Okay, so a storm blows through town, and one of the random pieces of trash in the street got picked up by the wind and thrown through your window. The window breaks, maybe because it wasn’t an impact window, maybe because it was old and worn out. Whatever the case, you need to replace it. But the question is what kind of replacement is best when you compare full frame vs insert window replacement?
What is a window insert replacement? In what ways is it different from a full frame replacement? And why do we consistently recommend doing full frame replacements over insert replacements?
What Is an Insert Window Replacement?
Insert window replacement, sometimes called “pocket window replacement,” is the practice of tearing out a window’s sashes, then putting another, smaller window in the existing frame.
The new window is anchored to the existing frame and treats the old frame like the original window opening.
What Is Full Frame Window Replacement?
This is the kind of window replacement that we specialize in. With full frame replacement, the old window frame, trim, and any other materials that need to be removed are taken out. This leaves a clean window opening for new window bucks, shims, insulation, frames, etc. to go into.
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Which Is Better?
So, when you’re replacing your windows, which is the best option? Fully replacing the window frame or ripping out just the sashes and putting a second window frame inside the old one like some kind of nesting doll toy?
Spoiler alert: We almost always recommend doing a full frame replacement. It’s rare in the full frame vs insert window replacement discussion for the ‘benefits’ of insert replacement to outweigh the benefits of replacing the whole window.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two processes:
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Cost
This is one of the few ways in which window insert replacement actually outperforms doing a full frame replacement. At least, when you only consider the cost of installation.
Inserting a new, smaller window will cost less than ripping out the old window frame and putting in a full-size replacement because:
- It’s less labor. The installer won’t have to take time tearing out the old window, saving some time on installation and reducing labor costs.
- The new window will be smaller. Smaller windows will cost less than larger windows of comparable quality and materials.
However, while insert window replacement is generally cheaper than full frame replacement, those short-term savings won’t override the long-term costs of the process.
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Energy Efficiency
Which is more energy-efficient: having one large window with one set of insulation or having two window frames with two sets of insulation where the older frame might have structural issues causing them to leak air between the home and the outdoors?
A full replacement is going to be more energy efficient. Why? Because:
- It removes old, compromised frames that might let air leak.
- It gives the installer a chance to replace and redo insulation around the window opening.
- It allows you to replace energy-inefficient metal frames with more efficient vinyl window frames.
If energy efficiency and long term savings are a priority for you, then a full frame replacement where you tear out all of the old material from the window opening so you can make the new window as well-insulated with fresh material as possible is the way to go.
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Durability
In any system, the more parts there are, the greater the chance of failure. Inserting a new window to the inside of an existing frame creates more points of failure for the window opening, which can increase the risk of the window failing during a hurricane or other extreme event.
When extreme winds push against the window opening, the pressure will now act against two window frames: the old window frame and the new. If there are any deficiencies in the old frame, which is much more likely after having been broken once already, then there’s a greater risk of the new window failing, too.
Additionally, if there were any rot in the old window frame (if it was a wooden one) or significant rust (if it was metal) or warping in it at all, that could impact the window’s integrity, leading to it prematurely failing under even mild strain.
By doing a full window tear-out and frame replacement, you can positively identify any compromised materials in the window opening. This leads to a more structurally-sound window so you can rest easy knowing that your new window will last for a lot longer than an insert replacement would.
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Curb Appeal
Some folks make the claim that insert window replacement is (and we can’t believe that This Old House seriously said this) good if: “You’re satisfied with the current window size and style.”
There’s just one problem with that statement: With a window insert replacement, you’re putting a whole new frame inside of your existing window frame. Even if you get a perfect match on frame style (and good luck with that if your old windows are by a company that doesn’t exist anymore), you’ll inevitably end up with a much thicker-looking window frame and smaller windows.
This might have been a good argument for window sash replacement, where you’re putting in new sashes and not an entire new window frame within the old one. The reality is that putting in a window within a window will impact your home’s curb appeal, and likely negatively so.
With a full window frame replacement, you get an opportunity to rework your window frames to bring them in line with more modern styles to enhance curb appeal and make your home the envy of your neighborhood.
Full Frame vs Insert Window Replacement: Installation Speed
One commonly-advertised positive about insert window replacement is that they’ll be a bit faster than whole window frame replacement would be. However, how accurate is that assumption?
Up north, when working with non-impact windows, it might be accurate that an insert replacement is typically faster. However, down here in Florida, where you need to meet Florida Building Code (FBC) standards, it may be a very different process.
For example, say you have old-style windows with a 7+ inch-deep sill. Code-compliant impact windows don’t really come in that style. So, a lot of prep work needs to be done on the existing frame to make sure the new impact window can go into it—and that’s only if the old frame is in good enough condition to be worth using.
Any and all moving parts have to be stripped out, gaps need to be filled and insulated, securement points need to be prepared, the frame needs to be inspected for signs of rot or damage, etc.
All told, preparing an existing frame for installation might take almost as long as simply tearing it out and replacing it with a whole new frame.
In most cases, the availability of work crews, manufacturing queues, and the weather will have a larger impact on the time it takes to complete your install than whether you’re doing full frame vs insert window replacement.
Which Is Better for You: Full Frame or Insert Window Replacement?
So, which is best? 99 times out of 100, we’re going to recommend a full frame replacement vs insert window replacement. However, there are some edge cases where the insert window replacement may make more sense than a whole window frame replacement.
It’s rare, but if your existing window frame is in excellent condition, was a type of frame not available in an impact window style, is for an especially large window opening where shaving a few inches off the window saves a lot of money, and you don’t live in an area where you have to worry as much about hurricane damage (such as not being in a wind borne debris region), then an insert window replacement might make sense.
However, the vast majority of the time, doing a full frame replacement is better for your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and your long-term expenses.
Do you need reliable window replacement from an experienced and trusted team of window installation experts? Reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors to request a quote!
