I need help finding out what kind of windows I have in my cottage. The windows slide up into the wall. They are small when you raise them like the sash windows the window goes up into an opening in the wall. What is the name for this type window and if I were wanting to re-paint or repair them would I need to remove them? Oh and I prop them up with a pole as they do not stay up on there own yet.

So long as you can reach all the parts that need to be painted by opening and moving the window around you can repaint them without taking them out. We never take the windows out to repaint as that can cause trouble with the seal etc. To repaint the windows you will likely need to scrape and sand them - at least lightly sanding them by hand. This will help the paint stick. If the cottage is old you may want to buy a lead test (home depot has a cheap and easy one). If it test positive you will want to wear a mask and I always were eye protection when scraping sanding. As to the type of windows - they go into the wall??? You got me! You might want to cruise a window retailer's website to see if they have anything like yours - then you could find the name.

Good luck and watch out for that pole! Doesn't seem too safe!

Yes, the window goes up into the wall..? I have looked at window sites and thought maybe it was a pocket window which would make a little sense.I don't know what kind it is. You are right the pole isn't safe its the only way to keep it up though. Thanks for your help.

on this page you can see the window I am talking about I think it will be the last photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8847992@N07/991571823/in/photostream/

oh that's a fun one to paint! Does the outside pane slide down? Like a guillotine window? If so it will be easier to paint. If the top slides down then what you must do is start to prep/paint with that one. You have to move them alot. When I paint guillotine windows I do the back one first so I can move the closer one without paint issues. Do remember to not close or open all the way when painted so you don't get marks. When I finish the back pane I move to the front doing the very bottom first. then slide it about 1/2 way to reach all the pieces. It is time consuming. Trying to remove that window would be really difficult so try to work with it. I personally don't use tape I just cut the glass in with a brush. You can tape the glass but it takes forever. Remember its glass and can be scraped if you get paint on it. Good luck!

I looked at the pic again and it almost looks like an guillotine that was partially covered. As for the stick issue - you should have chains or rope on the side of the window inside the casement (you can see it) and that works the window and keeps it in place. If those are missing than that is the problem. As to the fix - I don't know. It looks like you are doing a remodel and you may want to speak with you contractor about replacing the window. Especially if it is partially covered. Again good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you Maybe just maybe my mom was right..that the builders may have added the cabinets over the existing window. I've painted it now and all is good. Thanks again!

Oh my goodness! Don't you hate it when your parents are right! I have a suspicion that she is right. Glad the project was completed and I hope you have many happy times in your home!

windows are like women ...you should replace them when they start to get get chilly, wobbly and make too much noise.

does anybody ever actually read this blog ?

Did you have a question livingin80's?

i believe i framed my comment in the form of a question mr. trebeck....but thanks anyway.