If you are building a new house from the ground up or tearing your current walls down to the studs for a major remodel, you have a big decision to make about your glass. There is a lot of confusion out there about what kind of windows to buy.
The biggest mistake we see homeowners make is buying standard replacement windows when they actually need new construction glass windows.
At Delux Windows and Glass, we want to make sure you get the right materials for your build. Here is a straight-talking guide on what new construction windows actually are, when you absolutely need them, and why they make sense for the Las Vegas climate.
New Home Windows vs. Standard Replacement Windows
So, what is the actual difference between a new construction window and a normal replacement window? It all comes down to the frame.
Standard Replacement Windows (Retrofits): These are designed for homes where the walls and exterior stucco are already finished. If you have an old aluminum window and want to upgrade to energy-efficient glass, we remove the old glass and slide a retrofit window directly into the existing frame. We don’t have to tear up your drywall or your exterior siding.
New Construction Glass Windows: These are built for homes where the wooden framing (the studs) is completely exposed. New construction windows have a built-in plastic or metal rim around the outside edge, called a “nail fin.” We nail this fin directly into the wooden studs of the house before the stucco, siding, or drywall goes up.
Because the fin is nailed straight to the frame and then flashed with waterproof tape, it creates an incredibly tight, structural seal that a standard retrofit window just can’t match.
When Do You Actually Need New Construction Windows?
You shouldn’t buy new construction windows for a quick weekend upgrade. You need them for three specific situations:
1. Building a New Home or Room Addition
When contractors are framing out new home windows, the walls are wide open. This is the perfect time to nail the window directly to the studs. It gives the house maximum structural integrity and ensures no water or wind will ever get behind the frame.
2. A Down-to-the-Studs Remodel
If you are doing a massive renovation and tearing your interior drywall out, you have the opportunity to change the size and shape of your windows. Want to turn a small kitchen window into a massive picture window? We have to cut the studs and reframe the opening anyway, which means a new construction window is the right choice.
3. Severe Water Damage or Rot
If your old window leaked for years and rotted out the wooden frame beneath your stucco, we can’t just slide a retrofit window in there. We have to tear the damaged wood out, rebuild the frame, and install a new construction window to ensure the rot doesn’t come back.
Why They Make Sense for Las Vegas
When you live in the desert, your windows do a lot of heavy lifting. The summer sun beats down on the glass, and the high winds push dust into every tiny crack they can find.
Nailing the window directly to the frame is the best way to block out the wind and dust. But more importantly, the glass itself matters. When you buy new construction glass windows for a Vegas home, you need to look for a few specific features:
- Dual-Pane Glass: Single-pane glass is basically useless in our climate. Two panes of glass create an insulating barrier that stops the heat from transferring into your living room.
- Low-E Coatings: This is a microscopic coating on the glass that acts like a mirror for UV rays and heat. It bounces the Nevada sun right back outside, giving your AC unit a massive break.
- Argon Gas: We use dual-pane units filled with Argon gas between the panes. It is thicker than normal air, which means it slows down heat transfer even more.
The Installation Process
Installing these windows correctly is critical. If the nail fin isn’t flashed properly, water will get into your walls the first time it rains.
When you hire Delux Windows and Glass to handle the installation, we do it right the first time. We level the window in the rough opening, secure the fin directly to the studs, and apply heavy-duty waterproof flashing tape over the fins. We make sure the window operates perfectly smoothly before the drywallers and stucco crews ever show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a new construction window to replace an old window?
You can, but it requires a lot of extra work. To install the nail fin, we have to cut away the stucco or siding on the outside of your house to expose the wooden studs. After the window is in, you will have to hire a contractor to patch and paint the exterior wall. If your current frames are in good shape, a standard retrofit window is much cheaper and faster.
Are new construction windows more expensive?
The window itself usually costs about the same as a high-quality retrofit window. However, the labor to install it is significantly higher if you are putting it into an existing home because of the demolition and patching required. If the house is already down to the studs, the installation is fast and straightforward.
Do you manufacture the glass for new builds?
Yes. We cut and seal dual-pane glass right here in our Las Vegas shop. If a piece of glass gets broken on your job site, we can replace it in days, not weeks.
Who do you work with?
We work directly with homeowners managing their own remodels, as well as general contractors and custom home builders across the Las Vegas valley.
Whether you need one massive custom window for a living room remodel, or a whole package of Las Vegas windows for a new build, give us a call. We will give you a fair, honest quote and bring the highest quality glass to your job site.