Window replacement is a major home improvement project that can be difficult to navigate. Style, color, material, size, shape and price are all factors to consider.
Full frame replacement involves tearing down existing exterior trim, exposing the studs and installing new windows. Insert replacement replaces the original window without removing the sash. Contact Replacement Windows Massachusetts now!
Whether you want to replace one window or upgrade all of them, there are many options to choose from. You can also customize your windows by adding or upgrading handles and locks, incorporating between-the-glass grilles and blinds and installing screens. Replacement windows also offer a variety of energy efficiency features that can lower your heating and cooling costs.
If you’re looking for a solution that is less expensive and more customizable than full frame installation, consider a pocket replacement window. Unlike traditional new construction windows, pocket replacement windows don’t require removal of the existing frame and can be slid into place by your professional window contractor. This means you can save time and money by working during mild weather.
With this style of window, the nail fins that hold the frame in place are eliminated and replaced with a flush fin that fits seamlessly into the original frame. If your existing wood frame is in good condition, this could be the ideal window installation method for you.
However, if the existing frame is too rotted to salvage, or the sills are damaged, a full-frame replacement window may be the best option. During your consultation, your window specialist will be able to tell you which type of replacement window is right for you.
The most important factor in determining which type of window you need is your comfort level. You’ll also need to keep in mind your budget, project timeline and design preferences. Both products are available in a wide range of styles and materials. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient solution, look for a replacement window that is on the Energy Star Most Efficient list.
A growing trend in replacement windows is a minimalist aesthetic. Some homeowners are choosing windows without muntins, the vertical and horizontal grids that divide a single pane of glass into sections, or Colonial-style windows with narrow sashes. These windows are a great choice for those who want to maximize light and views, while keeping the interior of their home insulated and warm. The new, skinny frames are also easy to clean and maintain.
Insert
The most popular replacement window is the insert, which nestles inside the old frame, preserving interior and exterior trim while offering the latest performance features. In this way, homeowners can achieve energy savings and reduced noise pollution while retaining the look and feel of their home.
When choosing an insert window, homeowners should ensure that the existing frame, sill and casing are structurally sound and in good condition. If the frame is rotting or infested with insects, then a full-frame replacement will be necessary. The good news is that a professional can replace a rotting or insect-infested frame using a process called chinking. This involves applying a protective coating to the exterior of the old frame and caulking around the existing opening.
During an insert installation, a window professional will remove the sash and all interfering hardware and trim from the frame. The installer will then insulate the gaps and weight pockets, and prep the frame surface for the new window installation.
As a less-invasive installation option, insert windows offer a faster turnaround, cutting down on the overall cost and duration of the project. However, this means that the window’s viewing area will be slightly smaller than it would be with a full-frame installation.
The main drawback of insert windows is that they cannot fix any issues that may be lurking beneath the frame, such as rot or insect infestation. This means that homeowners would be unaware of any problems, which could worsen over time and lead to the need for a costly full-frame replacement in the future.
Another issue with insert windows is that they can only be used in the type of frame they are designed for. If you have a wood frame and want to change to an aluminum or fiberglass insert, for example, this is not possible.
Block Frame
Unlike the other types of replacement windows, block frame windows are installed into existing window frames without removing the surrounding trim or siding. This makes them a good choice for homes with historic or traditional architecture where maintaining the exterior aesthetic is important. They also tend to be more economical than other installation methods since they do not require a new window frame to be constructed.
The construction of a block frame window consists of two parts: an inner framed structure and an outer cladding or weatherproof shell. The inner framed structure is typically made of wood or metal and filled with glass to create the window. The outer cladding is often made of vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass to protect the inner frame and increase energy efficiency. Some models of this type of replacement window include a built-in vent you can open to direct airflow or a dryer vent outlet that allows for easy removal of moisture.
In addition to their structural benefits, block frame windows are known for providing excellent sound insulation. They are also very durable and can last for years with minimal maintenance. They are less susceptible to the effects of weathering than other types of replacement windows and don’t need regular painting or staining.
If you are unsure of which type of replacement window is best for your home, consult with a professional installer to discuss the pros and cons of each option. They can help you make a decision that will provide the best value for your money and enhance the beauty of your home.
While it is possible to retrofit some replacement windows into an existing frame, it’s best to replace the entire frame and sash when the existing windows are in poor condition. This ensures that the replacement window is properly fitted into the frame and will not cause future problems with leakage or poor operation.
A full frame replacement requires removing the existing exterior cladding, such as wood siding, brick or stucco, and the interior trim to install the new window. While this is a more expensive option than insert windows, it provides superior energy efficiency and a better overall look for your home.
Brick Mold
Brick mold is a style of exterior casing that frames windows and doors like a picture, creating a more finished look. This type of molding is typically made of a durable material, such as wood, PVC, or composite, and can be gel-stained to simulate the appearance of traditional wood casing. It is often paired with weather stripping, providing an extra layer of protection from the elements.
This exterior trim can be installed on homes and buildings with brick siding, as well as those with other types of home exteriors, such as vinyl or stucco. The addition of a brickmold creates an attractive, finished look around the window and also helps protect the exterior surface from water infiltration, which can cause rot or other damage over time.
Aside from enhancing the aesthetics of a new replacement window, a brickmold can also help save energy by improving the overall air-tightness of the window frame. This, in turn, can lead to lower heating and cooling costs on a regular basis.
While many homeowners choose to install new windows without a brickmold, the presence of this casing can add some architectural character and value to a home. Especially on homes with historical or traditional architectural styles, it can be a great way to tie the window and door into the overall design of the home’s exterior.
In terms of installation, brick moldings are typically easier to work with than other types of window frames. They are usually pre-cut, making the installation process much simpler for homeowners. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and can be painted to match the home’s existing palette.
If you’re looking to replace your home’s windows and want to consider a brick mold option, it’s important to discuss the different options with a knowledgeable expert. They’ll be able to guide you through the different products and installation challenges that each type of window presents, so that you can make the best decision for your family. And, if you decide to go with a brick mold, they’ll be able to cut it and install it for you to ensure the project goes smoothly and you get the most out of your new replacement windows.