Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 5/8/2011

Question
I am adding onto my house.  The windows I am taking out are 2 year old replacement windows.  Can I put those replacement windows in the new construction?  If yes, how do I go about doing this.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Julie - thanks for your question!

Whether you can use the windows in new construction depends on how they were installed in your house.

Replacement windows are sometimes installed to just cover the existing window frame...that type of window can't be used in new construction.

Another type of replacement window is installed in the existing window opening, with the existing frame removed - this type of window might be able to be reused, but might require some modification to work.  Usually this means installing a "flange" on the outside of the window that makes it easy to attach it to new construction.

But not all replacement windows are designed to have this flange attached later...there's no way to know without examining the actual window (or calling the installer!).

Generally, replacement windows are installed differently than new construction windows, and may not even be able to be removed in a way that makes it possible to reinstall them.  There are so many different kinds - and levels of quality - of replacement windows, the only way to know is to look at the actual window.

I'd call the guy who installed them, or ask the designer and/or contractor doing your room addition.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com