Home Building, Remodeling, Renovations, and More

If you are remodeling your home, you will likely want to consider updating your doors and windows. You will often hear contractors use the terms New Construction or Retrofit (replacement) when discussing installation of residential windows and doors.

Either of these may be used for either new construction or remodeling, and both have specific advantages designed for these different installation methods.

New Construction Windows and doors

New construction windows typically have something called a nail fin. The nail fin rests against the outside of the wooden stud in the home’s framing. Nails or screws are driven through the holes in the fin. All other exterior materials are then applied and butted up to the frame of the window or trim.

New construction windows and doors also can be used in a remodeling or replacement project. In order to do this, the exterior materials, such as any existing window trim, siding, stucco or flashing, are removed, exposing the wood studs. The new window is then installed as it would have been when the home was originally built.

Retrofit (replacement) Windows and Doors

Replacement windows and doors have been developed as a labor and cost-cutting alternative. There are two main types of replacement windows:

“Flush fin”(or “z-bar”) – These types of replacement windows are typically used in areas, such as CA, that often use aluminum windows in stucco home exteriors. This method leaves the original aluminum window frame intact, with very little opportunity for the stucco siding to be damaged.

“Block frame” – Also called “insert replacement windows”, these are typically found in areas where wood windows are in place, and the exterior is siding or brick. Often, the block frame window is simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed.

For either New Construction or Replacement windows, be sure to look for certain features that indicate whether it is a high or low-quality windows. Some elements to look for include:

• The NFRC Label: National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights and attachment products.
• Metal lock components that fit together well—stainless steel is recommended.
• Matching colors on all components.
• Heat-welded joints as opposed to the window sash and frame being mechanically
• fastened and held together by screws, brackets and caulk.

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Hope to see you soon,

Mike