New Construction vs Replacement windows

[cybazaar1]

I am planning to change the aluminum frame windows on my 25 year old house and had so far been considering the so called 'replacement windows'. I had several quotes ranging from $6K to $18K (home depot Jeld-Wen to Renewal by Andersen) and was in the middle of my decision process until some roofing contractor told me that most replacement windows installed on stucco start to leak after a few years. He advised me to look for 'new construction windows'. He said from personal experience, whenever calls came in to repair roof leaks, the leaks were invariably due to the faulty caulking around replacement windows.

Any advice? Thanks.

[PipeDown]

To use new construction windows you will need to chip out the stucco around the window to have a place for the nailing flange then plaster in new stucco and repaint while trying to match the texture of your house.

Certainly possible but the labor will be greater and you still may have a margin around the windows where the texture or paint is not a perfect match.

A Replacement window is a 2-4 hour job (less for a pro). Replacing with new construction probably takes twice that plus you have to come back later to paint.

[Colbyt]

All of the above is true BUT done right you won't have leaks from failed caulk.

Colbyt

[Art]

OP should visit

and see how windows are supposed to be installed. If you don't do it right, how can they hold up against heavy rain. Caulk does not do the job by itself. Proper flashing is required and cannot be done in a typical 1 hour replacement job.

[BocesLib]

Absolutely correct. Flashing is most of the problem that need to be done right.

I would stay away from brands like America's choice from home depot. Stuff like that doesnt look like its made to last.

Name brand stuff like Pella or Anderson should be good for years to come. What's also nice is they stock parts (if you need them) for years and years.

I personally installed new construction windows myself. I then replaced the siding and all is good.

Tom

Art wrote: