Comprehensive Solutions, From Sill to Lintel

This is a fundamental and excellent question, as the answer directly impacts the scope, cost, and final outcome of your project. Understanding this distinction is key to making an informed decision. Let's break down both methods in detail.

Method 1: Replacement Windows (also known as "Pocket" or "Insert" Installation)

This is the most common method for upgrading existing windows in a home where the original window frames are still structurally sound.

How it Works:

1. The sashes (the parts of the window that move) and the old operational hardware of the existing window are removed.
2. The original main window frame (the "pocket") and the interior/exterior trim are left in place.
3. The new replacement window, which is custom-manufactured to a slightly smaller size, is then inserted into this existing "pocket".
4. The new unit is meticulously secured, leveled, and insulated within the old frame.
5. Finally, the exterior is capped with custom-bent aluminum or vinyl trim to create a clean, weathertight seal.

Pros of Replacement Windows:

• Less Invasive: It does not disturb the surrounding siding, drywall, or existing trim, preserving the original character of your home.

Cons of Replacement Windows:

• Slightly Reduced Glass Area: Because the new window fits inside the old frame, there is a small but noticeable reduction in the visible glass surface.
• Dependent on Existing Frame: This method is only viable if the existing window frame is square, solid, and completely free of rot or significant damage.

Method 2: New-Construction Windows (also known as "Full-Frame" Installation)

This method is more comprehensive and involves removing everything down to the original rough opening in the wall.

How it Works:

1. The entire existing window unit—including the frame, sashes, and often the interior and exterior trim—is completely removed.
2. This exposes the home's structural framing (the "rough opening"). This critical step allows us to inspect for any hidden moisture damage or rot and make necessary repairs.
3. The new-construction window, which has a "nailing fin" or "flange" around its perimeter, is then fitted into the rough opening.
4. Finally, new interior and exterior trim is installed to finish the project.

Pros of New-Construction Windows:

• Superior Weather Seal: The integrated nailing fin provides the most robust and durable barrier against air and water infiltration available.
• A Completely New System: You get a brand-new, high-performance frame, insulation, and seals from the studs out.

Cons of New-Construction Windows:

• More Invasive: This method requires removal and replacement of siding/trim on the exterior and drywall/trim on the interior, making it a more significant construction project.
• Longer Installation Time & Higher Cost: The increased labor and materials required for the extensive demolition and finishing work make this a more expensive option.

Our Expert Recommendation: During your free consultation, our specialists will thoroughly inspect your existing windows and frames to help you determine the most appropriate, effective, and valuable installation method for your specific home and goals.

This is a common and valid concern. The idea of having an open hole in your wall during the cold months can be daunting. However, the answer is an emphatic **yes, we absolutely can and do perform installations year-round.** A professional, experienced company like LumiFrame doesn't shut down for the season; we adapt with a specialized protocol designed specifically for cold-weather work.

The LumiFrame Winter Installation Protocol:

Our process is meticulously designed to minimize heat loss and ensure a perfect installation, regardless of the temperature.

1. One-at-a-Time Method: This is the cornerstone of our winter protocol. We never remove multiple windows at once. Our crew focuses on completing one opening entirely—from removal of the old window to the full installation and sealing of the new one—before moving to the next. This means the actual time your home is exposed to the elements for any given opening is typically only 15-20 minutes.
2. Use of Advanced, Low-Temperature Materials: This is critical for a successful winter installation. We don't use the same materials as we would in the summer. We utilize:
   • Specialized Sealants & Caulks: We use high-grade, elastomeric sealants that are specifically formulated to cure properly and remain flexible in low temperatures, ensuring a durable, airtight seal that won't crack or fail.
   • Flexible Flashing Tapes: The flashing tapes we use for weatherproofing have advanced adhesives that bond effectively to cold surfaces, which is essential for creating a waterproof barrier.
3. Crew Efficiency & Preparedness: Our certified installers are seasoned professionals accustomed to working in all conditions. They work with practiced efficiency to minimize the duration of each step of the process.

The Hidden Advantages of a Winter Installation:

While it may seem counterintuitive, scheduling your project in the winter can have several benefits:

• Increased Scheduling Flexibility: Winter is often a less busy season for home renovations, which can mean more flexibility in choosing your installation dates and potentially a quicker timeline from order to completion.
• No Landscaping Worries: Your prized flower beds and gardens are dormant in the winter, so there's no risk of damage to delicate plants from foot traffic or equipment.

The Only Exception: We prioritize safety and quality above all else. We will reschedule an installation only in cases of extreme weather events like a blizzard, ice storm, or dangerously high winds that would make it unsafe for our crew or compromise the quality of the installation. A typical cold, clear day is perfect for our teams to work their magic.

Excellent question! A little bit of preparation on your part helps our team work with maximum safety and efficiency, ensuring a smoother, faster process for everyone. Think of it as a partnership. By taking care of the following checklist, you allow our team to focus entirely on the expert craftsmanship you hired us for.

Pre-Installation Checklist: Creating a Clear & Safe Workspace

Interior Preparation:

1. Clear the Walls: The process of removing old windows can create vibrations. To be safe, please remove any valuable or fragile wall hangings (pictures, mirrors, clocks) from the walls where windows are being replaced, as well as from adjacent walls.
2. Ensure Clear Pathways: Make sure the paths from the entrance of your home to the work areas are clear of obstructions like shoes, toys, or rugs.

