When you decide to do window replacement, you will get tons of quotes and ideas from numerous contractors about the process. Before you select a company to do your job, you must analyze the price because better services demand higher prices.

But something more crucial than money is the installation method of these new units. Proper installation is mandatory.

The window installation method differs based on the condition of the home, age of the house, sidings, or exterior materials because few techniques get complicated on brick or stucco houses and if there is any previous damage present like a significant leakage or rot.

Brickmould and exterior sill are the places more likely to get damaged. The budget and timeline matter too.

Also, we will mention the details of every method. So, you know everything before choosing a technique for yourself.

New window but old frame

As the name suggests, the new window unit gets installed in the old frame. Every other part of the old window gets removed except for the frame.

The new glass, sash, and frame get inserted into the old frame only. This way, the initial openings remain unaltered.

From the way this method works, it is the least destructive and most affordable. But it only works if the previous frames are sound.

Many times, the existing frames disfigure or have hidden problems in them. Most houses have wooden window frames that get covered in aluminum. And if the aluminum wrap gets affected by water, then moisture will cause immense damage to the original wooden structure.

This water can even harm the sidings and walls. If not taken care these damages will grow into more critical issues. And to avoid this situation, we advise you to get a thorough moisture testing of claddings and become aware of any concealed damages.

Suppose you hired a contractor to complete your window replacement process, but when the contractor inspects your frames, he finds some problems with the sidings.

After getting an investigation, he finds out your wall has completely deteriorated from leakage and moisture.

In this case, you need to take care of walls before windows. Hiring an expert to inspect your walls is a wise decision.

However, this method has downsides too. It will be different from the house design and is not airtight. It means water can affect it. And on average, you may lose 2 inches of sunlight (the opening gets smaller). Plus, a large amount of area gets rapped in the aluminum cover or similar cover of the old window unit, making the window not that visually appealing.

Window replacement with new frames

The other method is the one with new frames. Everything of the old window is taken out with nothing left but the rough opening.

Your sidings and walls remain untouched. This method is beneficial for walls because when frames are new, there is no risk of other damages related to old frames.

But there are drawbacks to these options. You are at higher risk for water intrusion. Hence pan flashings get used.

Pan flashings create a defense layer against water intrusion and prevent siding damage.

You are also susceptible to hidden damages. Even if the entire unit is new, the walls near the window can get damaged due to constant leakage.

And you may not know about it unless you go for a rigorous moisture check.

Full frame replacement

A full-frame replacement is the best option when it comes to window replacement. A full-frame replacement requires the removal of the entire window frame plus the sidings around the frame.

The constructors remove the sidings and make everything by today’s standards for a new home.

In this replacement, you will face no issues regarding leakage or water intrusion because everything will be new. You will need to buy new interior trims. This method is costly but slightly more than the previous method, and paying for this is worth every penny.

If you need the best method for your window replacement, then full-frame replacement is what you need.

The best method for window replacement

Window installation depends on several factors. The first two methods mentioned might involve less labor and cost less, but they can’t guarantee complete safety.

But the last method gives you complete protection from water intrusion and other damages for a decent amount of time. Also, while you get your windows installed, you should go for moisture testing too!