Total Window Replacement Usually the Best Option

By Bob Mamerow

Many times when we are invited into a home to give a quote on window replacement, we find that we were not the first to be consulted.  Frequently, the homeowner will tell us that another company was there; telling them they didn’t need full window replacement, just an insert replacement.  Most homeowners like to hear that because they can keep their inside trim and don’t need to paint or stain.  But what is left out of that easy fix is that the homeowner wasn’t told about the lack of insulation between the frame of the window and it’s structural members that may not have been insulated 20, 40, 50, or 80 years ago.

An insert is just removing the sashes, parting stop and/or jamb liner on newer replacements and putting a window inside an existing frame.  There are several disadvantages to this.  For example, if an opening isn’t square, a window won’t operate properly.  Merely adding an insert is not going to help that window’s operation.  Another disadvantage is by putting a new window inside the frame of the old one, there is less glass, resulting in less light.  On a vinyl insert, you can lose as much as an inch on each side of the sash.  On a double hung window, that is a lot of light loss, which almost everybody finds undesirable.  But, the most important disadvantage of an insert is that the problem of air leaks is not resolved.

Compare this with a total window replacement.  The entire window is removed including exterior brick mold, nailing fins, frame, and sashes right down to the wood framing.  The new full frame replacement window is plumbed, squared, and shimmed so it can open and close properly.  The nailing fins are screwed in.  This is important to mention because typically we find that the nailing fins are held with roofing nails.  We prefer to use screws for a more secure connection.  Additionally, the sill pan and nailing fins are protected by a Tyvek butyl window wrapping.

To fill any gaps that cold air can leak through, we use closed cell foam insulation with low expansion.  That gives an R5 per inch insulation on each side of the window.  To prevent air coming in the pocket between the drywall, insulation, and framing, additional foam insulation is applied behind the jambs.

New brick mold is installed on the exterior and trimmed with aluminum.  It’s maintenance-free and the homeowner doesn’t have to worry about sills rotting or water infiltration.  Interior trim is available in pine, poplar, or oak and custom species and shapes when required.

When Callen does a window installation, we have installers who only do replacement windows, not other exterior projects.  Many have “Installation Masters” Certification and receive additional factory training from our premier window product, Infinity® from Marvin Fiberglass Replacement Windows.

In addition to quality installations and a Marvin Limited Lifetime Guarantee, homeowners are also protected by Callen’s lifetime workmanship warranty through our Total Owner Protection (TOP) program.

With our assessment of your true window replacement needs, full-service installation including interior and exterior trim, staining service availability, attention to detail, and lifetime warranty, you can be assured you are getting the best in window replacement from Callen.