Insert or full-frame
An insert replacement fits a new window into the existing frame. It is quicker, leaves interior and exterior trim alone and suits frames that are sound and square. Full-frame replacement removes everything to the rough opening, which lets us inspect and repair the framing, flash the opening correctly, insulate the gap and install new trim. Where there is any sign of rot or water staining, full-frame is the correct approach.
Glass and frame choices
Double-pane low-E glass with argon fill is the standard for our climate. Frame options include vinyl, which offers good value and no maintenance, fiberglass, which is stronger, more stable and paintable, and clad wood, which has a traditional wood interior behind a protected exterior. We help you compare ratings, U-factor and solar heat gain, against what matters for each side of the house.
Doors
Entry doors in fiberglass or steel are set in a properly flashed sill pan so water that gets past the threshold drains out and not into the subfloor, which is the most common place we find rot. Sliding patio doors are often replaced with hinged French doors or upgraded sliders that glide well and seal. We handle locksets, multipoint hardware, storm doors and all trim and paint.
How the work runs
- Inspect and measureEvery opening checked for square, rot and the right installation method.
- Select and orderUnits built to size, typically with four to eight weeks of lead time.
- InstallRemove, repair, flash, set plumb and square, insulate with low-expansion foam and seal.
- Trim and finishInterior casing, exterior trim or capping, caulk and paint.
What moves the price
We do not publish square-foot prices, because they mislead more than they help. These are the factors that actually change the number on a proposal.
- Number, size and type of units.
- Frame material and glass package.
- Insert versus full-frame installation.
- Rot repair and new trim.
From our recent projects
Photographs from jobs we have built. Each one opens to the full project, including the framing and rough-in stages when we have them.
How long it takes
A whole house of windows installs in two to four days. A door takes about a day.
Permits
Same-size replacement often needs no permit. Changing opening sizes does. Bedroom windows must keep egress dimensions. See our guide to which projects need a permit.
Door & Window Replacement questions
Will new windows pay for themselves in energy savings?
Slowly. The stronger reasons are comfort, quiet, easy operation and stopping rot. Expect reduced drafts more than dramatic bill changes.
Can you enlarge a window or add a door?
Yes. It requires a new header sized for the span and a permit, and we handle the siding or brick and interior finishes.
Do you replace only the glass?
Fogged insulated glass units can sometimes be replaced within a sound frame. We will tell you when that makes sense.