While searching the market for windows, you’ll find two types: replacement windows and construction windows. Usually, after installation, both look the same, but both have different installation methods. One can install Replacement windows in place of old windows without restructuring the walls. Whereas construction windows require new walls before installation. Do you want to know more about the replacement vs new construction windows concept? Continue reading the blog.
New construction windows:
Whenever you need to reconstruct the house or any wall thereof, new construction windows are the best options. Moreover, new construction windows come with nailing or attachment fins, or flanges. These attachments help ensure a smooth installation.
Most freshly constructed homes or other modern areas, such as commercial buildings, home additions, or complete remodels, are suitable for new construction windows. Otherwise, its intended installation site is an area devoid of external cladding materials like brick, siding, stucco, or trim.
Replacement windows:
Replacement windows don’t have flanges. The reason is that they don’t need a newly constructed wall. They are the replacements; moreover, they come in two types: pocket windows and full-frame windows.
In a full-frame window replacement, take out the old window’s sashes and frame, and install a new window with an attached frame. If nail fins were absent from the frame, full-frame replacement windows would have looked a lot like new construction windows.
Distinction between new construction windows and replacement windows:
When comparing new construction versus replacement windows, there are a number of other elements to take into account in addition to the variations in the window units themselves:
Frames:
Replacement windows fit straight into the existing frame, whereas new construction windows need to have the existing frame removed and replaced. This is the main distinction between replacement and new construction windows.
Installation:
Because it requires little effort and can be completed without contacting the surrounding insulation or trim, replacing a window is generally a simple task for contractors. Contractors frequently call the procedure of replacing a low-quality window “pop-and-drop,” where the old window is removed and the replacement window is dropped into its position. There is less glass, less light, and a reduced view because a replacement window has to fit inside the current frame.
Performance:
When placed properly, new-construction windows are weather-tight. However, the insulated glass unit, or IGU, is the same as the one in the replacement window.
Although the lack of nailing fins is a drawback, replacement windows are also weather-tight.
Expenses:
There are also differences in labor expenses between replacement windows and new construction.
Replacing windows can save you money and time because they often don’t require as much work to install as new windows. This is only one of the many advantages of getting new windows. However, the installation of new building windows is more intrusive.
As one has to remove external siding or trim before windows can be placed, this kind of work typically requires more time and labor.
Conclusion:
In the end, new construction windows are often suitable for newly constructed homes or buildings. Whereas, replacement windows are usually used to swap out old windows for new ones, either with or without new frames. We advise arranging a meeting with an expert window installer so they can address any queries you might have. Make sure you are aware of your alternatives before selecting from among the many reasonably priced window replacement options available to you. For expert advice, just dial our number.