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Home : Review Topics : Replacement Windows Installation Reviews Replacement Windows Installation ReviewsHey there and welcome to our 2023 replacement windows installation reviews page that tackles a range of window replacement installation topics and aspects. If you want to skip right to the consumer reviews and answers section, use this link. Just below this video, I was going to explain the difference between replacement window vs new construction installation. Or if you'd prefer to watch the video, that's works too!
Replacement Windows vs New Construction InstallationThere are two basic replacement window installation methods. The first, and by far the simplest, is called pocket installation…it’s also sometimes called retrofit installation...it's also sometimes called insert installation...and sometimes referred to as replacement window installation. For simplicity sake, I’ll refer to all of these as pocket installation from here on out. Pocket Window InstallationWith pocket installation, the old window is cut out of the opening, leaving you with a big hole in your wall. The new window unit is then inserted directly into the opening and attached to the wood frame of your home through predrilled screw holes in the new window frame. The holes are covered over and then the window unit is insulated using a low expanding foam and then caulked to create an airtight seal both inside and out. Then, any exterior and/or interior trim is installed.
"On average, retrofit window installation cost should run $100 to $150 per window, with $125 per window being the average cost." Full Frame Window InstallationNow onto full frame installation, sometimes referred to as new construction installation. When your windows were originally installed, they came attached to a flange or nailing fin that runs along the top and sides of the window. So not only must the window be removed, but also the flange that sits beneath whatever material is on the outside of your home. So, of course, removing 6 inches of material around the outside of each window is considerably more labor intensive.
"On average, full frame window replacement cost should run $200 to $500 per window, with $300 per window being the average cost." Full Frame Window Replacement vs Insert RecapOkay, to quickly recap, pocket installation is the simpler method that is less expensive, but you do lose some glass area. Full frame window installation is the more expensive and labor intensive method, but you don’t lose any glass area in the process.
Get Our Recommended Window List Also please consider filling out the free form on our site for 3 quality window price quotes — it’s how we afford to provide free consumer information. We’re not incentivized by ANY company and will help you with ANY questions you might have, and help you navigate ANY bids you receive. That’s our guarantee to you! dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Window Installation Method QuestionDane, I also wanted to ask if perhaps you could comment on the installation method. I have a stucco house and the window co told me it would be retrofitted windows. Is that the method for a stucco house? I want to preserve the current look of my home where very little of the white vinyl frame shows from the exterior plus also do not want issues with leaking windows down the line.
[Website Editor Answers]Elizabeth, with stucco homes, a retrofit installation is the much easier way to put in new windows. As long as they properly seal the opening, there shouldn't be any issues with leaking -- that's where installation is so important, so make sure to get a quality outfit to do the work. For pricing information, check out our window replacement cost calculator.
Do It Yourself Window InstallationHello Dane, I hope to take little of your time, and am happy to be redirected to elsewhere on the site if I've missed something.
[Site Editor's Answer]James, if you are interested in DIY, you have a couple different options. One, you can take my list of good windows and search for local dealers who may or may not be willing to sell to you directly. It's kind of a crap shoot, but I have certainly heard of dealers willing to sell direct to the "public." Okna Windows is one of the brands that I've heard will occasionally sell direct.
Standard And Full Frame InstallationLove your website. What is the difference between standard and full frame installs. When I try to google it always compares insert to full frame.
[Website Editor Answers]Don, the site calculator refers to replacements as inserts. Essentially cutting out the window while it is in the frame and placing another window in that same opening, then securing it to the studs using screws through the window frame. Full frame replacement takes out the entire window and nailing fin, pulling the opening back to the frame and then installing a new construction window (the window with the nailing fin), flashing and sealing the window, and then redoing the exterior and/or interior.
Retrofit Or Full Frame ReplacementDane - There is a dealer that only replaces the full window including the frame and claims there will trouble later, as soon as 5 years, with only changing the window part. Of course damage must be corrected but is there an overall benefit to routinely changing the frame also? This is a reputable local dealer. Also what do you think about wrapping the exterior wood trim with vinyl or aluminum?
[Website Editor Answers]Mark, the best way to know whether you should go with a retrofit or a full frame replacement is by getting 3 or 4 more bids. Basically what you're doing is getting free advice that at some point will give you a consensus on what the best course of action is for the overall condition of your existing frames.
HD Replacement Window ServicesI would like review of Home Depot replacement window services. Thanks.
[Site Editor's Answer]Annette, in general I'm not a fan of HD installation due to the fact that they pay their subcontractors such a low fee that is typically a per window payout. This means they pay by the number of windows they install instead of by the specific job. This tends to incentivize the installers to go as quickly as they can, instead of being very thorough with their work. This isn't to say that there aren't good installers, because there are. I have met some who were extremely conscientious and very good at their jobs.
Ply Gem Pro Installation IssuesHi Dane. Our builder used the Ply Gem Pro series and I had issues with them while still in the building phase. They were complicated to lock. You push bottom sash down and top sash comes with it, not allowing you to line up the lock without pushing/pulling and leaning into it to line up locks. They had the rep lubricate the tracks a little better, but now I noticed when it's locked shut and supposedly sealed I can see daylight in the corners and feel air coming in from these small openings.
