What’s the Difference between New Construction and Replacement
The difference between replacement windows and new construction windows is the nail fin. New construction windows carry a nailing flange around the outside edge of the frame that fastens straight into the wall studs before any siding goes on. Replacement windows have no flange, so they drop into an opening that already exists without disturbing […]
How Long Do Replacement Windows Last
Replacement windows last 15 to 30 years for most homes, and premium frame materials reach 50 years. Frame material sets the outer limit, but the sealed glass unit inside the frame is the shorter-lived component and it is usually what fails first. This walkthrough covers the lifespan of each frame material, why the glass unit […]
How to Measure Old Wood Windows for Replacement
Measure an old wood window from inside the house, jamb to jamb within the existing frame rather than across the trim. Take the width at three heights and the height at three widths, record the smallest of each to the nearest 1/8 inch, then measure the frame depth between the interior and exterior stops to […]
How Are Replacement Windows Installed
Replacement windows are installed in seven stages: the opening gets measured, the old sash and stops come out, the opening is inspected and cleaned, the new unit is set level and square on shims, it is fastened through the jambs, the perimeter is sealed and insulated, and the trim goes back on before the crew […]
What Are Energy Efficient Windows?
Energy efficient windows are windows built to slow the movement of heat between inside and outside, using multiple panes of glass, a low-emissivity coating, an insulating gas fill, a warm-edge spacer, an insulated frame, and a tight seal. A rating label on the window reports how well each of those parts is doing its job, […]
What Are Awning Windows?
An awning window is a single sash hinged along the top of the frame that swings outward from the bottom, usually on a crank. The open sash tilts away from the house like a small canopy, which sheds falling water clear of the gap and lets the window stay open through a rain shower. Below […]
What Are Double Pane Windows?
A double pane window is two sheets of glass held apart by a spacer and sealed around the edge, with argon gas filling the space between them. That sealed airspace is the whole point, because it slows the heat moving through the window, softens outside noise, and keeps the interior glass warm enough to resist […]
What Are Bay Windows?
A bay window is a set of three windows joined into one unit that projects out past the exterior wall of a home. A fixed picture window sits in the center, and two smaller angled windows flank it on both sides, which brings in daylight from several directions and carves out extra space inside the […]
What Is the Difference Between Single and Double Hung Windows
The difference between single and double hung windows is the number of sashes that move. A single hung window has one movable sash (the bottom) and one fixed sash (the top). A double hung window has two independently movable sashes that both slide up and down. That one operational distinction creates measurable differences in ventilation […]
Are Marvin Windows Good
Yes, Marvin windows are good. Marvin is a fourth-generation, family-owned window manufacturer with over 110 years of production experience, headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota. The company produces made-to-order windows and doors across three product collections, offering 10 distinct window styles in wood, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad frame materials. According to the 2026 This Old House review, Marvin […]