Replacement vs New Construction Windows: Which is Right For You?

Estimates show that the US commercial windows market will grow at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2020 and 2027.

Commercial buildings often rely heavily on aesthetics, and windows are a big part of that. If you own a commercial property, the windows won’t last forever. You’ll then need to consider replacing them, but in some cases, new construction windows may be a better solution.

Keep reading for a comparison of replacement vs new construction windows

What Are Replacement Windows?

Replacement windows are ideal when you need to replace a window where one has already been. In most cases, it is only the glass that’s replaced – the frame itself remains the same.

Window replacement is typically a smaller job than installing completely new windows. Since the frame isn’t removed, there’s no damage to any of the surrounding area. Custom panes of glass can be made and installed without disturbing the wall, siding, or trim.

What Are New Construction Windows?

New construction windows consist of glass as well as a full frame. In most cases, they’re used when a building is first constructed and there are no windows already in place. These types of windows may also be suitable if the frame and studs of an old window are exposed.

Why Should You Get New Windows Installed?

When they’re new, windows (for the most part) all look very similar. After a while, however, the appearance can degrade.

The outside is exposed to the elements, and the weather can wear them down with time. Depending on the location of the property, this can be quite significant.

It’s worth noting that even internal windows can degrade over time. General wear and tear will make them visually less appealing.

Direct heat can have an impact. This means that windows facing the sun will likely need replacing sooner than others. If the windows are made using low-quality materials or thermally inefficient glass they probably won’t last as long.

When glass is in a bad state, it can ruin the whole appearance of a building. Depending on the use of the building, this can be very important.

If it’s a business that has customers on site regularly, you want to make sure it looks as good as possible. In a shopping mall, for example, windows allow people to see what’s in shops before entering. Old, worn-down windows will put shoppers off, impacting the potential profits of businesses inside.

When You Should Replace Windows

No windows last forever, but the lifespan of a window is hard to predict accurately. There are various signs you should look out for that may indicate when a window needs replacing.

Visible Wear and Tear

With time, this is inevitable. Things like rain, hail, condensation, and temperature changes will slowly cause visible damage.

This can include things like scratched glass, shrinking seals, broken frames, and more. When you begin noticing these things, you should start thinking about replacements.

Reduced Thermal Integrity

Depending on the glass used, windows can sometimes offer excellent insulation. With time, however, they can lose this quality, allowing more heat to pass through. This can result in larger utility bills as more energy is used for heating and cooling the building.

Need for an Upgrade

Sometimes you may want to upgrade for additional benefits. This could be for better energy efficiency, improved safety, or simply to change the style/color. This is more likely to be the case if a new business is moving into the property.

Leaks

Leaks can occur around the edges of windows, and these should be dealt with as soon as possible. If left unattended, a leak can become more significant. With time, the moisture that gets in can cause much larger issues that will cost more to deal with.

In some cases, a leak can be repaired, but they often come back after a while. It may be better to install a new window instead.

Other Damage

Accidents can occur in any environment. Cracks can happen which look unsightly, and can even present a safety risk. Even chips can develop into cracks over time, so these shouldn’t be ignored

When You Should Get New Construction Windows

New construction windows often cost more, so you won’t want to get one when a window is old or damaged. These are mostly used for new construction, so if you have a building going up new construction windows are the way to go.

You’ll also want to do this if you’re extending an existing building. When putting in new windows, you’ll have plenty of window options, so take the time to find ones that best suit the building.

If the area surrounding a window is damaged, new construction windows may also be ideal. Replacement windows won’t have a frame, so wouldn’t be suitable. It’s important to note that new construction windows may not have frames that match other windows on your property perfectly, so this is something to bear in mind when using them for an existing building.