[Site Editor's Answer]Vicki, the locks not lining up could be an installation issue. The fact that you can see daylight in the corners is DEFINITELY an installation issue. Window openings are holes in your walls and if you can see through to the other side, that's about as bad as you can get. Talk about losing money on heat and/or cooling costs.
Install Issues With Simonton Or VinylmaxIf our contractor has installed the Simonton 5500 series and is willing to install Vinylmax Edison series, should I be concerned as to whether or not he can do that? Or is installing one window pretty much the same as installing another.
[Site Editor's Answer]Typically there should not be any issues installing one window or another…not always the case, but it shouldn't be an issue — make sure he feels comfortable installing it and go from there...
Installation Step ProposalIf both the Okna 500 and NT Presidential series are foam filled and the price is now within a couple of thousand of dollars, do you still think Okna is the way to go? Also, the Okna rep does use foam spray in the cavitiy of the window opening and then caulks and seals it. I do have the exact installation method for the NT windows below. They are different and I would appreciate your thoughts on which is better or are they equal but different.
[Site Editor's Answer]Kathy, I would go with the Okna 500 series window. The installation steps look good to me and honestly if he has a good reputation, then whatever method he feels comfortable with is the one he's going to use and get the best results. If he's worth his salt, which it sounds like he is, he is going to clean up any mess he makes to make sure you are a happy customer.
Window Retrofit vs Full ReplacementWe have the 8 x 4 foot builder grade slider vinyl window that is going to be replaced with vinyl casements on each end and a stationary center. One company is quoting it as a tear with nail fins.The other is a retrofit installation. Which is the better way to go?
[Site Editor's Answer]Carol, there is simply no way for me to tell you which approach is the better one. They both have their pros and cons. I would get two more bids and see if you can get a consensus. At the end of the day, the tear out will be save you glass area, but may cost quite a bit more. The retrofit will usually lose some glass area and may not be quite as clean looking, but it will be less expensive.
Window Installation OptionsI have had four different window guys come to the house. First, Simonton 5050, the second is from Soft-Lite Windows both replace by razor cut between window and dry wall from the inside--both quotes around $7000. Third guys said don't need to replace windows, but I need to have glass only replaced in three at $300 per window. Fourth guy said everyone else is installing windows incorrectly, and I need to have all the trim work completely removed and windows cut out from the outside to the frame- $12000 quote. How do you install replacement windows? I have one broken seal, windows sweat, and they are builder grade, metal, double pane windows installed in 1991. Should I repair or replace?
[Site Editor's Response]Jennifer, it sounds like you have run the gamut in terms of the recommendations for installation of replacement windows. The first two estimates are suggesting a retrofit replacement window, which replaces the window, without touching the existing sills, frames and/or exterior casing. You do lose some glass area when the new replacements go in, but if done correctly, you won't lose much.
Retrofit WindowsCan I have windows made to fit my exsisting frames?
[Site Editor's Response]Mike, if your existing windows are new construction, meaning they have the nailing fin across the top and side, then you would have to buy a retrofit window in order to fit your frame. If your window is not new construction, then removing the window and replacing it with a replacement window should be fairly easy.
Window Drip CapWe just received a quote for installing 15 of the Sunrise Restorations series. Does there need to be a Drip Cap installed above these windows. They will be installed on a vinyl sided house with J channel around them. The salesperson said no drip cap would be needed, they would caulk between the window and home sheeting and that would keep all water away from the sheeting. We currently have a drip cap on the windows we will be removing and I am concerned about not reinstalling them with these new windows. Thanks for your help!
[Site Editor's Response]Does there have to be a drip cap, no. Would I insist on a drip cap as an extra precaution so that down the road no water gets in, especially 10 years down the road when the caulk begins to deteriorate, yes. Ask what they would charge to add new drip caps. If they don't want to do it, there should be someone in your area that could come in and add new drip caps at a reasonable charge. So no, they aren't required, but if you live in an area that gets lots of rain, I'm of the opinion that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Wood Stain QuestionHello....A customer of mine had windows put in and wants me to stain or paint them. She was told that only a gel stain can be used. Was wondering why i cant use a regular oil stain cant be. The gel stain is very messy but i would really like to explain to her why only gel stain. Also...if painting, can i use Bin (zinzer) it is alcohol base. I want to make sure the alcohol does not loosen the thin wood. These are work on the interior by the way.....Thank you and will be anticipating your reply.
[Site Editor's Response]Rocco, I have to say this is not my specialty. Most real wood windows can take either a standard stain or a gel stain - I prefer the standard stain because of how it goes on and penetrates the wood. The gel stain tends to sit more on the surface. What brand of window is it, I would probably call them up and ask them, although I wouldn't necessarily trust someone in the home office to provide the correct answer if there are any issues with the wood finish. I would insist on talking to someone on the floor who deals with the actual windows day in and day out.
Related Topics: Simonton Windows Review |
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