What this covers
Window replacement puts new units into openings the house already has. An insert replacement keeps the old frame and slides a new window inside it, keeping the trim but losing a little glass. A full-frame replacement removes the window down to the studs, so the installer can repair rot, add flashing and insulation, and set a window the size of the original. The company measures every opening, orders units to fit, sets each one plumb and square, insulates the gap, seals the exterior, and wraps or replaces the trim. The difference between a drafty window and a tight one is in the flashing and sealing.
When to call
- Drafts, condensation between the panes, or sashes that no longer stay up.
- Rotted sills or frames, or paint that will not hold on the exterior wood.
- Single-pane windows you want to upgrade for comfort and quiet.
- Windows broken or warped by a storm, fire or water loss.
What to expect
- MeasureEach opening is measured and insert or full-frame replacement decided, often window by window.
- RemoveThe old sash or the whole unit comes out, and rot or damage behind it is repaired.
- Set and flashThe new unit is shimmed plumb and square, fastened, flashed and insulated.
- Trim and sealThe exterior is sealed or wrapped, interior trim reset, and each window operated with you.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Insert or full-frame?
Insert works when the existing frame is sound and square. Full-frame is the choice when there is rot, when the frame is out of square, or when you want the largest glass area and new flashing.
What do the glass ratings mean?
Modern units are double or triple glazed with coatings and gas fills. The label lists how well the unit resists heat loss and how much solar heat it admits, and the installer explains which values suit your climate.
How long does replacement take?
Most insert windows take an hour or two each; full-frame takes longer. A crew often finishes a typical home in one to three days.
Related: New window installation · Window glass repair · Storm windows · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.