With more than twenty years of practical experience in renovating, repairing, and enhancing residences, Lee has been offering home improvement guidance for many years.
When selecting windows for your residence, you’ll encounter two main categories: replacement windows and new-construction windows. Is it necessary to choose between these options? In what situations would you opt for replacement windows instead of new-construction windows?
Contents
- 1 When to Opt for Replacement Windows Instead of New-Construction Windows
- 2 Windows for New Constructions vs. Windows for Replacement Projects
- 3 Window Style
- 4 Availability
- 5 Where to Apply
- 6 Crossover Potential
- 7 Performance
- 8 Do-It-Yourself
- 9 When to Opt for Windows in New Constructions
- 10 When to Opt for Replacement Windows
When to Opt for Replacement Windows Instead of New-Construction Windows
Both replacement windows and new-construction windows ultimately provide homeowners with the same outcome after installation: a sealed glass window unit that is either operable or fixed and offers protection against the elements.
New-construction windows and replacement windows serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably. New-construction windows are ideal for situations where a wall is being significantly remodeled and the studs are accessible, or when a new wall is being constructed. In contrast, replacement windows are designed for scenarios where the wall structure remains intact, and only the old window is being swapped out.
Windows for New Constructions vs. Windows for Replacement Projects
- Freshly constructed or renovated walls
- Attaching flanges with nails
- Available at local home improvement stores.
- Current barriers
- No fastening flanges.
- Custom order item
Window Style
Windows designed for new construction are intended for openings in a home that typically lack trim or siding. These windows feature nailing or attachment fins, also known as flanges, on their outer edges. Certain new-construction windows come with removable nailing flanges.
Replacement windows are designed to substitute existing windows, whether they are new-construction or previously installed. These windows lack nailing fins or flanges, featuring a smooth profile that facilitates straightforward installation.
Availability
New construction windows are readily accessible and typically found in stock at many home improvement stores, although the variety of sizes may be somewhat restricted.
Replacement windows can be challenging for DIY enthusiasts to find, despite the availability of various online retailers. Nevertheless, the process of ordering and installing replacement windows is typically not considered a standard DIY task.
Where to Apply
New-construction windows are ideal for use in newly built buildings, extensive renovations, or when restoring severely damaged existing structures.
Replacement windows are ideal for situations where there is already a window in place and the surrounding area is in satisfactory condition.
Crossover Potential
New-construction windows are typically required only in replacement scenarios where the wall and frame are significantly damaged. In such instances, a thorough reconstruction of the wall is necessary.
Replacement windows are seldom necessary in new construction scenarios. For new wall systems, it is more advantageous to utilize windows specifically designed for new construction.
Performance
Windows for New Constructions: When properly installed, windows designed for new constructions provide excellent weather resistance. The insulated glass unit (IGU) used in these windows is identical to that found in replacement windows.
Replacement windows offer excellent weather resistancehowever, the lack of nailing fins is not considered an advantageous aspect.
Do-It-Yourself
Newly built windows are relatively straightforward to install, although the surrounding tasks can be quite challenging. The availability of these windows in home improvement stores indicates that many homeowners often use them in sheds, outbuildings, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or in the construction of new wall systems within their main residences.
Installing replacement windows can be challenging for DIY enthusiasts because of the precise measurements required.
When to Opt for Windows in New Constructions
Typically, new-construction windows should be utilized during the initial construction of the wall system or when it undergoes significant reconstruction. Additionally, new-construction windows are recommended for:
- Fresh residence
- Addition
- Accessory dwelling unit or auxiliary structure
- A wall that has sustained significant damage and requires extensive repairs.
- The wall is undergoing significant reconstruction for various reasons.
Constructing a New Home
Constructing a new home serves as a prime illustration of new construction, which inherently requires new-construction windows. Since there are no existing windows to replace, there is no necessity for replacement windows. Every new home is equipped with new-construction windows.
Constructing an Extension
An addition is essentially a scaled-down version of a new home. In most cases, unless faced with a unique situation, new-construction windows are typically utilized for additions. The exception to this is when a section of an existing wall is being integrated into the new addition.
Substituting a Severely Damaged Window
If a window is in poor condition, it is likely that the surrounding areas are also affected. The window frame, outside siding, interior drywall, wall studs, and even the flooring and subfloor may have suffered damage from termites, decay, or carpenter ants. Even in cases where only the exterior window trim needs to be removed, opting for new-construction windows is generally the superior choice.
Installing a new-construction window will be equally straightforward, convenient, and cost-effective as fitting a replacement window, especially since extensive carpentry will be required. New-construction windows are generally sturdier and offer superior insulation against the weather compared to replacement windows. Additionally, the presence of attached nailing fins enhances their ability to resist the elements, making them more weather-resistant.
When to Opt for Replacement Windows
Typically, replacement windows are utilized when the wall structure is already in place and cannot be significantly altered, aside from the removal of the current window and the replacement of the interior trim and exterior casing. These windows are most suitable for:
- Direct substitution of a current window with a new one of the same type.
- A newly built window featuring removable nailing fins.
- The wall should remain in position as consistently as possible.
Substituting a Current Window
Putting in a new-construction window in a well-built wall can lead to more complications and additional work compared to fitting a replacement window. The window, wall, trim, and siding are all interconnected, so changing one component affects the others.
One of the significant advantages of replacement windows is their horizontal sliding design, which allows for minimal disruption to surrounding components. Typically, the installation of replacement windows necessitates minor, temporary adjustments, like taking off the interior trim. Nevertheless, if the trim is removed with care, it can typically be reinstalled on a one-to-one basis. After the trim is put back, some painting is generally needed.
Employing Windows with Removable Fins for New Constructions
If newly built windows come with molded fins while replacement windows lack them, can you logically detach the fins from the former to convert them into the latter? Although this isn’t a typical practice, there are a few instances where it can be done.
Certain brands of newly manufactured windows feature fins that can be easily snapped or cut away. This design maximizes the functionality of the windows.
In general, removing molded fins from newly constructed windows that are not designed for easy detachment is not recommended. Doing so may jeopardize the integrity of the window or potentially damage the glass within the sash. Additionally, achieving a smooth finish on the window’s outer edges can be challenging, making it hard for the window to fit securely and maintain a proper seal against the elements.
