replacement windows - full frame or insert?

9 years ago

Can anyone tell me pros and cons with a full frame replacement versus inserts?

I REALLY like the look of full frame replacement versus the fins and loss of glass with inserts. We have installers coming for quotes starting tomorrow.

We are in Chandler Arizona, current windows are original to the house - 30 plus years old. Stucco home no trim around windows inside or out.

Thanks Much

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Comments (5)

PRO
toddinmn
9 years ago
You will have replace stucco or cut it out and add new trim to get the benefit of a new construction window and would have to add trim or do drywall repairs which will drive up cost.

Inserting a window inside the frame will be cheaper and keep everything mostly intact.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
+1. With stucco you have two installation option in my book.

1 - Stucco frame jump

2 - Stucco cut back and nailing flange/new construction installation
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eastbay10
9 years ago
Assume your 30 year old home has original aluminum windows. The best and cleanest (from an aesthetic view) will be full replacement but your labor costs will be much higher especially with the stucco patch. If you are going to stay in the home for 10+ years and can afford the additional cost, I would choose full replacement.
PRO
toddinmn
9 years ago
Keep in mind it can be difficult to get match in pattern and more so in color. Patchwork is hard to blend in due to fading of the original stucco, you may not be happy unless you do a resdash. They should be able to cut the stucco for new trim with no patch work if they are good. Doing it this way can make if difficult to tie in the the old water barrier/tar paper to the new flashing especially with narrow trim or if they cut the tar paper removing the stucco.
harry_wild
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have a stucco home and used Marvin Ultimate Casement Windows. The installers I used are home builders with over 25 years experience and they measured the original windows about three times and order the windows including the brickmolding attached from the factory. They took the original windows out and inserted the new windows in with no harm to the stucco. They also before hand; scored the internal wood trim and remove the trim very carefully to be re-used after the new windows were installed. Worked out perfectly on all windows. I was amazed. Only very minor touch up on the internal trim needed for the 14 windows. Everything was original trim installed back! The installers were a huge premium in labor cost but well worth the cost since no repairs were called for afterwards to the home itself. Nice and clean - surgically removed and put back.