New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?
Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the window and door business. My father owned a glass shop that dealt in every aspect of residential and commercial glass.Naturally, when it came time to choose a profession, i wound up in the window and door business.I have been in the business for about 27 years, and i have been self employed for 20. One of the things that separated my company from my competitors was my willingness to show my customers how to replace their windows themselves. Whenever i would encounter a customer with a curiosity or willingness to learn how to install their own windows,i would offer to sell them the labor on one window,using them as my helper.Then,they would install the rest of the windows using the knowledge gained from helping me install one.Most window companies would never do this because there is so much money made on the labor.But i was always so busy,i never felt like it was costing me money. Eventually, i made an installation video for those homeowners who wanted to do their own windows.While the video is for sale on my website, i decided to take excerpts from the video and write an article once a week covering some part of the window replacement project.This article is going to cover the difference between window frames used in new construction homes, and the window frames that are used to replace existing aluminum or wood windows. When a new home is being built,the windows are nailed to the wood studs that make up the house frame.In order to accomplish this, new construction windows have a fin around all four sides of the frame that rests against the outside of the stud and nails are driven into the studs through the nailing fin. After that,flashing paper is applied to prevent water leaks,then the exterior material is applied. That material can be stucco, brick, siding, etc. Now,imagine 10 or 20 years later when you want to replace those windows. If you were going to install your replacement windows the same way the original windows were installed, you would have to remove the exterior material around each window in order to get to those nails holding the frame in there. You can see how this procedure could cause many problems, not to mention all the labor involved. I have seen homes in california with stucco exteriors where the homeowner had the stucco cut out in order to remove the old windows.The problem was they were unable to match the stucco colors after patching. Its just not a very efficient way to replace windows. So the replacement frame was designed. In most parts of the country it's simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed. In the west, where stucco is a common home exterior,a retrofit frame was designed. If you're going to be replacing the exterior material on your home, then you might want to consider going with the new construction window since the nailing fins will be exposed anyway. Also, chances are that a contractor will be doing your exterior replacement,and it would be wise to let the contractor install the windows as well.Since my installation videos deal with window replacement only, these articles will focus on replacement frames and retrofit frames. Using these two frame styles,a do it yourselfer can replace their old windows without any damage to existing interior and exterior surfaces. And the job can be done using common tools such as a drill,tape measure, and caulking gun. In next weeks article,we will discuss the replacement of wood sash windows. John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978 To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com
MORE RESOURCES:
|
Lowe's Home Improvement shopping island siteDaily News - Galveston CountyNothing's nailed down, but representatives with Mooresville, NC-based Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse are scheduled to sit down with island planning ... |
|
Home Improvement - Beware of FraudstersGather.comThese chimney swindles are very common place. You know your chimney is about ready of cleaning out, so you look around at the advertisements and find one at ... |
Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago
Some of the most unique and individual décor consultantscan be found in smaller centers, but for a trulycompetitive field that will supply window treatments foryour home, you're looking at the larger cities like LosAngeles and Chicago.Larger dealers have more contacts, often further afieldboth in distance, and in tastes, so that they can lay theirhands on virtually any accessory, material, or extras thatyou need to create the right window treatment.
Tips and Suggestions To Help You Plan and Build Your Own Log Home
Log Cabin Homes: They have come a long way. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan and build your own.
Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers
If you are an aging baby boomer like I am, you may be looking for a fun form of water recreation where you can get some relief from aching muscles and joints, be able to exercise or just relax, have a place for the grand kids to play and better yet, all of this occurs in one place from the comfort and convenience of your own home.Many of the potential swimming pool buyers are looking into swim spas as an alternative to installing a fiberglass swimming pool or above ground pool.
Building a Home Addition
Besides providing your home with more living space, a home addition can be a terrific investment. However, before embarking on such a project the homeowner should first consider several important items.
Conservatory Blinds - the Finishing Touch
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to any conservatory or sunroom, whether it is used as a sitting room, dining room, playroom or office. The ability to control heat and glare makes the room usable throughout the year, offering protection from the sun in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.
How House Plans Work
The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!So you've decided to build your own home, congratulations! Now where do you go from here?If you are a first timer, it is sometimes confusing figuring out how house plans work. House plans, sometimes referred to as home floor plans, are easily deciphered once you understand the basics.
Your Building Your Dream Home, But Where Do You Start?
You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood of your choice, and at a price you can afford. Now you have to decide what type of house you want built.
Installing a Brick or Paver Walkway
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway or patio complements a home in a way that is unmatched. It adds a level of quality and elegance to a home entrance that can not be achieved with either concrete or asphalt.
From Savu to Infrared - The History and Health Benefits of Saunas
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery. The use of steam or smoke baths to cleanse the body and reduce stress has been a part of religious, social, and family traditions in numerous cultures for thousands of years.
A Review of Popular Dehumidifier Products
There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers. Review this brief summary of five of the most commonly requested brands, and you'll be well on your way to narrowing down the list.
Ladder Décor - the Possibilities Are Endless
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you can take something as simple as a plain wooden ladder and transform it into a beautiful piece of home décor. The thought may not have even crossed your mind - after all it's a ladder, but the possibilities are endless!After we discovered that you can take a plain, old regular ladder and transform it into a decorative piece of home décor we did some research to find out some specific ideas and uses.
Reduce Noise to Reduce Stress: Sound Advice From the Rug Doctor
Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn't a bad thing after all.With the constant barrage of leaf blowers, lawn mowers and loud appliances swirling around us, it's no wonder "I need some peace and quiet!" has become such a popular plea.
Designing With Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments; they feel at home with modern or traditional and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs. Hardwood can be classic, rock, jazz, country, or hip hop.
Measure Your Window for Verticals and Horizontal blinds, Wood blinds, Faux Wood Plantation Shutters
Here are five important things to remember.1.
Are Showers Harmful to Your Health?
The last thing you would think about when you are taking a nice, refreshing shower is, "Am I jeopardizing my health"?Chlorine is used by many municipalities to disinfect their water supply.Unfortunalely, according to many health experts, chlorine has been linked to breast, bladder and colon cancer.
Laminate Flooring Basics
Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier installation and stronger durability. You can use laminate flooring in any room in the house, including hallways, foyers and family spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Poster, Print or Painting. Where Are You Going To Put It?
If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house, care has to be taken where your piece of art is to be displayed. Even if you have bought a picture on impulse there are a few tips that will not only enhance the picture but its surroundings.
Laminate Flooring Is Attractive And Long Lasting
Laminate flooring is perfect for people who want to install a floor covering that is easy to install and combines the rich look of hardwood with the easy care of a laminate counter top. Laminate floors that have been constantly gaining popularity since their creation a few years ago.
A Healthy Home
Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with family members, what to make of it.
Vacation Break for Electrical Machines
Are you overloaded? Have you become a part of the highly stressed modern working environment? You may need a break - a vacation, a change in environment, a change of pace..
|
