Types Of Installation
There are several ways to have your windows installed, all have their pros and cons. Your qualified sales person can help you decide which is the best for you.
1. Custom"Jump Frame" Install
Pros: This install is universally the best for almost every application. Your windows are custom fit to your home. There will virtually never be any damage to your existing home's structure or appearance and there is very little clean up, keeping your house neat. The original "vapor sill" of your old windows are left in place. This insures a quality seal and prevents moisture that my build up behind your homes exterior coverings from entering your home or windows.
Cons: The single con in this application is, that because the original vapor sill is left in place the new window is required to be a little smaller than the original, by about one to two inches for both the width and height.
2. Custom "Pull Frame" Install
Pros: This is a great way to have your windows installed if, your original windows were installed improperly, if you have had water damage or when a trained installer feels it would be most beneficial. During the install the original vapor sill is broken and the old window frames are removed. Unlike the "jump frame" install this will leave you with slender looking window frames.
Cons: One of the major cons of the "pull frame" install is that there is potential for damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Often the interior sheet rock has to be trimmed back to insure a proper fit which can cause damage and is a messy job. Also because the original frame has to be removed there is potential for exterior damage, especially with stucco homes, we highly recommend the "jump frame" install for stucco homes. Another con. is that the "pull frame" installs uses no fin and only has an interior and exterior seal as opposed to the "jump frame" install which uses a flush fin that provides an extra layer of sealant. Our trained installers do an excellent job of minimizing the risks of damage with the "pull frame" install but they are still there. Our sales people can help you decide if this is the right install for you. Depending on the applications the risk of damage is often next to nothing.
3. Cut In Install
Pros: This method of install in rarely used because it involves cutting around each window with a six to eight inch perimeter. The original window is entirely removed and a regular "new construction" window is installed. The benefit of this is that you are left with an entirely new "vapor sill" and your windows will virtually never leak. This install is great if you plan on recovering the outside of your home or if you are doing major remodeling.
Cons: Clearly the major con with this install is that your current home's exterior has to be patched or trimmed where the windows have been cut out. This can be very expense and messy but if you have already planned on changing the exterior of your home this may be the right install for you. Talk to one of our trained sales people and they can help you further decide.