How to Remove Window Grids Safely by Grid Type

Quick Answer: Can Your Grid Come Off?

How to Identify Your Window Grid Type

Removable interior or snap-in grilles. A single large pane of glass with a decorative grille clipped to the interior face of the sash. Look for clips, plungers or spring-loaded fasteners at the ends of the grille bars. These are the only grids designed to come off for cleaning.

Grilles between the glass. Metal or plastic bars floating inside the sealed insulating glass unit, between the two panes. There is no accessible surface behind them and no fastener to release.

Bonded or simulated divided-light (SDL) grilles. Bars permanently applied to the glass surface — often on both the interior and exterior — to imitate the look of true divided lights. These are easy to confuse with removable snap-in grilles because they also sit on the face of the glass, and they may show a visible seam or edge. The difference is that an SDL grille is adhered, not fastened: there are no clips or plungers to release, and prying at it can damage the finish, the adhesive bond or the glass. If you cannot find a fastener, assume the grille is bonded.

True divided-light windows. Actual individual small panes separated by permanent wood, vinyl or metal muntins. The muntins are structural — they hold the glass — so they do not come apart.

For a fuller breakdown of the types of removable window grids, including the names manufacturers use for each style, see our window-grid overview.

Removing a Confirmed Snap-In Grille

1. Confirm the grille is designed to be removable. Check the window label, brand and model, and read the manufacturer’s grille instructions before you start.
2. Look for the fasteners. Clips, plungers or spring-loaded attachment points around the ends of the grille bars are the sign of a removable system.
3. Support the grille close to the attachment point. Hold it near the fastener you are releasing so the bar does not bend or twist.
4. Release one fastener at a time. Follow the starting point and order the manufacturer specifies. Do not pull from the center of the grille — that is what bends bars and breaks clips.
5. Stop if it resists. If the grille does not release with gentle pressure, stop. It may be bonded, exterior-mounted, sealed between the glass or held by a fastener you have not found.
6. Check before using any tool. Consult the manufacturer and product-series instructions first. If a tool is permitted, use a plastic trim tool — never place a metal screwdriver, razor blade or improvised pry bar against the glass.
7. Lay the grille flat. Set it on a clean, soft surface in its original orientation so it does not bend.

Manufacturer-Specific Grid Systems

Grid attachment methods vary by manufacturer, product series and production year. Locate the window label or model information and consult the manufacturer’s instructions before removing a grille. Do not assume that every window from the same manufacturer uses the same removable-grid system. If the grille does not release with gentle pressure, stop rather than forcing it.

Cleaning a Removed Grille

• Remove loose dust with a dry, soft cloth.
• Clean the grille with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
• Wipe away soap residue with a second, lightly damp cloth.
• Dry the grille thoroughly before reinstalling it.
• Do not soak wood grilles.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or rough tools that could scratch the finish.

With the grille off, the glass is fully accessible for a streak-free clean. For the full cleaning and reinstallation process — including how to handle wood, vinyl, painted and metal grilles differently — see our guide to how to clean behind removable window grids.

Grids Sealed Between the Glass

If your grids are sealed between the panes of a double-pane window, they are part of the insulating glass unit. There is nothing to unclip and nothing to clean behind them. The only way to change or remove grids sealed between the panes is to replace the insulated glass unit.

If you are already replacing the unit because the glass is fogged or cracked, that is the point at which you can choose a new unit with a different grid pattern — or with no grids at all.

When to Call a Glass Shop

Consider calling a professional if:

• The glass is damaged window glass and needs replacement
• You want to change or remove grids that are sealed inside the insulating glass unit
• The grille clips are broken and the grille will not stay secured
• You cannot identify the grid type and do not want to risk prying at a bonded grille

Allnite Glass can inspect the window, determine whether the grille or insulated glass unit can be replaced, and discuss the available grid options for the specific window. Call (931) 645-2464 or visit 1525 Ashland City Rd in Clarksville, TN.