What’s the Difference Between Retrofit and Full Tear Installs?
Retrofit (Flush Fin, Jump Frame) Installation With Back-Bead Seal
Best for: Keeping stucco/paint intact, faster install, minimal disruption.
What changes: The old frame stays; the new window inserts into it. We install the flush fin window over the opening and apply a continuous “back-bead” seal behind the frame and around the outside of the frame for air/water tightness.
The Steps
Arrival & Prep
Protect floors and furniture, set drop cloths/plastic, and confirm window sizes/locations.
Remove Operable Parts
Take out sashes, glass, stops, and screens; leave the original frame in place.
Clean the opening; check for rot or loose substrate (we’ll flag anything unexpected).
Back-Bead Setup
Lay a hidden sealant bead (“back-bead”) inside the frame perimeter to create an airtight/watertight gasket behind the new unit.
Set the New Window
Place, shim, square, and fasten per manufacturer spec.
Confirm reveals and operation.
Insulate & Seal
Fill gaps with low-expansion foam where appropriate.
Exterior: seal the flush fin perimeter; keep weep paths clear.
Finish Work
Interior: apply vinyl trim; neat caulk line.
Exterior: tidy caulking tooled cleanly to stucco/trim.
Clean & Walkthrough
Glass cleaned, stickers off, screens on, locks tested.
Final walkthrough: demonstrate operation, cover care & warranty, answer questions.
Typical timeline: Most homes are completed in 1–5 days, depending on count/complexity.
What you’ll see: Minimal dust/noise; no stucco patching; paint touch-ups rarely needed.
Full Tear-Out (Complete Frame Replacement, Nail Fin) With Stucco & Paint; Sometimes Drywall Repair
Best for: Max performance and longevity, correcting previous issues, larger sizing changes, or damaged frames.
What changes: We remove the entire old window and frame. New unit goes in like the original construction. Stucco and paint around the opening get professionally repaired.
The Steps
Arrival & Protection
Cover floors/furniture; dust control set.
Confirm scope and colors/finishes for patching/paint.
Careful Demo
Remove interior trims/stops.
Cut back stucco 3-6 inches as needed to expose the old nail fin (if you have popouts, we’ll discuss whether you want to keep the originals or rebuild them).
Remove the entire old frame and flashing.
Weatherproof Prep
Inspect framing; address minor substrate issues (anything major = change-order and addendum conversation first).
Install flashing tape per the manufacturer and code.
Set the New Window
Square, level, and fasten through the nail fin per spec.
Verify operation and sightlines.
Insulate & Air Seal
Low-expansion foam at the perimeter; interior air seal.
Confirm clear weeps and drainage planes.
Stucco Repair
Prep: Apply foam, chicken wire, and lathe.
Cure window: (Weather dependent).
Finish coat: Texture matched to existing; color coat or prime-and-paint depending on your home.
Exterior Paint
If within the project scope, we will coordinate with you to match the paint based on either a sample or if you have additional paint, this will yield the best results. If you no longer have additional paint and the paint on the home is older, we will endeavor to make the paint match as close as possible, but there may be a slight difference between the old and new paint.
Interior Finish
Reinstall/replace interior trim as scoped; drywall repair as needed; caulk neat lines.
Touch-up paint if included
Clean & Walkthrough
Clean glass and surrounding areas.
Final operation check, warranty talk, and maintenance tips.
Typical timeline:
Install day: Remove & set windows.
Stucco/Drywall/Paint: Usually begins within 24–72 hours after install (weather & trade schedules).
Total: Commonly 3–7+ calendar days end-to-end for a typical home (some waiting is cure time, not constant work).
What you’ll see: More noise/dust than retrofit (we’re opening walls), exterior patching/paint, and short cure periods between steps.
What We Need From You (Both Methods)
Access: Clear 6 feet around each window inside & out; unlock gates; keep pets secure.
Alarms/Sensors/Blinds: Please remove or notify us if you need assistance.
HOA/Color Info (if applicable): Share approved colors, frame depth, and any rules ahead of time.
Weather: Stucco/paint need cooperative temps and dry time (we’ll schedule smartly).
Additional Factors to Consider
Hidden Damage Happens: If we uncover rot or framing issues, we’ll show you and agree on a fix before proceeding.
Texture Matches: We’re picky, but decades-old stucco and sun-faded paint can be “unique.” Blending larger areas may be recommended for the best look.
Sealants Need Time: Don’t power-wash fresh sealant or lean ladders against it on day one.
