Before attempting a stucco window replacement project, consider hiring a window installation company to make the process much easier.
Choosing to replace the windows in your house isn’t a simple decision. But, if you experience high energy bills or your old windows are warping, or the weather damaged them beyond repair, then it is straightforward. A Clearwater Florida window and door replacement company can do the proper windows installation to keep your family comfortable.
Remember the following five things before you start your window installtion process.
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What techniques are used to Replace Windows in Stucco Walls?
Window installation companies will have their favored stucco installation technique. For stucco, specialists should know the potential dangers and delicacy of stucco walls. They may have their technique, or they will do one of the following methods below:
Replacing windows frequently means tearing out the stucco around them and eliminating the window frame, fin, etc. Then, the new opening is re-waterproofed for another window installation. However, when this is done on a stucco wall, it is dangerous to crack the stucco and expose it to moisture. Furthermore, it can allow water infiltration issues later on. In addition, the technique is labor-intensive and may require hiring a contractor to fix or remediate the home’s stucco.
To keep the stucco intact, consider another technique. It includes cutting down the current window frame to accommodate a replacement or retrofit window. Then, the installer places windows with a Z-bar flange over the old window frame. The advantage of this technique is that the current waterproofing and stucco are not upset.
2. Different Types of Window Frames for Stucco Walls
Now, you may find many types of window frames or window flanges. Pay attention since this will decide the scope of your installation — the amount of labor and expenses.
The replacement windows for stucco projects will either have a stucco flange or a nail flange around the frame.
Stucco Flange Window Frames-Stucco flange window frames are called flush fin or jump frame windows. They make the removal process simpler since it requires a pocket installation. A pocket installation uses insert windows and is made in flush-fin and block fit frames. The expert removes the current window’s sashes, but the structure is left and often trimmed to install these windows.
The expert sets the new window inside the already set up window frame, and the stucco flange conceals the current frame from the outside. This strategy works the best when there is no water infiltration or structural damage to the window opening. Different window installation companies have their own favored techniques for stucco window replacements.
New Construction Window Frames
New construction windows installation has a nail flange or called a nail fin. The installer sets the nail fin about an inch from the face of the window frame. You’ll need to use new construction window frames when installing windows in a new wall or opening.
If the expert tells you to use construction frames for the window replacement projects, you’ll have to remove almost all of the current stucco. And afterward, the expert has to rebuild the stucco after installing the new window.
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Damaged Stucco can Deteriorate, and Crack
Stucco is usually durable, yet it’s really water permeable. When stucco has uncovered cracks, moisture can prompt mold and wood rot. You can repair the windows, but consider the remediation process the better technique for a superior long-term solution.
The remediation technique includes eliminating the stucco and tending to root issues and causes. It will cost more cash and be a tedious process. However, make sure to fix existing problems before you start your stucco window replacement project.
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Eliminating Stucco Can Be Dangerous Regarding Stucco Window Replacements
Removing stucco is a difficult job. The material is sturdy, and many different risks are at play. So, be careful with the dangers of asbestos. While stucco made today doesn’t have this material, stucco installed on old houses between 1940 and 1990 may have asbestos in the plaster. Also, eliminating stucco requires cutting through a wired mesh that can get in your eyes if you don’t wear goggles.
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You Want an Experienced Contractor for your Stucco Window Replacement Project
According to Bay Cities Construction, the average window replacement cost for new construction windows requiring stucco repair is $1,000- $1,500 per window (labor and materials).
But not all window companies can handle stucco window replacements. So, hiring an impact window contractor in Clearwater, FL is an excellent idea; however, consider doing your research and reading reviews.
Hiring a dependable window replacement company can save you time and cash.
