Depending on your house’s age and budget, you’ll either lean toward a retro-fit / insert installation (older home) or a full-frame-out installation (newer home.) One is slightly more thorough than the other. However, full-frame-out comes with a cost of time and money.
Both installation methods are widely used and each type of installation comes with its unique benefits. The following lists of pros and cons should help you understand the differences between the two techniques.
The replacement of your windows and doors is similar to a roof replacement or an added house addition regarding costs and concerns. Choosing quality windows and doors and a professional installation helps you save money on your cooling and heating bills.
There are many other benefits of new windows and doors; read All The Benefits of New Windows and Doors or 10 Reasons You Should Replace All Your Windows at Once.
Are you thinking of new windows and doors? See our portfolio and give us a call. We’ve been providing installations of windows, doors, and siding products since 1993.
A retro-fit / insert installation is the most common type of window replacement technique.
A retro-fit is the easiest, least time-consuming, and most cost-effective window replacement choice as long as the original windows’ wood frames consisting of the head jamb, side jambs, and sill that create the opening into which a new retro-fit window can be installed are in good condition and not moisture damaged.
The installers hide the space created between the original window frame and the new window with capping. By bending durable aluminum lengths that match the colour of your window, then professionally caulking along the outside edge, your new window is protected on the outside. Excellent capping abilities make experienced cappers in high demand.
Pros and Cons of retro-fit / insert installations:
Pros:
- Interior casings, the decorative wood trim around the window’s frame, are retained.
- Retro-fits are financially beneficial because a tear-out is avoided. (Usually, a retro-fit method is 15 – 20% less than a full-frame-out method, not including new interior trim)
- Installation is quicker than full-frame-out.
- Depending on the opening, there is sometimes enough space in between the original frame and the new window for spray foam insulation.
Cons:
- Your window is slightly smaller than the original because your whole window, including its new frame, fits into the opening that has the old frame of the original window still there.
- Capping is an accepted reality of the retro-fit process. The small space between the new window and the original frame must be capped on the exterior as a way to protect it from the elements.
- There may not be room for insulation and that sometimes means no insulation at all behind the capping. However, there may be original insulation between the original brick mould and the original frame.
A full-frame-out window installation is equivalent to starting fresh.
A full-frame-out installation method is the most thorough. All parts of the original window are removed back to the brick or studs; the complete frame is torn out, and the rough opening is cleaned up. If you are concerned about water damage or rot and issues like mould growth, this replacement method is the right choice.
Pros and Cons of full-frame-out installations:
Pros:
- Everything is new.
- Depending on the application, the window comes with a new brick mould and vinyl jambs giving a more polished look.
- Insulation is assured. Spray foam insulation is applied outside of the frame in the space behind the brick mould. Caulking is used at the edge of the window frame and house wall.
- This application method ensures the maximum glass size.
- Your interior trim must generally be replaced, which means you can switch your trim to a more contemporary look.
Cons:
- A full-frame-out installation is almost always more expensive because of the time involved in removing everything back to the studs, prepping the surfaces, and adding insulation.
- Your interior trim usually has to be replaced which can be expensive if you opt for the trim to be painted or stained by someone other than yourself. The trim installation is time-consuming and requires detailed finishing.
It’s not so much about the type of window installation as it is about the quality of the product, its installation, and the crews’ experience. The functionality of your windows and doors must last for many years.
Forest City Window & Door Ltd. is a professional installation company in London, Ontario and the outlying areas.
