The Basics of Replacement Windows
Full-frame replacement or insert? Understand which approach is right for your window situation.
When people think of replacing a window, they often mean an insert replacement window, where only the sash and balance system are replaced and the existing window frame and trim are left in place. This contrasts with a full-frame replacement, which involves replacing the entire window, frame and all.
Deciding which approach is right for your particular situation depends on your budget, the condition of the existing window, and how the home is constructed. Unless the frame needs significant reconstruction, it’s often easier and less expensive to use an insert window. An insert window can often be installed in half an hour or less.
Insert windows are custom-sized to match the existing window frame. The installation contractor or estimator from the window company will usually measure your existing window when they come to look at the job. They’ll also assess the condition of your existing windows to see if they’re suitable for inset replacement windows.
Unfortunately, if the window frame is rotted or significantly out of square, you’ll most likely have to replace the entire window, a process described as full-frame window replacement. A full-frame window replacement is a big job. You have to pull off the interior and exterior trim, remove the window, install the new window, integrate it into the home’s drainage plane, and reinstall the trim. If you broke any siding, plaster, or drywall taking out the old window, you’ll need to fix that, too.
Full-frame window replacement is even more complicated on brick and stucco homes. This is because the brick or stucco cladding often covers at least part of the window frame. If you need to break out the stucco around the window, which is common, or remove brick for replacement (less common), you’ll have to repair the stucco or brick, too.
Check out these links to learn a lot more.
Video: Installing an Inset Window in a Brick House (Introduction)
Video: Choosing Between Inset and Full-Frame Replacement
Article: Getting the Right Replacement Window
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We had a contractor install replacement windows in our bathrooms and kitchen in the conventional way, that is by removing the old sashes and balance system and sliding in the replacement window. We were not happy with the result because we lost glass area and the look was quite frankly - ugly.
For the remaining windows on the house, we used a hybrid method. First the outside molding, the sashes, the balance system and the jambs were removed. (The inside casing and stool were left in place.) The replacement windows (from Lowes) were dimensioned to fit fairly snugly to the window rough framing.
The jambs of the new replacement windows went in tight against the inside casing and stool. After foaming, we put the outside molding back on. The result was no loss of glass area (some windows actually showed a gain.) and the look is just as good or better than that of the old windows.
P.S. I did go with so-called new installation windows because I don't like the look and we would have had to pull siding off.
In my mind, the first step is deciding if replacing the existing windows is the best option. For example, old wood windows can often be updated with new weather seals, new re-glazing and a fresh coat of paint for less than the cost of installing replacement windows. Plus, you don't have to disturb the exterior trim. Add quality storm window and you have a system that approaches the efficiency of modern, double pane glass while maintaining the original character of the house.
Correction:
P.S. I did NOT go with so-called new installation windows because I don't like the look and we would have had to pull siding off.
Your are right that depending on the current situation your old window is in determines what steps to use going forward. You might only need to replace the glass, or you might have to replace the entire frame. It all depends on how damaged and warn out the window really is. http://ssglassanddoor.com/window/2814490
Installing replacement windows doesn't have to be a hassle. Some companies, like http://www.findreplacementwindows.com , offer free consultations so you don't even have to leave your home. Visiting a showroom is always a great start, but it's not essential.
Look for companies that offer energy efficiency for tax incentives, temperature control, and noise reduction.