What to look for in a quality rip out?

1. The first sign is proper measuring techniques prior to ordering your windows from the factory. The installer must be absolutely certain what size window will fit into the original rough opening. Since the window hides the rough opening, to accomplish this he will more than likely have to remove either some brick mould or possibly some interior casing to see the actual outside dimensions of the original window. (In neighborhoods that were tract built, an installer who is familiar with the area may recognize a window he has previously measured and, as a result, may be able to avoid this based on his previous experience.) With the proper window size, the installer will develop complete measurements for the window including the size of the window, the choice of exterior components such as brick mould and the interior jamb depth.

2. Your contract should specify the components of your window in detail. It should specifically describe the exterior components being chosen for your home as well as any interior components that will be part of the window. It should not say simply, “jamb”, but should say (for example), “vinyl wrapped 4 1/2” interior wood jamb and welded 2" exterior brick mould". If you are going to reuse existing casing or get all new material, the contract should specify what it is. For example, a contract may say, “Includes new primed 2 7/8” colonial style wood casing." In this case, you would be expected to take care of painting the casing yourself because final painting is not in the contract, however if the installer started to put back old, chipped casing, you would be right to insist on new material instead.

3. During the installation, your old window will be completely remove. This will give the installer the opportunity to join the window to your home’s existing air and vapour barrier paths. When completed, the window should integrate properly with the opening. This means that the use of additional joining materials such as exterior aluminum capping is limited to drip caps and very minor cosmetics (perhaps 1" to fill a gap from a brick mould to other exterior materials where stock brick mould sizes were not exactly available for the original openings proportions.). The use of significant amounts of capping material is a sure sign that you are not getting a proper rip out!

Your newly installed “rip out” window gives your entire opening a new look with better overall integration and more glass area than an insert. If this is right for you and your home, the right installer will spend more time measuring and removing the old window that will his retrofit counterpart, but the well measured window will go in quickly and smoothly! Enjoy!