Window and Door Installation Methods

Sometimes change can be exciting. This is especially true when it involves getting new windows or doors for your home!

However, when it comes to the installation of windows and doors, there are a lot of options to choose from. In this blog, we’ll discuss the different methods of window and door installation—such as retrofit installation, full-frame replacement, and split-frame installation—to help you narrow your choices.

Let’s dive right in!

Preliminary Considerations

Before getting your doors or windows replaced, you need to choose whether or not to keep your current window and door dimensions.

While dimensions can be adjusted based on available sizes of pre-made windows and doors, you can also have them customized by a reputable manufacturer. You can also upgrade or change the home fixtures that you already have.

Replacing home windows and doors adds value. The bottom line is that whichever installation project you choose should prove to be a worthwhile investment!

What Is Retrofit Door and Window Installation?

This type of window and door installation only involves replacing windows or entry doors themselves. This method means the contractor doesn’t have to remove exterior materials because the windows and doors are simply installed into existing frames.

Who Should Get Retrofit Windows or Doors?

As far as the installation of windows and doors goes, the retrofit route is recommended for customers who are looking to preserve the existing look (along with the current dimensions of the windows and doors) of their homes.

Installation of doors and windows a la retrofit is also recommended for those who want a budget-friendly way to replace old windows or doors. This is because it only requires minimal labour to finish, and it involves the least amount of structural alterations.

What Is Full-Frame Installation?

The installation of windows and doors using the full-frame method involves removing the old door or window, along with its frame or jamb.

Compared to the other options (which we’ll dive into below), this is the most extensive process. Expect installation cost to be 15-20% more than retrofit window or door installation.

Who Should Get a Full-Frame Window or Door Installation?

Full-frame installation of doors and windows is recommended for property owners who are looking to replace either fixture with one that has a completely different style and/or size. This is the option for those looking to significantly enlarge their windows or exterior doors.

It is also recommended if the old windows or doors already have significant deterioration on their frames. This is because older frames are likely to cause leaks, whether it’s the outside air getting in or precipitation seeping through.

What Is Split-Frame Window and Door Installation?

Split-frame installation is slightly different for windows and doors. One of the key differences is that split-frame windows aren’t manufactured, but split-frame doors are.

Installing a window split-frame style involves splitting the original window frame in half for the new window frame to be secured in place. Going about the installation of windows and doors this way allows for the interior mouldings to remain intact, unlike a full-frame installation. It also allows for slightly larger windows to be put in place compared to a retrofit.

Meanwhile, a split-frame door installation involves the installation of a door that is typically manufactured with a split running lengthwise on its frame. These doors have trim casting already attached to each edge of the frame or jamb.

In the hands of a skilled contractor, this type of installation can look tidy. Additionally, it isn’t as structurally intrusive as full-frame installation. However, it can be a time-consuming process and can cost around the same as full-frame installations.

Who Should Get a Split-Frame Window or Door Installation?

Installing a window with a split-frame design is the best option if you would like to replace your windows while also keeping your interior mouldings. The added advantage is that you can have slightly larger windows without much structural alteration.

Split-frame is the best option for scenarios wherein the rough frame of the interior wall is thicker than that of a standard opening. Installation of doors and windows with a split-frame design means the two halves of the frame will sandwich the wall for a tidy fit.

Installation of Windows and Doors Comparison Chart

	How It Works	Perfect For	Worth Considering
Retrofit	Only replaces the window and door, while leaving the original frame	Those looking to preserve the existing aesthetic of their home	The installation process does not remove exterior materials
Full-Frame	Removes the old window or door, along with its frame or jamb	Homes with significantly deteriorated frames in need of total replacement	Installation cost will be about 15-20% more than retrofitting processes
Split-Frame	Windows: splitting the original frame in half to then secure a new one in place Door: installing a door with a split running lengthwise on its frame	Replacing your windows while also keeping your interior mouldings, and for homes where the frames of the interior wall are thicker than the standard opening	It can be a time-consuming process and can cost around the same as full-frame installations

Get Professional Window and Door Installation

Burano Doors is a trusted manufacturer and seller of stylish and sturdy windows and doors that are equipped with amazing features—all offered at the best price.

All of our products are designed to serve you for years to come with virtually no maintenance required apart from regular cleaning. Whether it’s storm and screen doors or something more decorative, rest assured our experienced installers have your needs covered!

If you want to learn more or have questions for us about the installation of doors and windows we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!