House Calls: Replacement vs. new windows

As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, many homeowners may suddenly be having flashbacks of this past winter, when their older, original windows had them dealing with drafts, condensation between the glass panes, arthritic sashes that no longer go up and down and casements that have become too cranky to crank open.

This is when the thoughts of many home-owners turn to installing either "replacement" or "new" windows.

Replacement windows are designed to fit the existing opening when you want to remove your old windows without disturbing the surrounding trim or frame. Replacement windows come in standard sizes that fit the most common-size openings, or they can be custom-ordered to fit your unique dimensions.

New windows are needed if you wish to change the dimensions of the openings to accommodate completely new window styles and shapes.

Replacement windows are a great option if your existing frame is in good condition, or when the trim is special to the design and decor of your home. Replacement windows cost roughly the same as new windows, but installation is cheaper.

The appeal of new windows is that you can transform the appearance of your home both inside and out. But you will need to hire a skilled carpenter for proper installation.

After deciding between new and replacement windows, the next decision is the style or type.

The four most popular types are:

These are the most commonly installed replacement windows.

Composed of two separate frames, called "sashes," each frame contains a glass pane. If both sashes can move up and down, the window is considered "double-hung." With "single-hung" windows, only the bottom sash can be moved.

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House Calls: Replacement vs. new windows