This week at the lumberyard I was speaking with a friend of mine who just recently ordered some replacement windows for a customer. When the windows arrived, the customer was unhappy. They were not what he was expecting. In this scenario I know there was a language barrier between the contractor and the customer, so it's not surprising that there was some miscommunication. However, the reality is that there is almost always a language barrier between contractors and customers, even if they are both speaking the same language! The jargon of the trades does not always translate well. What I'm trying to say is that the concept of replacement windows can be confusing. Let me explain.
What are replacement windows?
Generally, “replacement windows” are windows that you order to fit inside your existing windows. Typically these are ordered for older homes (say 1900-1950) with historic wood windows. We’re talking the ones with lead weights in the walls that allow the windows to slide up and down.
Replacement Window Pros & Cons
By fitting inside your existing windows, replacement windows accomplish a number of things. First, they install quickly making them the most budget friendly option. Second, they do not require alterations to the interior and exterior window trims, allowing preservation of the original woodworks. However, there are a few cons.
If you look at the image above you'll notice the replacement windows shrink the visible glass in the window slightly. Replacement windows come with a frame that is about 2-3 inches wide. Since they fit inside your existing windows, the actual window size and glass of your windows is going to shrink. This is what displeased the customer in the beginning of the story.
There is another significant drawback to replacement windows. They are not “flashed”. Flashing is the act of overlapping materials to divert water away and protect your window for good. It is much more than caulking. It is what keeps your window from leaking when the caulking used fails. That is the main issue with replacement windows. They are sealed only with caulking which will eventually leak. So, will all replacement windows leak? Maybe.
That is something carpenters debate with some choosing not to install replacement windows at all. I tend to take a more case by case approach. Is there evidence of water infiltration at the moment? Many historic windows have sloped sills and casing details that have diverted water for years and will continue to do their job to protect your new replacement windows. If that is the case, I think replacement windows are a fine option to upgrade your old rattly windows while preserving the historic details of your home.
But what if your windows are leaking?
What if there is a bunch of rotted wood in the lower corners of your existing windows and exterior trim? In this case, I would recommend a “new construction” window. This is where we totally remove your existing window and replace it with a “flanged” window. This type of window allows us to install new water diversion systems which integrate into your new window and protect the bones of your house from water infiltration. If you’d like to learn more about what “new construction” windows are, we have this blog post to help.
So, are replacement windows a good idea for you?
The short answer is yes if:
Your windows aren’t currently leaking
You don’t want to reside your house
You don’t want to change the woodwork (trim)
You want a window that is insulated and air sealed
If you'd like to see some of the windows we've installed, click here.
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