How a window goes in
Full-frame or pocket.
Two ways to replace a window. The house decides which one.
Pocket replacement
New window, old frame.
The faster one.
A pocket install, also called an insert, leaves your existing frame in the wall. The old sashes and stops come out, and the new window slides into the pocket that is left. It is sealed, insulated around the edges, and trimmed.
Right when the old frame is solid, square and dry. Wrong when there is rot you cannot see from inside, or when the frame has racked out of square and the new window would never seal.
Full-frame replacement
Down to the opening.
The thorough one.
Full-frame takes everything out, frame, sill, trim, down to the rough opening in the wall. We look at the framing, fix rot if there is any, then set the new window with new flashing, new sill pan, foam and sealant, and new trim inside and out.
Right when the sill is soft, the frame leaks, the house is older with wood windows, or you want more glass than a pocket leaves you. It costs more because it is more work. It is also the only honest fix for a bad frame.
How we decide
We look at the sill first.
And tell you which one, and why.
- Push on the sill and the lower jambs. Soft means rot, and rot means full-frame.
- Measure the diagonals. Out of square means full-frame.
- Check for water staining under the stool and on the drywall below.
- Look at what you want. If you want more glass or a different style than the opening has now, that is full-frame.
- Then we write one number for the way your house needs, not the way that is quickest for us.
Fair questions
Questions people ask.
Do not see yours? Call or text (601) 966-0319 and ask.
Which costs more, full-frame or pocket?
Full-frame takes more time and more material, so it costs more per opening. It is also the only right answer when the old frame is rotten or out of square.
Will a pocket window make my opening smaller?
A little. The new frame sits inside the old one, so you lose some glass area. On most openings it is not noticeable.
Can you do full-frame on brick?
Yes. The window comes out to the rough opening and the new one is set, flashed and sealed, then trimmed. We do it every week.
Can one house have both?
Yes. Often the front gets full-frame because the sills are shot and the back gets pocket because they are fine. We quote each opening on what it needs.
Not sure which one your house needs?
We come out, push on the sills, and tell you. The visit costs nothing.
More
Styles, cost, and where we work.
Pick the page you need.
Double hung · Sliders · Casement · Awning · Picture · Special shapes · Low-E glass · Quiet windows · Patio doors · Nashville · Memphis · Bowling Green · What windows cost · When to replace · Full-frame vs pocket · FAQ
