Window installation methods

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mark7707
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Window installation methods

#1 Post by mark7707 »

We are starting to get quotes for replacement windows and as I now understand there are 2 basic options for installing them. One use the old frame and install the window within it, one vendor called this a "pocket replacement" and one a "retrofit". The second option is to remove the old frame and go back to the studs. The second is clearly more expensive but gives us more window area and perhaps a better fit? BTW our house is 22 years old if that matters. Any thoughts. Is one likely to give us more trouble in the future. The one quote we have gives us both options and it is about 225 per window extra for method 2.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Window installation methods

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

$225 is about right for the full tear out option.

What type of windows do you have existing? If they are wood framed, depending on the vinyl you get, the offset in glass can be nil.

If you can do a pocket window, go for it.

TheWindowNerd
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Re: Window installation methods

#3 Post by TheWindowNerd »

I agree that $225 is the normal difference in cost for the full tear/full frame contrasted to the pocket/insert replacement.
We do both, maybe 50/50.
The advantages are that with any given new window you will gain 1.5" in the width, and ~ 3" in the height, all of this is in viewable glass. If using a vinyl window an additional benefit is that all the rot prone wood is removed, also your window sills will become deeper. In every case it allows for insulating between the new window and the RO. Also you end up with nice new clean interior trim, which you get to choose, you can upgrade to 3.25" or 3.5" casing and even change style to craftsman or fluted with corner blocks.
There are a couple of down sides to full tear/ full frame... cost, affect on window treatments, takes longer to complete.
Both methods are viable and either can be a best/right decision.
theWindowNerd...

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HomeSealed
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Re: Window installation methods

#4 Post by HomeSealed »

Relevant points by both gentlemen above. Both installations are thorough, proper, and can be the right choice depending on installation. If your existing frames are water-tight and in decent shape structurally, the decision really comes down to that glass loss vs the extra cost... Most folks choose to save the money in my own experience, but again, it can really be a case by case choice.

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