Window replacement improves the performance of older homes that have been impacted by water infiltration and rot. It also upgrades a home’s aesthetic and can add value.
Installers should caulk and insulate the area around new windows to promote a snug fit, reduce energy loss, and keep moisture from damaging wood frames. This will also prevent stale air and help maintain an ideal temperature inside. Visit https://yourhomeexteriors.com/ to learn more.
When most homeowners shop for replacement windows, they don’t realize that there are two types of installation options: insert or full-frame. This distinction is important because it can impact how easy the windows are to install and maintain, as well as how much energy they will save.
Full-frame window replacement involves removing the entire existing frame, down to the studs, and replacing it with a new one. Also known as block-frame windows, this style of window replaces both the head across the top, jambs along the bottom, and sills on either side of the original frame. The advantage of this method is that it allows you to change the size and type of window without having to worry about whether your home’s exterior trim will accommodate a newer frame.
The drawback of this type of install is that it’s more expensive and inherently takes longer than an insert. It’s also a good idea to use a professional window contractor for this type of project since it can be difficult and dangerous for an inexperienced homeowner.
Window inserts are installed by leaving the existing frame, jambs, and sill in place and “inserting” a new window into it. This is the most popular type of install because it’s installer-friendly and requires minimal maintenance once it’s complete. However, this method may be less aesthetically pleasing and can lead to gaps around the window that allow for air leakage and drive up your energy bills.
Insert window replacement works well if your current frame is still in good condition and you like its shape and location in your home. However, if the frame is warped or damaged or if there’s rot in the jambs or sill, it’s a good idea to choose a full-frame replacement so your replacement windows will last and look great for years to come.
Another reason to choose a full-frame replacement is that it can be a good way to find and repair water damage within the existing frame or sill. During the removal process, your installation team will be able to inspect the frame and surrounding area for any signs of water infiltration that could result in mold, mildew, or rot. If you don’t repair these areas before installing your new windows, they will be prone to moisture problems in the future that can damage your home.
Brick-to-Brick
Brick-to-brick windows replace the entire window frame, casing, jambs and existing brick molding and trim. It is a more complete installation and can be more expensive than retrofit windows. The extra cost is largely due to the amount of labor involved with this type of installation.
Brick to brick installation is a great option if you are replacing a window in a solid-brick house or historic district that requires preservation of the building’s integrity. It is also the better choice for a home that may have moisture damage or rot in the frame or sill. This is because the full-frame installation allows for better insulation and a tighter seal.
Unlike a retrofit installation, with a brick to brick window replacement, the entire frame is removed and replaced, allowing for foam insulation around the whole frame. This method also guarantees that any old rotting wood and insulation is cleaned out completely before the new window is installed. The advantage of this is that you will know your home is well-insulated and sealed and that your new vinyl windows are a good fit.
The biggest challenge with a full-frame replacement on a brick house is making sure the measurements are precise. This is particularly important for older houses with larger windows that require special frames. It is important to get the jamb-to-jamb measurements and the inside width of the window at the top, center and bottom. In addition, there is often a storm flap on the bottom of the window that should be caulked to protect against wind-driven water infiltration.
If you are considering a brick-to-brick replacement in your home, it is best to work with an experienced contractor. This type of project is more invasive than the retrofit installation and there are many things that can go wrong if not done properly. It is a good idea to have your home inspected and approved for this type of remodeling prior to beginning. This will ensure that your window is a good fit and can stand up to our Canadian winters, prevent moisture and air infiltration, and be energy efficient for years to come.
Insert Replacement
The simplest of the two install methods, insert replacement windows are installed within the existing window frame. The interior and exterior trim remain in place, with a small cap or trim piece put around the perimeter to connect the new window to the existing frame. This type of installation allows for a quick solution, while also saving money on materials and labor.
This type of replacement is a good choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their home with energy-efficient windows, but do not want to spend the time and money on full frame replacement or do not want to disrupt the existing trim. It is important to note, however, that this method may not be appropriate for deteriorating wood frames or other structural problems in the existing trim. If there is pervasive rot or softness in the existing frames, a full replacement should be considered.
During an insert replacement, installers remove the existing sashes and sash pulleys to open up the space for the new pocket window unit. Any remaining gaps or weight pockets are then filled in with insulation to help reduce air leakage. Then, the new window is inserted into the opening and caulked in place.
One drawback of this type of replacement is that the glass surface will be smaller because the original frame remains in place and limits the size of the window opening. This is a good solution if you are looking to replace double-hung windows that slide vertically, but it may not be an option for sliders or casement windows.
When installing an insert, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sizing the window unit to the window opening. Choosing the right size will ensure proper fit, and it will also prevent moisture seepage and water damage. It is also a good idea to choose a window that can be painted to match the color of your existing trim.
Custom Replacement
You can find replacement windows at home centers, but that doesn’t mean you should attempt to install them yourself. A licensed window contractor will be able to provide you with the best products that enhance your home’s value, lower your energy costs and last for years to come.
Most of the time, the replacement windows you see at your local store are stock size and are intended for new construction (additions, bump-outs or entirely new homes). These kinds of windows have nail fins built in, which are designed to hammer into framing that’s already in place. When you buy and install these windows yourself, you are taking on a very difficult project.
If your existing home has old, drafty windows, broken glass or rotted frames, the chances are high that you are losing money due to poor insulation and air infiltration. You might also be paying too much for your energy bills, and you may notice that your indoor noise levels are excessively high.
The solution? New custom-made replacement windows. Custom windows are fabricated to the exact measurements of your existing frame, so they fit perfectly. They also offer the flexibility of design that comes with choosing exactly the right style and features to suit your home’s unique needs.
Whether your home is an older one with window sizes that are no longer available, or you have a unique shaped opening that requires custom sized windows, you will want to choose this type of replacement. It’s the only way to ensure your new windows will fit your existing frame and provide a tight seal against leaks and air infiltration.
Custom windows are typically more expensive than the stock windows that can be purchased at retail stores or lumber yards, but they will save you time and frustration in the long run. Not only will they be easier to install, but because they are made specifically for your existing window openings, you will also need fewer repairs in the areas surrounding the windows. And with your home’s exterior looking good and the windows working well, you will experience a faster return on your investment.