trim work on replacement windows

14 years ago

I am wondering about the trim work when wood windows are removed and vinyl windows are put in. On the exterior we have a lot of wood rot in the brick mold & sills--does that get replaced?

On the interior we have stained trim/molding downstairs & painted (off white)trim/molding upstairs. Does the wood work remain or is it replaced?

Our house is salt box colonial with white trim, double hung builder grade 22 yr old wood windows & vinyl siding, located in the southern east coast.

We are just looking into this and will not be doing this ourselves...just am trying to understand what's involved and what the interior will look like.

Featured Answer

MrRogersWindows

14 years ago

Great question! Typically, there are two different ways to approach a window installation. The first one is called Ã¢ÂÂfull frameÃ¢ÂÂ and that is where all of your interior trim and your exterior trim is removed, including all the rotten stuff that youÃ¢ÂÂve mentioned, and of course the buck frame too. So you are left with the Ã¢ÂÂrough openingÃ¢ÂÂ of your window, down to the two by fours. A custom-built full frame window will be installed in that opening, and with that custom-built window comes all new exterior and interior trim.

In other words, in a full frame installation everything is gutted and replaced Ã¢Â" interior, exterior and everything in between. Usually, the exterior trim will be wrapped with a clad material, which means that the exterior trim is going to be maintenance-free. You wonÃ¢ÂÂt have to worry about painting it anymore. (This is optional, of course.) Typically, the interior trim will be wood, something that you can paint or stain to match your dÃÂ©cor.

Disadvantages of a full frame installation? Well, it is a longer process and therefore it will cost more, about 20% to 25% more to do a full frame installation.

The most common and the most affordable installation is called an Ã¢ÂÂinsert installationÃ¢ÂÂ or a replacement window application. In this case, the interior trim is left alone and the existing buck frame is left in place. Only the two sashes are removed. The exterior trim is typically left in place Ã¢Â" thatÃ¢ÂÂs the sill and the brick mold. This will be covered with a clad material as part of the installation so it is maintenance free. In your case, however, the sill and the brick mold would have to be cut out because of the rot. But thatÃ¢ÂÂs pretty standard, because usually there are areas of rot on older windows.

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Comments (8)

GulfBreezeWindows
14 years ago
For wood rot, that needs to be specified in the contract. As well as if you want your exterior to be "capped" in metal or vinyl, etc etc.

Your interior should remain the same. They should pull the stops off and re-install them, and replace them if they get broken.

Make sure all of that is in the contract.

Also make sure the contractor goes through step by step the process the will be preforming. That way you know what you are paying for and what to expect.

Make sure its in the contract.
Make sure its in the contract.

Can't say that enough.
scdeb424
Original Author
14 years ago
Hey, GulfBreezeWindows, you have really helped me understand what to expect and about the contract...that is a great piece of information--thanks!
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HomeSealed
14 years ago
In most installations, the interior trim remains and that rotted brickmold should be replaced (at least the bad sections) prior to capping). I agree with GB that it should be specified in the contract.
Jumpilotmdm
14 years ago
You said "wood windows removed"? Do you mean the SASH, or the whole window? This is key to what to expect as an end result. REPLACEMENT windows do NOT remove the old window, just the old sash, using that space as one for the new unit.
And don't let the company doing the work just cover up that rotten brickmolding as there are people out there that will do that and not think twice about it.
boyerjg
9 years ago
We have (I believe) the original Andersen Windows in our home. The home was built in 1923. If the windows aren't that old, they are still pretty old. We have a metal tool we insert to crack the windows out for instance. My question is this, we have beautiful walnut molding around all the window, doors, and pass through rooms. I don't want to lose that molding if we replace these windows. It sounds like from some of these post that I may not have to lose the interior molding. Everyone window person who has come here has said I do have to lose the molding. What can I do to avoid this?
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
9 years ago
Have any pics to post?

Are you opposed to pocket replacements? If that is possible, it would likely be the recommended install given your situation (age of home and desire to keep interior woodwork untouched). This is most common. The fact that multiple contractors have told you that is not possible indicates one of two things:

1) there are some complications to the install

2) you happened to pick companies that only utilize full frame removals in their installations. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, however it can be limiting in situations such as this (theoretically speaking) where a pocket install may actually be the better fit for your project goals.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
+1. A pocket replacement is going to preserve the interior moldings and leave them undisturbed.