Pocket window versus Full Frame

Window installation methods? Pocket, replacement, full frame? What does it all mean? 

The amount of confusion in our industry revolving around this is probably the single biggest misunderstanding in the construction industry. Most of the time even “experienced” installers fail to know the difference between installation types. Salespeople rarely walk customers through the options and this leads to frustration, expensive repairs, and redos of work after short years. Enough that it’s important to mention the difference. You, as a homeowner, should be aware of what your getting bid for and what the result is going to be. 

Pocket Windows, sometimes incorrectly labeled “replacement windows”:

Pocket window replacement is an installation method used by a lot of companies due to the cost savings on labor. Oftentimes, if you get two estimates that are “wildly” different it’s because one company is estimating pocket window replacements and the other is estimating a full frame replacement. 

A pocket window replacement is where the sashes of your existing wooden window (this can only be done on wood windows here in the Midwest) are removed and a smaller window is placed inside of the “pocket” left where the void of the sash and hardware is removed from. You can install a pocket window replacement from the inside or the outside. The main advantage of this is that it’s cheap. It’s easier to sell to customers and makes your “Bid” less than the other guys. 

We only recommend pocket window replacements when you are looking for the most cost-effective short-term solution. Or in the case of some older homes, you need to keep the interior or exterior trim intact because it’s ornate, period correct, in good condition, and/or has lead paint on it. Pocket window replacements last “roughly” 10 years. At that point, the existing leftover wood window deteriorates and causes the entire thing to need to be replaced. For this reason, it’s often the more expensive long-term solution. No amount of Aluminum or caulking is going to save the wooden frames. (Aluminum often holds condensation against the wood, further accelerating the rot). 

Full frame replacements: 

This is the more cost-effective solution in the long term. Albeit, more costly in the short term. We remove the entire old window, Waterproof the opening and then use a factory installation method to install the new window. You end up with a window that is the same size as the existing windows and looks like they were put in when the house was built. We will almost always replace the interior trim at the same time so that it lines up with the new window. You may have painting touch-ups to do once we are done (we have a good recommendation we can send you as well if you don’t want to do it yourself). 

Regardless of which options you choose, we are here to help in any way we can. We can steer you towards the best options for you and help you discern other estimates if it’s unclear what they are planning to charge you for. Most importantly you should know exactly what result you are getting before you sign on the dotted line.