Full Frame Replacement but leave interior frame?

[DoubleL]

Hi!

Our window installer is recommending a “hybrid” approach which he described as a full new frame, brick-to-brick, on the outside, and leave the interior frame intact. He showed us a clear break between the exterior and interior where this could be accomplished. Finding it impossible to find any info on this!

We have wood windows, 27 years old, some leaking, but inside seems to be in great shape.

Is this too good to be true?

The quote describes it as “Full window frame out push in to existing interior wood casing and seal interior.”

Would appreciate any advice on this!

[Windows on Washington]

Why wouldn't an insert/retrofit be the way to go?

Pictures? Where are they leaking?

[DoubleL]

We are going with vinyl Windows. We need new frames. Three of 4 quotes recommended full replacement, only this one had a different approach.

Water is mainly leaking from bathroom window but only in bad rain/wind in a certain direction. We can see a water stain on the ceiling of our family room.

Two photos of the worst windows, plus one where he showed us the “seam” where the exterior frame can be separated from the interior frame.

[Windows on Washington]

Ah. Casements. Makes the math a bit different. But pulling the whole thing is fine.

[HomeSealed]

It sounds like they are suggesting to separate the old window frame from the jamb extension to avoid replacing the interior woodwork. This can be done effectively in some cases, however the depth of the current jambs often cause an issue setting the new window at the ideal depth, and if you want nail fins along with flashing tape, etc for the most comprehensive seal, you can forget about that unless the window coming out has the same jamb thickness and nail fin offset as the old (highly unlikely).

What it sounds like you've been pitched here is what many call an "express" install, which generally offers the least degree of seal and protection against air and water infiltration of any valid install type. I'm not a fan of this type of install in general, doubly so given that you have current leakage occurring.

[DoubleL]

Thank you for the feedback! Very helpful.