When you are ready to buy a window for your home, you will need to choose between several options. You can select either a new construction or replacement window. These windows are made for certain circumstances, and you want to choose the one based on your specific needs. If you are undecided about the type of window for your home, here are a few things that you should know.
What Are New Construction and Replacement Windows?
You might be confused about the difference between new construction and replacement windows. New construction windows are usually designed for those homes with clear openings. Many of these windows are made for a home with no trim or sliding in place. If you are looking at these windows, you can identify them by the attachment nailing or fins on the sides. These windows will also have these flanges on the exterior side of the window.
You can use these construction windows for new buildings or remodeled homes. In some cases, new construction windows are used for those homes with badly damaged areas around the window opening. Since the new construction windows are installed into your home’s structure, you can expect these windows to be completely sealed off from the weather and elements.
These windows can be used as a replacement window for your home. If the existing wall and frame have deteriorated, then you might want to choose a new window for your project. New construction windows are easy to install. However, you will want to leave any window replacement work for a professional company. New construction windows are relatively easy to obtain from your local home improvement store.
On the opposite side, replacement windows are used to replace those poor performing windows. These windows do not have nailing flanges or fins. A replacement window will feature a smooth side for an easier install. For those do-it-yourself projects, these replacement windows can be challenging to tackle by yourself. In addition to that, replacement windows are difficult for the average person to purchase. If you want to buy these windows for your home, you will need to purchase them from a professional installation company.
Replacement windows are a great choice for those structures that have an existing window space. These windows perform best when the peripheral area is in excellent shape. Like new construction windows, replacement windows are weather-tight. However, the lack of nailing fins can allow air to seep into your home over the years.
When You Should Use a New Construction Window
There are certain circumstances when you need to use a new construction window. Building a new home is one of those situations. Since there are no windows that need to be replaced, you should not use replacement windows for the project. All new homes will install these new construction windows in the structure.
For those adding a new addition to your building, you will need to use new construction windows. There are very rare instances where you would want a replacement window. If you add an expansion that incorporates a portion of an existing wall, you could use a replacement window. However, in most cases, new construction windows are used for these projects.
Some homes may have extensive damage, and the windows are in bad shape. If your current structure has been severely damaged and needs repair work, you can add a new construction window to your home. You should look at the area around the interior drywall, exterior siding, wall stud, and flooring. Any areas with damage will need to be completely renovated. It is easier to install a new construction window with these circumstances than to add a replacement one. A new construction window is better insulated and provides a tighter fit than a replacement window.
When You Need To Use a Replacement Window
You might be tempted to install a new construction window. However, these windows can cause damage to an existing wall. With a replacement window, you will not have that issue. The wall, trim, siding, and window elements are all connected. When you start a project with a new construction window, you will have to remove some of these elements.
Replacement windows are designed to slide horizontally into the wall. In the process, those other elements are barely altered. These windows only require the interior trim removed from the building. After the frame has been replaced, replacement windows might need a bit of paint to touch up the trim.
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Since some new construction windows have removable fins, you might want to take those flanges off and use it as a replacement window. While that is not common, it can be done for your project. It is still not recommended to use a new construction window as a replacement window substitute for most projects. If you remove the fin, you can compromise the window’s structure or break the glass. Along with that, it is not easy to smooth down those outer edges. Any alterations can reduce the window’s weather durability.
New Construction vs. Replacement Windows
While you may think that all windows are the same, there are a few key differences between these window types. New constructions are designed for those new building projects. They have fins that must be attached to the building’s structure. On the opposite end, replacement windows are created to switch out with your home’s existing windows. With these windows, you don’t have to alter any of the existing elements around your window frame. Both varieties of windows are designed with specific needs in mind. When it is time to buy windows for your home, you want to make sure you purchase the right product for your home.
Let Us Help With Your Window Project
If you have any questions about your next home window project, you will want to talk to a professional installation team. At RGB Construction, we are here to walk you through the entire window replacement process. For those who wish to schedule a consultation, please fill out the contact form.
