Once you start seeing mold or heavy condensation, that’s usually my cue to recommend replacement.
Yeah, same here—when the condensation gets bad, it’s just not worth fighting anymore. I do wonder though, did you go with full-frame replacements or just inserts? I’ve read that full-frame swaps are better if the old frames are really rotted out, but they’re a lot more work (and $$$). Also, did you notice much difference in outside noise after the switch? That’s what I’m hoping for most… drafty windows are annoying but traffic noise is worse for me.
Full-frame replacements are definitely the way to go if your old frames are rotted or out of square, but yeah—they’re a bigger project and not cheap. Inserts can work if the frames are still solid, but you might not see as much noise reduction since the original frame stays put. I’ve seen a decent drop in street noise with good full-frame installs, but it’s not always night-and-day unless you spring for triple-pane or laminated glass. Drafts, though? Way better after swapping. It’s a pain upfront, but worth it if you’re tired of fighting condensation and noise.
Drafts, though? Way better after swapping. It’s a pain upfront, but worth it if you’re tired of fighting condensation and noise.
Gotta agree, nothing like not having to wear a hoodie indoors just to avoid the draft. I will say, though, some folks get sticker shock with full-frame installs and bail halfway. Ever run into a situation where you start demo and find way more rot or weird framing than expected? That can turn a “simple” window job into a full-blown wall rebuild. Curious if anyone's gambled on inserts just to avoid opening that can of worms, or is it always worth biting the bullet?
Curious if anyone's gambled on inserts just to avoid opening that can of worms, or is it always worth biting the bullet?
Funny you mention that—I’ve definitely seen folks go with inserts just to sidestep the unknowns behind the trim. Sometimes it works out, especially if the old frames are still solid, but I’ve also pulled off interior trim and found hidden rot that would’ve kept on spreading. It’s tempting to avoid the mess, but sometimes biting the bullet up front saves a bigger headache down the road. That said, if your framing’s in good shape and you’re not chasing energy efficiency to the max, inserts can be a decent compromise.
I'm with you on the hidden rot issue—pulled a few sills myself and found stuff I wish I'd never seen. But honestly, if the old frames are still square and there’s no obvious water damage, inserts can make life a lot easier. One thing I wonder about is long-term air sealing, though. Anyone notice drafts creeping in around inserts after a few years? That’s my main hesitation, even if everything looks fine at install.
I get what you’re saying about drafts. We did inserts in our 1950s place about six years ago—looked great at first, but I swear the living room got a little breezier after a couple winters. Might be the foam they used shrinking or just settling? I’d say if you go that route, really watch how they seal the gaps, and maybe check it again after the first season. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to keep an eye on.