Retrofit (insert)
The old sash and glass come out, but the old frame stays in the wall. The new window fits inside it and gets trimmed and sealed. No stucco cutting, quick install and lower cost. The trade-off is a little less glass, since the new frame sits inside the old one.
Flush-fin retrofit
Very common in the Southwest. The new window has a flange that laps over the outside of the old frame against the stucco, covering the old metal and giving a finished look without tearing out stucco. We seal the flange carefully to the wall.
Full-frame (new construction)
Everything comes out down to the rough opening, including the old frame. The stucco around the window is cut back, the new window is flashed and fastened with a nailing fin, and the stucco is patched and color-matched. It's more work and more cost, but it's the right call when the old frame is damaged, there's rot or water damage, or you're changing the opening.
Which one is right?
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Old aluminum frame is solid | Flush-fin retrofit |
| Wood frame in good shape | Retrofit insert |
| Rot, leaks or damaged frame | Full-frame |
| Changing size or style | Full-frame |
More on the stucco side in window replacement and stucco.
We'll recommend a method for each opening when we measure. Call (505) 616-3368.
Common questions
Will a retrofit window look smaller?
A bit, since the new frame sits inside the old one. Flush-fin units hide the old frame and look clean from outside.
Who patches the stucco on a full-frame job?
It's part of the job. We include stucco patching in full-frame quotes, though an exact color match on old stucco can be hard.