What's the difference between a replacement window and a new construction window?

Question

Can I just install a replacement window into a custom built frame? Why or why not?

Answer 1

As the others have said, a new construction window has a flange running around the perimeter of the window frame which is nailed or screwed to the house framing. Then the house siding, bricks, stucco or other permanent covering is placed over the flange so it's concealed.

Most modern replacement windows are designed to fit inside your existing nailed-in window frame once your original windows are removed from their frames. This makes for a very neat, simple and clean installation. They are screwed in on the inside of the frame and the outside is sealed with caulk to prevent moisture and air leakage.

You can install a replacement window into a custom built wood or steel-stud frame but you would do it after the siding for the house is applied, not before as the external and internal frame of the replacement window is designed to go on the outside of your walls. I'm assuming you've already got a replacement window you want to use.

Answer 2

New Construction Vs Replacement Windows

Answer 3

New contruction windows are the ones you got when your home was first built. Replacement windows are what you're going to replace them with. You can replace a new constuction window with an identical window and it would, be a replacement window. Nothing more. Usually though, replacement windows are a better quality that the originals. Most people replace their old windows for a better insulting factor or sometimes they want a larger window than the original. Unless you have pretty good carpentry skills, don't try to replace your own windows. There will be trim and siding issues to address and I think you'll find in the long run that it will be worth the money to have someone do it for you.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the difference between a replacement window and a new construction window?
Can I just install a replacement window into a custom built frame? Why or why not?

Answer 5

A replacement window can be installed into an existing opening without damage to the exterior surfaces. It is generally screwed in place from inside the rails or frame to the finished opening. New construction requires a nailing flange that surround the window and is used to secure the window to the structure around the rough opening.

Answer 6

Yes you can, your main problem will be getting a good sound seal between the window and frame. The cost may not be that much less than a new custom frame and window. Many differ window makers use different construction methods to make their custom windows. This can cause a lot of head acks in the fitting process.

Answer 7

A new construction window is put in at the time the dwelling was built and sealed.

A replacement window is meant to be put in the hole that is left when you take the old one out. It is designed to be installed easily and caulked so that no air enters or exits the room.

It is built to fit into the opening left after you take out the original which won't always be the same.

Answer 8

a new construction window typically has a nail flange around the outside of and is meant to be installed before the siding on a house, a repalcement window typically doesn't have this flange and is screwed on from inside the frame. either window should be fine

Answer 9

YOU SHOULD PROBABLY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LOWE'S OR WHATEVER HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY YOU HAVE. A REPLACEMENT WINDOW REPLACES A WINDOW REMOVED. A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED WINDOW GOES INTO THE OPENING MEASURED BY THE CONTRACTOR. MY HUSBAND IS A JACK OF ALL TRADES AND HE HAS USED REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AS NEW CONSTRUCTION. FOR EXAMPLE HE TOOK OUT A LARGE WINDOW IN OUR KITCHEN AND PUT IN A MUCH SMALLER WINDOW WITH BETTER INSULATION. IT WORKED. JUST BE SURE ITS ALL LEVEL SO IT WILL OPEN PROPERLY