Why is a full frame installation better?

When you look into getting your windows replaced, there are really 2 methods to choose from. However, most customers don't get the chance to choose. The overwhelming majority of "window companies" only offer an insert style installation. What's worse, they talk about full frame replacement as a "remodel", thus implying that style is far more expensive. So to clear the air... here is the difference between insert and full frame installations, and why we believe that a full frame is better.

So what does an insert installation consist of? If you have currently have wood windows, it consists of removing the sashes, and potentially the jamb liners so that a new replacement window, typically vinyl, can be installed behind those interior stops. An interior stop is the piece of the frame that holds the moving parts in place. If you have vinyl or aluminum windows, this is often called a pocket style installation. In this scenario, the new windows would be installed inside the drywall, not behind, and a new stop or thin trim is installed in front of the new unit to finish it off. In either case, you will lose somewhere between 1" and 3" of glass in width, and something similar in the height. If you knew that, would you really want it?

A full frame replacement consists of removing the entire opening, all the way to the studs or rough opening. This means that the new window can be the same size as the original window, and depending on the unit you go with, like an Andersen 400 series, you can actually gain glass due to the frame profile. But other than that, it provides a cleaner exterior finish as well as new interior casing. Sometimes, we can reuse the existing casing, but we typically replace with new. This also allows us to seal the entire opening with insulation, and tape the exterior flange to get a new construction seal. But how much is the difference in cost?

Overall, the installation is not that much different. It may cost about $100 more per opening to replace as a full frame. If you have expensive casing, it may be more like $150+, but the real difference is in the cost of the window itself. Vinyl windows, such as most inserts, cost a fraction of what quality clad units cost. If you get into high end units, such as Andersen A-Series or Marvin Ultimate, it may be even more lopsided. So the real question should be "if I'm going for a top line window, why wouldn't I want a full frame install?"

The big takeaway is this, few companies provide anything other than insert style installations because they take longer and require more skill and material. So if we are in a commodity industry, those are the things that drive the bottom line and thus shape the standard operating procedure. But if we are in a service industry, we are more concerned about doing a job right each time we do an install, which allows us to give educated customers what they really want, and install done correct and complete. For that reason, United Home Services specializes in full frame window replacements each and every install, and our customers appreciate it.