Exterior Preparation:

1. Clear Outside Access: Please ensure there is a clear path to the exterior of the windows being replaced.
2. Trim Landscaping (If Necessary): If you have any bushes, tree branches, or vines that are touching or very close to the windows, we recommend trimming them back slightly to give our team unobstructed access.
3. Disable Sprinkler Systems: Please ensure that any automatic sprinkler systems that might spray the work area are turned off for the duration of the project.

What You *Don't* Need to Worry About:

Our "Pristine Site" Protocol means we handle the heavy-duty protection. Our team will arrive with all the necessary equipment to:

• Perform a Thorough Cleanup: At the end of the project, we handle all the cleaning, including vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and hauling away every last bit of debris.

By following this checklist, you help us get right to work on transforming your home.

Yes, absolutely. Our service is designed to be a complete, turnkey solution. We believe that you shouldn't have to worry about a single thing once you've entrusted your project to us. This includes the entire post-installation cleanup and disposal process, which we handle with a deep commitment to both convenience and environmental responsibility.

The LumiFrame Decommissioning & Disposal Process:

When we say we handle everything, we mean it. Here is a step-by-step look at how we manage the old materials:

1. Careful On-Site Removal: Our first step is to remove the old windows and doors with care, minimizing dust and damage to the surrounding area.
2. Consolidation and Staging: The old units are immediately and carefully moved from inside your home to a designated spot on our truck or trailer. We never leave a pile of debris on your lawn or driveway. The work area is kept as tidy as possible throughout the day.
3. Complete Haul-Away: At the conclusion of the project, every last piece of the old windows, doors, trim, and any other installation-related debris is loaded up and completely removed from your property. You will not be responsible for arranging a dumpster or scheduling a special trash pickup.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Disposal:

Our responsibility doesn't end when we drive away from your home. We are passionate about reducing our environmental impact and diverting as much waste from landfills as possible. This is a core part of our company ethos.

• Metal Recycling: All aluminum or steel frames, as well as metal hardware like locks and hinges, are separated and sent to a scrap metal recycler. This saves an enormous amount of energy compared to producing new metals from raw ore.

By choosing LumiFrame, you are not only investing in the beauty and efficiency of your home but also making a responsible choice for the planet. Our promise is simple: when our work is done, you are left with nothing but sparkling new windows and doors and a home that is as clean as—or cleaner than—when we arrived.

This is a vital question for project planning, and we believe in providing complete transparency about lead times. Since every LumiFrame window and door is custom-manufactured to the precise dimensions and specifications of your home, there is a necessary production period between when you finalize your order and when we arrive for installation.

The Journey of a Custom Order: From Your Signature to Our Truck

Understanding the steps involved helps clarify why lead times exist:

1. Final Measurement & Specification Lock (1-2 Business Days): After you approve your proposal, our technical team's laser-accurate measurements are converted into a detailed production order. Every detail—size, material, glass type, hardware finish, grid pattern—is triple-checked and formally submitted to our manufacturing partner.
2. Material Allocation & Production Queuing (1-2 Weeks): The factory receives the order and allocates the necessary raw materials (e.g., specific vinyl extrusions, logs of a particular wood species, panes of tempered glass). Your project is then placed into the production queue.
3. Fabrication & Assembly (2-6 Weeks): This is the longest phase. Your windows and doors are custom-built. This involves cutting frames to size, assembling multi-pane glass units with Low-E coatings and gas fills, applying finishes, and installing hardware. The duration varies greatly depending on the material's complexity (e.g., custom-stained wood takes longer than standard white vinyl).
4. Quality Assurance & Curing (1 Week): After assembly, every unit undergoes a rigorous multi-point quality control inspection. Sealants and finishes are given time to cure properly to ensure maximum durability and performance.

Estimated Lead Times by Material Type:

These are general estimates and can fluctuate based on seasonal demand and supply chain factors. Your Project Manager will provide a more precise timeline upon ordering.

• Standard Wood & Wood-Clad: Typically 10 to 14 weeks.
• Custom-Stained Wood or Custom Aluminum: Can be 12 to 18+ weeks.

We know that waiting is the hardest part. That's why your dedicated Project Manager will provide proactive updates at key milestones: when your order is confirmed by the factory, when it enters production, and when it ships to our facility. This constant communication ensures you are never left wondering about the status of your investment.

This is not only a common situation, it's one we expect and are expertly prepared to handle on nearly every project, especially in older homes. Houses naturally settle over time, and it's extremely rare to find a perfectly square and plumb rough opening. An amateur might try to force a square window into an un-square hole, leading to binding, seal failure, and operational problems. Our approach is the exact opposite; it's a precise science we call the **LumiFrame Perfect Fit Technique.**

The Four-Step "Perfect Fit Technique"

Our method ensures that your new window functions flawlessly, regardless of the condition of the opening it's going into.

1. Step 1: Advanced Diagnosis & Measurement: Our expertise begins long before installation day. During our initial technical measurement, we use digital levels and laser measuring tools to assess the exact condition of each opening. We identify how much it is out of square, level, or plumb. This allows us to anticipate the exact adjustments needed, ensuring we arrive on-site fully prepared.
2. Step 2: The Art and Science of Shimming: This is the most critical step. A window should never be installed directly against a warped or un-level frame. We create a new, perfectly flat plane for the window using professional-grade composite shims. These are small, tapered wedges that we place strategically between the new window frame and your home's structural studs. By carefully adjusting these shims, we can position the window so it is **perfectly level, plumb, and square**, creating the ideal geometry for smooth operation and a weathertight seal. The new window is supported by and fastened to the home's solid structure, not the old, settled frame.

In short, do not worry about your home's imperfections. We see them as an opportunity to demonstrate our craftsmanship and deliver a result that is not only beautiful but also mechanically and structurally superior.