When buying windows for your house you have to decide between Replacement Windows or New-Construction Windows. A Replacement Window is used when an existing window needs to be replaced in the same frame. In contrast, a new construction window is used when the existing frame is replaced which is usually while doing remodeling or when doing new construction. However, there are some cases when the choice is not so clear and then we should look at the differences
What are Replacement Windows
Replacement Windows are windows that fit into the existing frame and window openings. Replacement Windows are also called retrofit windows and are easy to install and installing these will ensure there is minimal disruption to your house.
What are New-Construction Windows
When you are looking at remodeling your home to change its appearance or you are doing new construction then you need to use new-construction Windows
Differences Between Replacement Windows vs. New-Construction Windows
| New-Construction Windows | Replacement Windows | |
| Definition | A new construction window is used when the existing frame is replaced, usually while remodeling or when doing a new construction. | Replacement Windows are windows that fit into the existing frame and window openings. |
| Cost | A new construction window is often costlier than a replacement window and its actual cost depends on your house conditions and the work required. | Replacement Windows usually cost between $200 to $800 depending on your house and are cheaper than new construction windows. |
| How to Identify | A new construction window will have on the external side flanges, fins for attachment or nailings | Replacement Windows will have smooth sides so that they can be easily inserted and will not have any flanges or attachments |
| DIY | A new construction window will be easier to install DIY if you have done all the peripheral work | Replacement Windows will be harder for DIY because of their specifications |
| Availability | A new construction window will be widely available at most of the home centers | Replacement Windows will be mostly available with original manufacturers and harder for a DIY to obtain |
| When to Use | When you are doing remodeling or repairing an existing structure use new-construction window | If the existing window and the frame are in good shape use Replacement Windows |
| Performance | If the new-construction window is installed correctly it will be weatherproof and work well | Replacement Windows are also weatherproof and work well though lack of nailing fins can cause an issue |
When to Use New-Construction Windows
You should only use new-construction windows when you are building a new house with walls or you are remodeling so much that the wall system is being rebuilt by a substantial amount. In nutshell, if the house is new or if you are remodeling and adding a wall to the house or if there is a substantially damaged wall that is being rebuilt only then you will use new-construction windows.
New-Construction Windows in a Damaged Window Situation
If the window has been damaged extremely then its peripheral areas would also have been damaged. Windows can be damaged through either rot or termites or ants and in such a case you would have seen problems with frames around the window, its interior drywalls, or exterior sides and so it is a perfect time to use a new-construction window. Since in such a condition a lot of carpentry work would be done it would be cost-effective to use a new construction window. A New Construction window will be effective even if it is just about the removal of exterior window trim as it has attached nailing fins which makes it more effective than replacement windows. Also, a new-construction window will be better against weather and will provide more insulation as well as help in changing the appearance of your house.
When to Use Replacement Windows
You should use replacement windows if the wall of the house has already been built and the only construction that should be done is to remove the current window and its trim. Replacement windows are cheaper and easier for an external contractor to install but use it when you are intending to replace the existing window without changing its look or if the window that is used in a new construction window but its nailing fins are designed so that they can be detached or when no construction is expected on the wall.
What to use when replacing existing windows
When the wall is good and you don’t need to change anything except the existing windows, then you should use replacement windows as they are cheap and very easy to install. A Window consists of a frame, wall, interior trim, and its sliding elements and if you change one you will have to change everything. Most of the time replacement windows can simply be slided into the existing frame without any other work required however sometimes minimal changes are required which would not be handy for a DIY person as an interior trim might need to be modified which would require some work from a contractor. If the contractor is able to remove the trim carefully enough it can directly replace it with a similar trim without any other requirements. After the removal of the trim, you would also need that area to be painted to repair the damage if any.
How to turn New-Construction Windows with Fins to Replacement Window
Some brands of New-Construction Windows have detachable fin which if present can easily be removed and you can turn your window into a replacement window which is a wonderful utility to have. If however, your new-construction window has a molded fin that is not detachable then don’t try to cut them off as you will end up breaking the glass or weakening the structure of the window. Also if you try to cut of a molded fin it will become difficult for a window to slide correctly into the groove and will end up not being weather tight.
What is cheaper replacement windows or new construction?
Replacement Windows usually cost between $200 to $800 depending on your house and are cheaper than new construction windows. A new construction window is often costlier than a replacement window though its actual cost depends on your house conditions and the work required. You will see installation cost estimates for new construction windows to be 10 to 15% higher than that of replacement windows.
Should you use new windows or replacement windows?
If you are looking for a cheaper option or you don’t need to modify your existing window frame then you should use replacement windows. If you are looking to remodel and modify your house walls so that the existing frame needs to be replaced then you should use new-construction windows.
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