Sometimes a window just isn’t pulling its weight. This Sherwood homeowner had one in the entry wall right next to the door, and they wanted that wall for coats and storage instead. So we took the window out and closed the wall in for good, inside and out, so it looks like the window was never there.
The Before
The window sat in the middle of the wall by the door. With the window in the way, there was only room for a handful of hooks. There was also a crack in the drywall running out from the top corner of the window.
Outside, the window was set in grooved T1-11 panel siding.
Closing Up the Outside First
When you remove a window in Oregon, the most important part is keeping the rain out. Here’s what Brian did on the outside:
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- Removed the window and its trim
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- Closed in the opening
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- Removed two sheets of siding and replaced them with new T1-11 siding, so the patch isn’t just a filled-in hole
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- Added proper flashing to keep water moving down and out
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- Caulked and painted the new siding to blend in with the rest of the house
It rained during the job, so Brian put a tarp up over the new siding to keep it dry enough to paint. Getting the outside sealed and painted before the wet season really sets in keeps a project like this from causing problems down the road.
Finishing the Inside
Inside is where the change really shows. Our team:
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- Drywalled the old window opening and replaced the cracked section of drywall
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- Repaired an inside drywall corner
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- Textured and painted the wall to match
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- Added wainscoting trim to match the other walls, so the panels now run straight across
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- Took down the high shelf and reinstalled it
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- Hung two rows of coat hooks the homeowner picked out
While we were there, we also added a 4-inch trim board to another wall to protect the paint and put a few metal hooks in a closet. Brian handled this one over three days, with a hand from Gavin.
Is Removing a Window Right for You?
A window delete can make sense when:
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- You need wall space for storage, hooks, cabinets or furniture
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- A window lets in too much heat, cold or street noise
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- An old window is drafty or leaking and you don’t need it
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- You’re changing how a room is used, like turning a corner into a mudroom
The key is doing it right on both sides of the wall. That means flashing and siding that shed water outside, and drywall, texture and trim that blend in inside. Done well, nobody can tell a window was ever there.
When to Call a Pro
Removing a window touches framing, siding, flashing, drywall and paint, so it’s a good job to hand off. We’re local, licensed, bonded and insured, and we show up when we say we will. Thinking about removing a window, or rethinking a wall in Sherwood, Hillsboro, Beaverton, West Portland or nearby? Text us at (503) 567-1058 for a quote. Sending a few photos of the wall, inside and out, helps us get back to you faster.