Replacement Windows vs. New-Construction Windows

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When buying windows for your home, you have a choice between two different types of windows: replacement windows or new-construction windows. Except in a couple of rare instances, these two types of windows are mutually exclusive. The choice is clear-cut as to which window you should choose.

New-Construction vs. Replacement Windows
New-Construction Windows	Replacement Windows
Definition	New-construction windows are meant for clear openings in the house usually with no trim or siding in place.	Replacement windows replace existing new-construction or replacement windows.
How to Identify	New-construction windows have nailing or attachment fins, or flanges, on the exterior side of the window.	Replacement windows have no nailing fins or flanges. They are smooth-sided for easy insertion.
Do-It-Yourself	New-construction windows are moderately easy to install (though much of the peripheral work is difficult).	Replacement windows can be tricky for do-it-yourselfers to install due to exacting tolerances.
Availability	New-construction windows are easily available and in stock at most home centers.	Replacement windows are difficult for do-it-yourselfers to obtain, though there are a number of online sources.
Where to Use	Use new-construction windows when building new structures, deep remodeling, or for repairing badly damaged existing structures.	Use replacement windows when the structure has an existing window and the peripheral area is in good shape.
Performance	New-construction windows are absolutely weather-tight when installed correctly.	Replacement windows are weather-tight, as well, though the absence of the nailing fins is not a positive feature.
Cross-Over	The only time you may need to use new-construction windows in a replacement window situation is when the wall and frame are badly deteriorated.	There is almost never a need to use a replacement window in a new-construction situation.

When to Use New-Construction Windows

When Building a New House

Building a new house is the perfect example of new construction; thus, the need for new-construction windows. There is never a need to use replacement windows since no windows are being replaced. All new homes use new-construction windows.

Should You Use a New-Construction Window?

• If this is a new house
• If this is an addition
• If this is a severely damaged wall that needs much repair work

When Building an Addition

An addition is a smaller version of a new house. Unless you are dealing with a very unusual circumstance, you will almost always use a new-construction window with additions. The only time you may not want to use a new-construction window is when you are incorporating a portion of an existing wall into your addition.

When Replacing an Extremely Bad Window

When the window is in bad shape, it almost always follows that the peripheral area is in bad shape. The framing around the window, exterior siding, interior drywall, wall studs, and even floor covering and subflooring may have been compromised by termites, rot, or carpenter ants.

Because you will need to perform extensive carpentry work, it will be just as simple, easy, and cheap to install a new-construction window as it is to put in a replacement window. A new-construction window will be more substantial and will provide better insulation from the elements than a replacement window. Because of the attached nailing fins, it will be more weather-tight than replacement windows.

When to Use Replacement Windows

When Replacing an Existing Window

Installing a new-construction window in a good wall will create more damage and work for you than installing a replacement window. Window, wall, trim, and siding elements are all connected; when you alter one element, you alter other elements.

The great value in using replacement windows is that they are designed to slide in horizontally while replacing a minimum of other elements. Usually, replacement windows do require some minimal, temporary alterations, such as the removal of interior trim. However, as long as the trim is carefully removed, it can usually be replaced on a one-for-one basis. Some painting is usually required after the trim has been replaced.

Should You Use a Replacement Window?

• If this is a one-for-one replacement of an existing window
• If this is not a new building under construction
• If it is a new-construction window with nailing fins designed to be detached

When Using New-Construction Windows With Detachable Fins

If new-construction windows have molded fins and replacement windows do not, does it stand to reason that you can remove the attached fins on the former and turn them into the latter? While this is not common, in a few cases it is possible.

Some brands of new-construction windows have fins that are designed to be snapped or cut off. This provides the greatest possible utility to these windows.

Generally, it is not advisable to cut off molded fins from new-construction windows that do not have purposely detachable fins. You may compromise the window’s structure or break the glass in the sash while cutting. Also, it can be difficult to smooth down the outer edges of the window enough for the window to tightly slide into place and remain weather-tight.

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House Windows

Sometimes we don’t notice progressive deterioration before it’s too late. One day you take a good look at your house windows and realise that they are looking worn and very sorry for themselves. Do they need replacing? How much will it cost? Is condensation a really bad sign? Find out by reading on…

How much do house windows cost?

For domestic uses, windows can cost anywhere from £150 to £900 depending on the size, style, material and installation costs involved. A single window costs on average £400. The most common material that house windows are made of is uPVC, and is also the cheapest.

For some more examples of how much you could expect to pay for uPVC windows according to house type and number of windows, you can see our helpful table below.

Cost of uPVC Windows (materials + installation)

Type of home Number of Bedrooms Windows needed Expected cost of Casement style uPVC Windows Expected cost of Sash style uPVC Windows Flat 2 4 windows £1,450 — £1,700 £2,400 — £3,200 Terraced 2 5 windows £1,800 — £2,250 £3,000 — £4,350 Semi-detached 2 7 windows £2,500 — £2,800 £3,700 — £5,200 Semi-detached 3 9 windows £3,200 — £3,500 £4,400 — £6,600 Detached 3 12 windows £4,200 — £4,700 £6,200 — £7,550 Detached 4 15 windows £5,300 — £5,800 £7,200 — £9,400

You can also read more articles to find out about uPVC windows, window styles and window glass. All of these affect the price differently so be sure to check them out to inform yourself! Wooden windows and aluminium windows are more expensive, and you can find out more about them by reading our articles on the subject.

However, it is important to know what factors influence the final price of your window. For a comprehensive guide on window prices, you can see our dedicated window prices article. You will find all of the information you need categorised according to size, material, style and glazing. It is important to know that actual prices can vary a lot since window companies can set their own prices.

How can you save money on house windows?

