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We're replacing a few windows in our old 1920s house. The windows are original and the wood frame on one of them has had water intrusion through the frame. We even had a water bubble last year that we're pretty sure came from water through the rotten frame.

We had someone come out who specialized in restoring these old wooden windows (was too expensive), and he said if we ever did replace them to make sure we did a full-frame installation because the originals had no flashing and he saw the water damage.

We've had about 5 companies look at these so far and more than half of them have said we don't need a full-frame replacement and just want to do a retrofit. It's obviously cheaper to retrofit but we're wary of doing that to only continue having water intrusion issues afterwards. Are we overly concerned about this?

Water bubble

Exterior

RabidPanda2332
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2 Answers2

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Because it's not just installing windows, but usually involves replacing framing members, reflashing, dealing with siding, etc. Requires an actual skilled craftsman as opposed to a crew leader with some helpers. It's also hard to estimate, because one doesn't know the extent of the job until the windows are removed. Then, if one finds rotten framing or other issues, when asking for more money to do these repairs, the client feels one is holding them hostage while they have a house exposed to the elements. So craftsmen/contractors willing to go through this are few and expensive.

Cheery
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Because it's fast, easy, and profitable to do it that way.

Those companies pay low wages to questionably skilled installers to swoop in, slap some plastic windows in place with low-grade trim fitment, and swoop out. That's how they make a buck.

They'll never enter my house.

You can do windows yourself. You need to learn about some or all of these things to be successful (which is precisely why full replacement is more expensive):

  • Window types (new construction vs. retrofit--you may do better with the former)
  • Fitment (rough openings, framing)
  • Working on elevated structures (scaffolding, ladders)
  • Demolition
  • Siding and exterior trim repair
  • Installation (positioning, squaring, fastening)
  • Weather sealing and insulation
  • Interior trim
isherwood
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