When buying new windows for your existing home, you may have a choice to make between two types of window installations: replacement windows and new-construction windows. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two and how you can go about making the right decision for your budget and best for your home.
All About New-Construction Windows
New-construction windows are meant to fit your home opening with the largest size window from studs to stud and fastened to the outside sheathing of your home with an attached nail fin to the window. Then an Ice and Water Shield would be attached to ensure no water or air infiltration occurs after installation.
If you have siding on the house now, it has to be removed or cut back to give these new construction windows with a nail fin, space to attach and secure to the homes sheathing. If the home or addition has not been built then absolutely-New construction will work best.
Sometimes the cost or ability to remove the siding is not prudent. Sometimes it is the type of siding, sometimes it is the cost. If your home has a stone or brick exterior then new construction can and will not make sense at all.
Ask the question to your window salesperson, which type of installation makes sense. It will vary depending on the type of window, the type of exterior, the type of existing window coming out, the size of your budget and if you have current issues or problems with the existing window.
How To Identify
New-construction windows will have nailing or attachment fins, or flanges on the exterior of the window. See picture above right for a type of nailing fin.
Do-It-Yourself
New-construction windows are moderately easy to install, if you are installing on a new addition or new home, though much of the peripheral work of prep work prior and sealing the new construction window, is better left with the professionals.
Availability
New-construction windows are usually easily available and in stock at most home centers and Tom Adams Southampton Outlet. But remember these are usually standard sizes and most home existing windows are never standard, each builder uses different sizes based on the type / style of home and the year it was built. Most windows are custom sized.
Where To Use
New-Construction windows are used when building new structures, extensive remodeling projects that require gutting the space, or repairing badly damaged existing structures. As in homes that need mold remediation.
Performance
New-construction windows can be weather-tight when installed correctly. Depending on the quality of the product you choose, they usually carry a lifetime warranty, But replacement windows have the same performance if installed correctly.
Cost
Sometimes the cost of just the new-construction window is just a little more than replacement windows and it makes sense to spend the extra money to solve issues or aesthetics. Example: if re-doing your siding, then definitely take advantage of new construction windows, you are already committed to a large majority of costs with the removal and reinstallation of siding.
All About Replacement Windows
Replacement windows replace existing new-construction or older replacement windows in an already constructed space. Replacement windows are great to use especially when removing old existing wood windows. Replacement windows are designed for inserting inside the frame of the wood window after the old wood window is gutted and removed. But remember you will lose a little glass in appearance.
The Replacement Window is inserted into the existing frame so the new replacement sash may be approx. ½” smaller all the way around. If removing new construction vinyl or steel windows the whole window is removed and the new Replacement is installed in the opening and sealant, and aluminum capping is applied to help resistant water and air infiltration. But a New Construction window will have an appearance of a little bit more glass when next to a Replacement Window. When installed by a professional Certified Installation team like Tom Adams Windows Award Winning Teams, you will have a lifetime warranty, including installation- no matter which type of window you want.
How To Identify
Replacement windows have no nailing fins or flanges and are smooth sided for easier installation.
Do-It-Yourself
Replacement windows can be tough for do-it-yourselfers due to exacting tolerances and finishing installation with the correct sealant and installation and bends of capping around the outside perimeter. It is better to let a professional install these windows.
Availability
Since they are hard for a homeowner to replace on their own, replacement windows can be hard to find, because of the fact there is NO standard size. So any window you might find will make the glass shown smaller and you need to fill the gaps around the perimeter to stop water and air infiltration. Let the professional order the exact custom size- The cost for custom is not that much more, it just takes longer.
Where To Use
Replacement windows are used when an existing window and the surrounding area is in good shape. Also based on the type of window you are replacing and the type of wall sheathing you have existing. The other issue is always if you have an HOA that wants existing and replacement windows in your home to be an exact match to everyone else’s home. Replacement windows may look a little different from New construction windows based on size, capping and style. The ability to match new construction, may be the need to buy new construction and pay the extra monies to match, just because your HomeOwners association demands it.
Performance
Replacement windows and New-Construction windows carry the same performance of window and glass and can be very energy efficient, especially when compared to the older windows they are replacing. No matter the type of windows – both have lifetime warranty
Can You Mix Window Types?
Based on the home, the answer is yes you can, but should you. The biggest difference is visual. From the outside you can tell a new construction from a replacement window. Is this what you want for your home? Sometimes cost demands us to accept situations that will not change performance and will fulfill the needs, but athletics will be sacrificed. Ask a Professional at Tom Adams Windows and Carpets. Advice is free just like our estimates.
Types of New-Construction and Replacement Windows
Here are the common types of new-construction and replacement windows.
Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows are made with a top sash that slides down and a bottom sash that slides up to allow for the best air flow. Their best feature is that both sashes can tilt-in and open. With this design feature, the outside glass is accessible from the inside, making it easy to clean.
Bay windows and bow windows are combinations of picture widows, casements, and double-hung windows that project outward from a home.
They can replace traditional flat windows without cutting a larger hole in a wall to install a window, which means dramatically changing a room without major remodeling. These windows are custom made to fit the opening and have a custom roof or capped to soffit, based on your house needs and design.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are stationary, square, rectangular, or custom-shaped. These windows are non-opening windows that allow large amounts of natural light into the room but no air flow. Picture windows are great to use when you want to feature a large, fixed window or wall of windows that can be combined with double-hung, casement, or shaped windows to accent an opening or create a dramatic appearance in your home.
Where Can I Buy New-Construction and Replacement Windows?
New construction, replacement, vinyl, aluminum clad, fiberglass and any type of window you can imagine can be found at Tom Adams Windows and Carpets. Tom Adams carries a selection of windows in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, and they are all backed by a lifetime and glass breakage warranty.
Tom Adams offers new construction styles such as double hung, bays & bows, vinyl, wood, fiberglass, casement, picture, and flex screen from top brands like Marvin, ProVia, and Slocumb.
For more information or to start your estimate today, contact Tom Adams Windows and Carpets for all of your window needs.
