New Construction Windows vs. Replacement Windows

New Construction Windows vs. Replacement Windows:

What’s The Difference?

Window installation is a major endeavor for every household. You have two main options: 

1. New Construction full-frame windows
2. Replacement insert windows. 

Let’s explore the main difference between both:

NEW CONSTRUCTION WINDOWS

This type of window is Matera Builders’ default way of estimating for new windows. Since we are a Certified Contractor for all Andersen products, we get to install these units the way they are supposed to be as specified by factory. This leads to overall better long-term performance and value for our customers because of the flexibility to address any and all window related issues from the beginning.

What is a New Construction Window? 

A new construction window is most commonly installed in brand new houses or additions to already existing homes. However, they are also installed in pre-existing openings with sizing determined by the original rough opening framing of the wall. Depending on the series of window used, Andersen’s catalog has standard sizes that fit these openings based on historic window industry standard sizes over the years. For example, 400 Series window standard sizes fit openings for wood frame windows, and 200 Series window standard sizes fit openings for newer hollow vinyl builder-grade windows.

New construction windows are installed on the exterior directly to the wall using a nailing flange fin. The flange is then covered with flashing, and then finished with siding or trim surrounds. The home's interior is not finished until the exterior installation is complete.

When to Use New Construction Windows?

1. When Replacing a Window with Rot or Leaks

When a window has a history of rot or leakage, the space around a window in poor condition is often, if not always, in a bad state as well. It is possible that rust, rot, or termites may have caused damage to elements such as the window panes and frames, interior drywall, floor covering, or even the rough framing of the home underneath the siding.

2. When Replacing Aluminum or Vinyl Frame Windows

Because of the nature of aluminum and vinyl frame windows, frames of this type are not ideal for re-use with a replacement insert window. Because of aluminum metal’s lack of thermal performance, vinyl’s lack of rigidity of frame, and overall difficulty of doing a proper install, these windows should be replaced with a new construction window.

3. When Building a New House

The construction of a new house is an excellent example of new architecture, necessitating the use of new construction windows. Since no windows are being replaced, there is never a requirement to use them. New construction windows are, therefore, installed in all new buildings.

4. When Building an Addition

You will probably always use a new construction window for the modifications unless you are faced with a very unexpected situation. The only time you may not choose to use a new construction window is if your extension includes a part of an existing wall.

PROS:

• Highest performance ratings (recommended for coastal homes)
• Most flexibility with design options
• Maximized visible glass view
• Any rot issues with existing window units in a wall can be fixed and re-flashed properly

CONS:

• Higher labor costs for install (insulation, flashing, interior & exterior trim, elevation considerations)
• Longer installation time on-site

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

What is a Replacement Insert Window? 

Replacement insert windows are window units that are installed into the old existing window frames of a building’s wall. This involves removing the old sashes, jamb liners, balancers and any other hardware from the inside perimeter of the frames. These are the most common windows used in home and window renovations for pre-existing structures.

Although cost efficient for most, the overall construction of replacement insert windows is overwhelmingly hollow vinyl construction with under-performing dual pane insulated glass that falls victim to “fogging” over a shorter period of time. Andersen manufactures replacement insert versions of their new construction windows with the same quality, performance, and warranty coverage as their new construction counterparts. We recommend and quote the 400 Series insert windows as standard at Matera Builders.

When to Use Replacement Windows?

1. When Replacing Windows with a Wood Frame (1950’s – Present)

Old double-hung windows with a wood frame have been the basis for the replacement insert window method since their inception. It is, many times, a more cost effective and viable way to simply replace the window within the existing frame as it acts as the new “framing” to mount the new replacement insert window unit. This means minimal disruption to the exterior & interior trim of the home, quicker installation time, 

2. When Replacing a Window in a Historic Home

In a historic home built in the early-mid 20^th century and sooner, the components of the original window, wall, frame, and siding are all interconnected because of the building techniques of that time period. Installing new construction windows in historic homes can actually cost you more money and time, along with damage, than replacing a window with an insert unit. 

PROS:

• Minimal disruption to trim on interior & exterior
• Quicker install time
• Cost efficient in many cases

CONS:

• You lose “visible glass” space because of the downsized unit
• Lower performance ratings than a new construction unit (not recommended for coastal use)
• Does not take into account any possible unforeseen wall / flashing / rot related issues hidden beneath the old window frame

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Closing Thoughts

When it comes to a large-scale remodeling job for a home, avoid taking risks to cut corners. In the long term, using a product that was made especially for longevity would save you a lot of time, trouble, and money doing it correctly the first time.

For all home renovation ventures, Matera Builders wants to make sure we invest our time and expertise with our customers to determine the best way to proceed for the investment in their home renovation project.

Call us today at 609-391-0429 or use or contact form to begin your new window install project today!

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