Windows are the eyes to a house's soul – if your windows are big and beautiful so too is your home, but they can also include a range of challenges as well. With sub par windows, you can look forward to a drafty home with high heating bills. Similarly, there are also moisture issues – for example, if you don't seal the space between your double panes securely enough, you will get a build up of condensation. Having lived in old houses and having helped choose the windows for new houses, I'm familiar with a range of challenges associated with windows. If you want tips and ideas, you've come to the right spot. Please, explore and enjoy.
New home windows come in two main varieties — new construction or replacement windows. New construction windows have nailing flanges around the sides that hook into the walls to create part of the initial window framing. Replacement windows are designed to fit into already trimmed-out framed openings, so they don't have these flanges. Which you choose depends on several factors.
New Construction
Generally, new construction windows are mainly used for newly constructed buildings where this is the first window installation. This includes completely new buildings, as well as additions where new windows are going in. It can also include existing buildings if you are changing the window dimensions or shape for any reason since new nail flanges and trim kits will be needed in this situation as well. When there are existing frames, replacement windows are used instead.
Window Measurements
Replacement windows are available in stock sizes, so if your window openings are of a standard size then it's easy enough to purchase replacement windows to fit your home. Homes with custom window shapes or sizes, though, will need to have the windows made to order so they will fit. You can order these as replacement windows without the nailing edge, or you can opt for new construction windows with nailing flanges if you want a better seal around the window.
Trim Quality
The existing framing and trim around the old window opening play a major role in determining whether to opt for new construction or replacement windows. If there is water damage, warping, or rot affecting the frame and trim, then you must have it rebuilt at the time of window installation. New construction windows are necessary so that there is a nailing flange present to connect the entire rebuilt window system together.
Weather Concerns
Since replacement windows have no nailing flange, they are not always as weatherproof as new construction windows. This isn't usually a problem once the sealants and trim are in place, with one exception. Walls that face the prevailing wind direction may have windows more prone to leaks from driving rain, depending on the local climate. Driving rain can work its way around a replacement window, so it may be preferable to use new construction windows with the flange in areas where this type of leak is a concern.
Contact a replacement window installation service to learn more about what option is best for your home.
Share12 June 2023
