Difference In New Construction And Replacement Windows

The main difference between new construction and replacement windows lies in the installation process.

Difference in new construction and replacement windows.

New construction windows are used when a brand new home or a new addition to a home is being built. Replacement windows are made to replace old windows in an existing home. New construction windows are meant for clear openings in the house usually with no trim or siding in place. New construction windows have nailing or attachment fins or flanges on the exterior side of the window.

The frame and sill aren t replaced during replacement window installation replacement windows also sometimes referred to as retrofit windows are measured to fit an existing opening and will only replace the actual window. Learn the difference between replacement windows and new construction windows to choose the best option for your project understanding your new replacement window options. Replacement window costs are lower than new construction window costs overall because you save on time and labor of window installation. As with new construction windows the specific cost of replacement windows varies by size shape and material.

Replacement windows replace existing new construction or replacement windows. This avoids the removal of any exterior elements and allows for a quick easy and less invasive installation. Replacement windows are defined as windows installed into a pre existing window opening while new construction windows are designed for homes that have yet to be constructed or used in the instances where an existing window has to be removed down to the studs of the walls before it can be replaced. However with new construction you have to create the opening and everything that encases the window from scratch which usually ends up more than a typical replacement window project.

The existing window. Even if you find what appears to be the exact same size window a new construction window isn t built to simply plug in to the opening where an existing window has been removed. They are designed to be installed in the existing window frame from the inside of the home. There is a definite difference between new construction standard size and replacement custom size windows.

You might think that new construction windows come at a lower cost since they re not the same quality as replacement windows. When it s time to replace your windows you ll be presented with many choices. When trying to make a decision on which type of windows are right for your home you ll want to first understand the difference between replacement and new construction windows.