Window installation in Moreno Valley, CA

There are two ways to put a window in, and the wall decides which one you need. A retrofit window goes into the opening you already have, so the old glass and sash come out while the existing frame stays in the wall. On a stucco house, that usually means no cutting into the stucco and a lot less mess. A new construction window has a nailing fin that attaches to the framing, so it goes in when the wall is open, like on an addition or when the old frame has to come all the way out. What is in your wall now sets the plan.

Most bad window jobs look fine the day they are done, and the trouble shows up later. A window set out of level will bind when you slide it. One jammed in too tight can bow the frame and strain the seal on the glass. Sealant smeared over the weep holes at the bottom leaves water sitting where it should drain out. On a retrofit, the old frame has to be sound enough to hold the new one, so a soft or bent frame needs dealing with first. Size matters most of all, because a window is made to order and a wrong number cannot be fixed with more caulk.

A few things to sort out before you call. Count the windows and note which ones open and which are fixed. Think about which rooms face the afternoon sun, and whether you want sliders, fixed picture windows or a mix. Bedrooms deserve a second look, because a bedroom window is also a way out in an emergency, so its opening should stay large enough for that. Frame color matters too, and the photos on this page show both black and white frames. Send us a photo of each window and we can get you a better idea of the job.