How to Remove the Dormer Window

Determine the best location to remove the window. If the dormer is on a room in the house, you can access from there and your job will be simpler. If you have to access the window from the outside, ensure that your ladder is secured firmly on the ground. Have an assistant hold the ladder for safety reasons.

Pry off the exterior trim around the dormer window using a pry bar. Trim usually comes off easily and should be removed from the interior and exterior frame of the window. If your dormer opens from the inside, it will be easier to get out on the roof or lean out the window to get the trim off.

Cut around the perimeter of the window frame with a reciprocating saw. This type of saw will allow you to create a cut all the way around the window and will even cut through the nails holding the window frame in place.

Remove the window sashes from all four sides of the window. The window sashes are the outermost frame and will typically pry off with the use of a claw hammer or a small crow bar. Insert the sharp edge of either into any crevices you find. From there, gently pull out on the sashes. These are fragile, so if you will need them again later with your next window, pull them off carefully.

Pry loose the window jamb liners. The liners are typically installed on vinyl windows and can be pulled away from the window frame using a simple pry bar.

Pull out the window glass from the remaining frame. The glass will pull out easily once you've cut around the frame and loosened up the entire window.

Cut through the bottom of the window frame with the reciprocating saw. Cutting the frame will finish loosening it to the point that you'll be able to pull out the glass easily by hand.