Making a purchase without doing research about what you can expect in terms of service and price is a surefire way to pay more than you need. Don’t miss out on the best price! Take your time and compare lots of local house window companies before you decide. By entering some information via our portal, you can do just that. Get up to 4 quotes from trusted professionals and compare these with no obligation. Customers have saved up to 40%, and so could you!

When should you replace house windows?

It can be tricky to know when your house windows need replacing. However, here is a helpful table to show you what you can do for specific window problems if you don’t want to replace them. If the problems can’t be resolved through these means, you probably need to replace them!

Problem	Possible solutions
My window won’t open fully or properly	Casement windows: Look into buying replacement parts such as the sash support system or the window operator (handle mechanism). Sometimes the moving parts just need cleaning or lubricating.

Sash windows: If the window has swollen due to heat you can sand or plane the wood panes down to make them slide more easily My window lets in a chilly draught Install a draught excluder or replace a faulty one

If you see small cracks, fill them with nail polish The latches on my window are broken, making me feel unsafe Buy replacements online and install them yourself or ask a handyman The glass in my window is foggy If you are able to remove your window sash, take it to a hardware shop to have the glass or insulated seal replaced The outside window sill is rotten The sill can be replaced by itself if the rot has not spread — cut back the rotten wood and replace it with new wood that you can measure from your original cut One or more panes of glass are broken You can remove the glass yourself but always wear extensive protective gear and tape the glass to remove it safely

Glass replacement is cheaper than window replacement

For inspiration on different kinds of windows to brighten up your world, this is a wonderful resource we like to use!

How to install house windows?

Doing home improvement projects DIY style is all the rage these days, and for good reason! You save considerable amounts of money in labor costs and potentially in materials too when you find a good supplier. However there are also significant risks involved with doing home improvement ourselves, and this also applies to windows. They can be easily damaged by a lack of expertise and proper knowledge. While it is possible to install your own house windows, proceed with caution!

For a guide on how you can do this (specifically with relation to uPVC or plastic windows), you can read our article about plastic windows. This short explanation will show you how it’s done, though we recommend doing a lot more research if you’re serious about installing your own windows.

Why is there condensation or fogging on your windows?

Condensation forms when warm damp air meets cooler, drier air. A good example of this is a shower in the bathroom. The difference in temperature makes the warm water in the air condense into liquid on the cold surface. The same thing happens with house windows – if it is warm and humid inside the room, the moisture can condense on a cold window pane.

How can you prevent your house windows from fogging up?

Normally this is avoided by having double glazing, preventing the interior pane of glass from becoming too cold. However with old or damaged windows, the gas between the two panes can leak, allowing cold air in from the outside. This can cause condensation to form (especially in bedrooms at night) on the interior of your window.

Condensation forming on the inside of the window can be avoided by ventilating your room well, avoiding interior humidity. With condensation between the double glazing, you should think of replacing your windows.

Explore your options and talk to professionals

Information about windows can be difficult to find online, and big national companies can sometimes pressure customers into a sale. However local companies will understand your requirements and worries better than most, and will give you the best information for your situation. Gain peace of mind and arm yourself with knowledge by submitting some information to our obligation-free online form. This way you will compare quotes from trusted local providers, up to 4 in your inbox within a couple of days!

5 Signs Your House Needs New Windows

When you need new windows for your home, it’s best not to dilly-dally on a buying situation. It is true that a window replacement project will require a tangible investment, but it’s also true that doing nothing will only lead to problems. With quality replacement windows, you’ll get better energy efficiency, a better overall look, a more comfortable interior, and a quieter environment.

But how can you tell if new windows should be in your future? Here are 5 signs to look for.

1. Energy Bills Are Through the Roof

One sign that you need to get replacement windows is a sudden increase in your utility bills. A lot of energy loss in the average home is a result of the windows and doors. If you have problems with your windows and doors, your home won’t be as energy efficient as it could be. Air from outside will be able to seep indoors. This will make it more difficult for you to maintain a consistent interior temperature. During the summer, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to maintain the temperate you want. And during the winter, your furnace will have to work overtime to maintain the temperature you want. So if you notice that your energy bills are higher for some unknown reason, the problem may very well be your windows.

2. Hard to Open and Close Windows

Do you need the strength of Hercules or Wonder Woman in order to open and close your old windows? That’s a sure sign that you need to consider window replacement. If your windows are difficult to operate, the problem could be warped or broken frames. One thing’s for certain — you need to get the problem rectified as soon as possible since they will present a security risk.

3. Windows Are Worn and Torn

Are your windows the worse for wear? Are they adversely impacting your home’s curb appeal? Have they gotten to the point where a coat of paint really won’t cut it? In such cases, you’ll want to explore your window replacement options. Windows can last a long time. But they will need to be replaced at some point. If your windows are old and look every bit their age, you will want to determine whether they should be fixed or replaced. But if the warranty has expired or is close to expiring, your best bet is to get new windows rather than to throw good money after bad.

4. You Have Single Pane Windows

If your windows haven’t been replaced in decades, there’s a possibility that you might have single-pane windows. There was a time when single-pane windows were the gold standard. But those days are long gone. Nowadays, single-pane windows are only good for garages or sheds. But the windows for your home should be double-pane or even triple pane. You can also opt to have inert gas — krypton or argon — inserted between the panes. This will make your windows particularly energy-efficient — far more so than is the case with single-pane windows.

5. Your Home is Noisy

Another sign that you need new windows is if the sounds outside your home are filtering inside way too easily. If you get quality windows, you’ll find that they can lessen sound transfer. This will ensure that the outdoor sounds from people and vehicles won’t intrude into your home.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of these 5 issues, you need to consider window replacement. Your best bet is to head over to a replacement window shop to speak with the professionals there. They’ll be able to help you get the quality windows you need for your residence.