Some homeowners don’t realize just how many options they have when upgrading their home’s windows. Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and Metropolitan New York is here to help, whether you’re looking for new construction windows, replacement windows or expert advice.
For many, insert replacement windows are a beautiful, economical option. So, what’s the difference between new construction and insert replacement windows? Here are three things to keep in mind when comparing the two types.
New construction windows, also known as full-frame replacement windows, are typically installed during the construction of a new home and will be the first windows in the home.
New construction windows are placed in the wall after the sheathing but before exterior siding, brick or shingles. The construction crew first builds out the rough opening for the specified window during the building’s framing. The windows are fitted into that opening and shimmed to fit in place.
Replacement windows (or insert replacement windows) refer to the sash and glass panes that replace your existing windows. Rather than replacing the entire window frames, which requires removing exterior siding and modifying your existing drywall or plaster, insert replacement windows slide into your existing frame.
This minimizes time-consuming, messy and expensive reconstruction.
Replacement windows are commonly used in renovations or when replacing windows due to storm-related damage.
Both new construction and replacement windows are available in a range of sizes and styles, but there’s a lot to consider when deciding between the two. Here are the main differences:
While one stock window may appear cheaper than its custom-sized replacement counterpart, that isn’t always the case.
The cost goes up significantly — anywhere from 50 to 100 percent, according to CostHelper — when you consider that it is unlikely that one of these stock windows will fit perfectly into your window opening.
The added labor cost of adjusting the opening to fit the window will raise your final bill higher than you may have expected.
The main difference between new construction and replacement windows lies in the critical nailing fin — a thin strip of metal attached to the perimeter of the window. The nailing fin secures the window unit in preparation for the exterior finishing wall.
This fin makes it difficult to install a new construction window into an existing opening without damaging the appearance of the wall or siding.
While new construction windows are commonly installed before the exterior walls are finished, they can also be used in existing homes during remodels. In these cases, the contractor must remove the wall cladding to expose the home’s frame.
On the other hand, replacement windows are built to precisely fit the opening left when a skilled installation crew like Renewal by Andersen removes the existing windows. That means no additional construction is required.
New construction windows are built to the manufacturer’s standard sizes and styles. During a ground-up project, these stock sizes are positioned anywhere on the wall.
Then, your home is built, and the window opening is framed out for the size window you ordered.
With insert replacement windows, you aren’t limited to the standard sizes on your home improvement center’s shelves or inventory. These windows are custom-made to fit the exact specifications of each existing opening in your home.
Even the slightest variations between window sizes can be accommodated, so you get the perfect-sized window.
The third and final factor to consider when comparing these two options is what makes each of them stand out.
Although full-frame replacement windows require more construction, they’re a great choice when you’re building a new house or upgrading worn, damaged frames:
In addition to their stellar design flexibility and beautiful aesthetics, replacement windows offer many advantages:
The ideal candidate for insert replacement windows is a window that’s still perfectly square (all corners are at right angles to each other and there’s no shifting or warping) and free from damage.
You’ll want to ensure your existing frames are in good condition and not rotted or falling apart. Slightly out of square, but roughly intact, windows can be replaced with properly shimmed insert replacement windows.
If your windows have been falling apart and letting moisture into the framing of your home, you might be better off with new construction windows. In this case, the siding and framing of your home will likely need to be removed to inspect damage that may go much further than you can see.
Depending on the damage, you’re probably better off replacing the entire window, frames, trim, glass and all components.
