Replacement Vinyl Windows vs. New Construction with a Nail Fin: Which Should you Choose?
Signs That Your Home Needs New Windows
There are several telltale signs that it might be time to upgrade your windows. Decay or damage to window frames is common as a house ages, especially if your house is in a location with hot and cold temperature swings. Cracks, broken glass, mold, or rotting are all signs that it is time to replace. If you cannot open or close your windows with ease, this indicates that there is an issue with window balance. Another sign that the windows need to be replaced is if the windows have condensation, which means the seal has failed and water vapor is trapped in the glass panes. Drafty windows are another indication that the window seals are damaged, or the frames and sashes are loose.
The Difference Between New Construction Windows vs. Replacement Windows
New construction windows are made for clear openings in the house with no trim or siding in place. They have nailing or attachment fins on the exterior side of the window. Replacement windows are meant to slide in, so they have no nailing fins are smooth-sided. New construction windows should be used for new structures, deep remodeling or for repairing badly damaged existing structures.
Advantages of New Construction Windows
New construction replacement windows have a nail fin, meaning that the interior trim is removed as well as the siding. A new-construction window will not be more durable than a replacement window but will provide better insulation from the elements. The attached nailing fins feature makes it more secure than replacement windows. While this is a larger project than a window replacement, it is worth the investment in the long term as the windows are top quality and do not allow drafts around the windows so they are more energy efficient. They also reduce the amount of noise coming through the window.
If the house walls and window frames have been damaged over time or due to weather, it is advisable especially to use new construction nail fin windows rather than replacement vinyl windows because they are sturdier. Nailing fins are nailed or screwed to the house frame, which involves remodeling down to the studs and replacing the exterior wall, however this must be done if there is damage to the existing area. Other advantages of new construction windows include:
- More permanent installation
- Opportunity to replace rotted frame, studs, or other damage
- Largest window viewing area
- Full window replacement so no need to match existing frame
- Less chance for damage in the future
Disadvantages of Replacement Vinyl Windows
Most consumers assume they are just getting their windows replaced when they hear replacement windows, however, this means an installation method where the existing finishes of the home, like siding or interior trim, stay intact. The installation of replacement windows is usually less costly and completed within a day. However, these windows were designed to be installed inside the older wood windows. The original wood frames remain and the new windows are inserted. Over time, contractures used this type of installation method for replacement of builder grade vinyl windows, but when this type of replacement is performed there is a greater chance they will have issues such as leaking, rot, or mold.
While replacement windows may seem like a more budget-friendly way to get new windows, there are a few downsides of using this method:
- Vinyl windows shrink and expand
- Vinyl glass spacer’s do fail
- Improper replacement can cause costly damage
- The lifespan of vinyl windows is uncertain
- Manufacturers do not offer a long warranty to cover issues
Vinyl replacement windows often shrink and expand with the weather. At about 160 degrees, vinyl will soften and become slightly distorted. This temperature is reachable in-between glass panes when the weather is warm. If the windows have not been properly installed, the problem becomes even worse and will result in sagging.
The warranty on this type of window is not long enough to cover their lifespan in many cases. Many of these companies go out of business and the replacement parts become almost impossible to find whereas a new construction window company such as Andersen or Marvin produce higher quality products that they stand behind.
Damage Due to Improperly Installed Replacement Windows
When the window is incorrectly installed, the surrounding area is almost always in bad shape as well. The framing around the window, exterior siding, interior drywall, wall studs, and even the flooring can be comprised by rot. Even if it is a project of removing the exterior window trim, new construction windows are the better option.
At J.A.Y Construction, we have repaired over $500,000 worth of windows that were improperly installed by contractors using these types of windows. When the windows fail, they begin to rot away the framing and the building becomes a safety hazard. This situation is very common in condo and townhouse installations and the repairs become the responsibility of the HOA because of a poor installation. We have consulted with many HOA’s, that are beginning to realize this is a high-quality type of installation.
Jay Construction LLC Siding Project
Jay Construction has worked on many exterior home remodeling projects that required new windows. Recently, we were hired to work on a condominium complex to replace the siding on all buildings. When we ripped the old siding off, we discovered that there was substantial concealed damage due to improperly installed replacement type windows. As you can see from these pictures below, there was significant damage to the insulation and exterior wall of the condo underneath the siding. The sheathing had to be replaced due to mold, mildew, and rot.
