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Inserts or Full Replacement Windows?

7 years ago

We are replacing 12 casement and 5 small picture windows. They are wood, Lincoln clad, 22 yrs old. Window seals broke many years ago, some wood is rotting- 2 windows can't be opened due to rot and sash tearing away from window. We had decided on Sunrise Rennovation full replacement windows, but as I read on the forums, I am wondering If we can just do inserts? There is concern that the frames on 2 adjoining windows have caused possible rot right below the windows due to the siding being soft and a little cracked. How do we know if we need a full tear out?

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Comments (4)

PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
7 years ago
Do you have any pictures? Both methods are options on nearly every project, it is more of an issue of the law of diminishing returns. IE: If you are replacing a substantial amount of wood (and incurring that expense) on the majority of windows, you may as well go to the full frame removal at that point. I few pieces of bad wood to be replaced on the other hand is not a huge deal.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
7 years ago
+1

Can't say I have seen a scenario that did not show interior damage (i.e. subflooring, carpet, etc.) that couldn't be done via insert. Often times we will see sills that are rotted and they are easily repaired or replaced prior to setting the insert.
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A full frame tear-out can be rather tricky to install a new, finned window and get proper flashing detail when in a brick opening. Often times those are installed with no fin anyway. That being the case, the biggest factor IMO will be your tolerance for the amount of glass lost, and your plans for the interior woodwork. If you are retaining it and don't care too much about the small amount of glass loss, go for the inserts. If you are replacing all of the trim anyway, the you may as well do tear-outs.
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My mom did a replacement/inserts. She had white vinyl installed. They look good and didn't change the look of the windows much, except now white. She wasn't concerned so much about how they looked. I did full frame replacement just last week, it really changed the look which is what I wanted, plus the old ones where rotted and had to do full frame. If you are concerned about how they will look I would have the window company go over exactly how this will be done, if they will be putting and "new" trim on inside and outside. What will it be made of. Also, if and addtional wood is used besides the windows they do not stain it, its your responsibility usually. Just a suggestion but my sister and husband built their own house and they stained and put on finish before windows went in, that is much easier. If they do need to use additional trim ask that you be given it before had so you can stain/paint before hand or ask for them to do it if you dont want to, they may not want to, also may not do such a good job on matching stain/paint. Maybe thats why they don't do it.
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g______
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I don't have pictures, but I don't know what they would really show- without tearing the windows out. The known rot is on the windows themselves. Sounds like we could consider inserts if we were willing to resand and restain the unrotted sills.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
7 years ago
We'd be looking for the degree of rot present. In most cases, even when the windows is rotted you won't find too much hidden damage beyond that... If the sills are primarily in need of some TLC (restaining) as opposed to being rotted out, then I'd agree, inserts would be fine.
g______ thanked HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

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