brick molding will also have to be removed. These are wood "twin" double hung windows nominal size is about 2/8 x 4/6.

 

If you are using replacement windows, you will leave the frame in place and remove the sashed. the replacement will fit into the existing frame. If you are using new construction windows, then removing the old ones won't matter since you will probably destroy them getting them out anyway. What part of his window needs repairing? Sash, frame, molding, etc.?

 

If I understand your question correctly you'll have to take the sash out. The sash won't help keep anything square unless they're nailed in place. While the sash are out it will be a good time to maintain them. Sand off that paint crust so they'll open and close. Tighten any corners that are swelling open and repair any rot. While they're out you can replace the ropes and install some spring bronze weatherstripping.

To remove the sash, split the paint on the inside stop with a utility knife and pry carefully on the stop from the sash side to avoid scaring the face. When the stops out you can lift out the sash. If you're going to replace the ropes then just cut them. If you're going to use the ropes just pop them out of the knot holes. Somethimes there's a little nail through the knot to hold it in the knot hole. The parting stop shouldn't be nailed in but watch for a small nail or two. You can usually wiggle the parting stop free with a pair of pliers. Take them out with care ond reuse the parting stops. Some of that old stop material had odd sizes that won't be stocked anywhere.

Good Luck

 

thanks, We are going to repair the old ones that has the usual damage from 20 year old windows. Just wasn't sure about removing the sashes prior to removal while removing the whole window from the house. I'm a mechanic not a woodworker and making sure we don't cause ourselves more problems by doing things we shouldn't of done as his wife isn't as understanding as mine...thanks