Full Frame vs Replacement Windows: What’s The Difference?

An Overview Of Full Frame Vs Replacement Windows

If you need to replace the existing windows at your home, it really comes down to two separate options. These options are often dependent upon the construction of your home, and the area surrounding where the windows are currently installed.

Replacement windows in Carmel Mountain Ranch, CA are very easy to do. As long as you can replace the existing windows that are there, the others can be slid into place. However, a full frame replacement will require you to replace the existing frame which is going to require a significant amount of construction experience. Here is an overview of the process of doing either of these window replacement procedures.

What Is A Full Frame Replacement

This type of replacement is often mandatory if you are working with an older home. You may have noticed that the exterior of the window frame is beginning to deteriorate or even rot. When dry rot sets in, this can cause problems for your entire home. It can spread rapidly, leading to advanced deterioration of the structure of your house. Therefore, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. If you are replacing your windows, you should replace the frames as well, to ensure the safety of your home’s structure and to make sure the windows stay in place once installed.

An Overview Of Just Replacing Windows

This is often confused with a full frame replacement simply because all windows do have a frame. The frame around the window itself is going to be made of PVC, aluminum, and other materials. It is part of the window itself and has nothing to do with the frame in which it will be placed. If the frame for the window does not have any rot, or if it is not damaged in any way, replacing these windows will be easy. You simply have to have the right tools to get the job done. For each window you do, it can take less than an hour.

What Should You Do For Your Home?

The decision to do a full frame replacement, or to simply replace your existing windows, is always dependent upon the window frame that is part of the structure of your home. If it is intact and is absent of any damage or dry rot, it can remain in place. If not, you will need to cut those sections out and make sure that no other areas have been compromised. You will then rebuild the window frame, and once that is done, insert the windows that you are replacing. In most cases, especially for homes that are newer, replacement windows will suffice.

Although it could take much longer to do a full frame replacement, it could be advantageous to do so. Protecting the integrity of your home, and preventing dry rot from spreading, is why you would want to do this type of window replacement job. On the other hand, if the frame for the window is intact, you can simply remove the existing window and replace it with another. By simply evaluating the state of the window frames at your home, you can decide on the best course of action when choosing full frame replacement windows in Carmel Mountain Ranch, CA.