Windows · · 2 min
Retrofit or full-frame: is a retrofit window right for your house?
A retrofit window fits inside the existing frame, and whether that is the right approach depends mostly on the frames you already have.
One of the first decisions in any window replacement is how the new windows will be installed. Retrofit windows are a common choice because they go in cleanly and perform well. Whether they suit your house depends on a few things.
What a retrofit window is
A retrofit window is made to fit into the existing window frame. The old sash and glass come out, the frame stays, and the new window is installed within it. There is far less construction than with a new-construction, or full-frame, window, which replaces the entire frame.
Retrofit windows still deliver the benefits of new windows: better insulation, less noise and a fresh appearance. They come in a range of styles, sizes and materials to suit the house.
When retrofit makes sense, and when it does not
The deciding factor is the condition of the existing frames.
- Retrofit suits a house whose frames are sound and whose current window layout you are happy with.
- Full-frame replacement is the better choice when frames are badly damaged or warped, or when you want to change the size or layout of the windows.
Cost
Retrofit windows usually cost less than new-construction windows. There is less labor and less material, and the installation is quicker and less disruptive. Price still varies with the size, material and style of each window and with features such as energy-efficient coatings.
Energy efficiency
A good retrofit window insulates well, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Many models include low-E coatings and double or triple glazing. The house relies less on heating and cooling as a result.
Installation
Because the window fits into the existing frame, installation is relatively straightforward. An experienced installer can often complete a single window in one to two hours. A whole house may take a day or more, depending on the number of windows, the weather and the condition of the frames.
Professional installation is still important. A poorly fitted window can leak air or cause damage to the surrounding structure, which undoes the point of replacing it.
Permits
In California, window replacement, including retrofit, often requires a permit, because the windows must meet state energy and safety codes. Requirements vary by city, so the local building department has the final word.