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Replacement Windows:
Innie or Outie?
I am in the process of hiring a
contractor to install new vinyl replacement windows in my 1987 South
Carolina home. Half of the contractors I have spoken with suggest inside
installation and the other half want to install from the outside, Is there
a difference in the end result either way? Are they suppose to replace the
entire frame as well. What should I be looking for in details?
Thank you!
Nancy
I've
only installed a couple of true "replacement" windows, but
I've used new-construction windows for replacement purposes. In fact,
many new-construction windows such as Andersen Tilt-Wash and Pella
Pro-Line have a removable nailing flange that can be omitted when
installing in an existing window rough opening.
I have watched window installers work on other job sites, and I have
seen two types of true replacement windows. One type includes a wide
jamb and thus requires removal of the old window jambs. The second type
has a narrow jamb and fits against the old window jamb.
Type 2 would be easier to install, I suppose, with little or no casing
or trim repair/replacement. These would have to be custom made, and a
sales rep would accurately measure your existing window jambs during a
sales call. I imagine these windows could easily be installed from the
inside. But I have to wonder if there is the need for some caulking,
flashing or sealing on the outside, as water could penetrate behind an
improperly sealed window and rot the old wood jambs.
Also, one drawback to this type of replacement window is that the open
area of the window may be reduced, as well as the amount of visible
glass. Any windows that are already small are likely to appear smaller.
I sometimes call these "fat sash" windows because the frame
around the glass (the sash) is often quite wide.
If a house had a lot of elaborate trim around the windows, this method
would preserve it. But houses with elaborate millwork often don't look
good with gleaming white fat window sashes next to antique or fancy
trim. Very old houses (such as the one I live in) are quite compatible
with using new construction windows, because there are often wide
exterior casing boards that can be removed and replaced over the nailing
flange.
I am more familiar with the "Type 1" window, where the old
jambs are removed. This makes more mess, and requires working from the
outside, and perhaps the inside too. There will probably be some casing
or trim repair work. With this type of window you will not likely lose
much, if any, viewing area or openable area of the window. You might
even gain some. When these windows are installed there is an opportunity
to install better insulation around the perimeter of the window jamb, a
small benefit over the Type 2 mentioned above.
I suppose I would prefer the Type 1 over the Type 2, unless there was a
major cost savings with the Type 2. But I would want to avoid the
"fat sash syndrome" with the second type and ask to see a
sample of the window to get an idea what they would look like.
Bruce W. Maki, Editor.
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