New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the window and door business. My father owned a glass shop that dealt in every aspect of residential and commercial glass.Naturally, when it came time to choose a profession, i wound up in the window and door business.I have been in the business for about 27 years, and i have been self employed for 20.

One of the things that separated my company from my competitors was my willingness to show my customers how to replace their windows themselves. Whenever i would encounter a customer with a curiosity or willingness to learn how to install their own windows,i would offer to sell them the labor on one window,using them as my helper.Then,they would install the rest of the windows using the knowledge gained from helping me install one.Most window companies would never do this because there is so much money made on the labor.But i was always so busy,i never felt like it was costing me money.

Eventually, i made an installation video for those homeowners who wanted to do their own windows.While the video is for sale on my website, i decided to take excerpts from the video and write an article once a week covering some part of the window replacement project.This article is going to cover the difference between window frames used in new construction homes, and the window frames that are used to replace existing aluminum or wood windows.

When a new home is being built,the windows are nailed to the wood studs that make up the house frame.In order to accomplish this, new construction windows have a fin around all four sides of the frame that rests against the outside of the stud and nails are driven into the studs through the nailing fin. After that,flashing paper is applied to prevent water leaks,then the exterior material is applied. That material can be stucco, brick, siding, etc.

Now,imagine 10 or 20 years later when you want to replace those windows. If you were going to install your replacement windows the same way the original windows were installed, you would have to remove the exterior material around each window in order to get to those nails holding the frame in there. You can see how this procedure could cause many problems, not to mention all the labor involved. I have seen homes in california with stucco exteriors where the homeowner had the stucco cut out in order to remove the old windows.The problem was they were unable to match the stucco colors after patching. Its just not a very efficient way to replace windows. So the replacement frame was designed.

In most parts of the country it's simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed. In the west, where stucco is a common home exterior,a retrofit frame was designed. If you're going to be replacing the exterior material on your home, then you might want to consider going with the new construction window since the nailing fins will be exposed anyway. Also, chances are that a contractor will be doing your exterior replacement,and it would be wise to let the contractor install the windows as well.Since my installation videos deal with window replacement only, these articles will focus on replacement frames and retrofit frames. Using these two frame styles,a do it yourselfer can replace their old windows without any damage to existing interior and exterior surfaces. And the job can be done using common tools such as a drill,tape measure, and caulking gun.

In next weeks article,we will discuss the replacement of wood sash windows.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978

To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com

---

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for... Read More

Wallpaper Doesnt Just Cover...It Defines The Room

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an... Read More

So You?ve Put an Offer on a Home. What?s Next?

You've finally found the home of your dreams, 3 bedrooms,... Read More

Mistakes?

MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More

Picnic Tables for Casual Dining Fun

Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living?... Read More

The Art of Power Washing Siding

Some of the most common mistakes to avoid made by... Read More

Building a Garage Addition to Your Home

One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More

Bakers Racks Add Flair And Style To Your Kitchen

Many items a person can add to the kitchen are... Read More

Reviewing and Evaluating Laminate Floors

Since the introduction of laminate flooring into the US in... Read More

Does Your Home Need Concrete Waterproofing?

Many areas of your home can benefit from concrete waterproofing.... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Research Concerning Color in Homes and Workplaces

Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool of Your Dreams

A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools... Read More

Age Old Question: Buy New or Remodel Existing Home?

Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter... Read More

Improving Your Bathrooms Appearance can be as Simple as Changing Your Bathroom Cabinets

Your choice of bathroom cabinet can affect the look and... Read More

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with... Read More

Add Value to Your House - Interior Remodelling

Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next?... Read More

Remove Ink Stains From Carpet

One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More

The Smart Way To Look At Home Improvements

What home improvements really pay off when the time comes... Read More

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design

You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your... Read More

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction

The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More

Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting

As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More

Buy Area Rugs on the Web? What a Site!

After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print,... Read More

An Interview with Design Psychology Expert Jeanette Fisher

Interview with Jeanette Fisher by Gary Anderson, of ... Read More

Make Your Home Secure

The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More

Housing and Smart Houses; Energy Self Sufficient Possibilities

Housing and smart houses. I believe that we could have... Read More

Creating Dynamic Window Coverings Without Breaking the Budget

When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully,... Read More

How to Choose a Freezer for Home

The average household freezer is a silent slave. It operates... Read More