replacement windows in stucco

houser

Hey all,
I'm looking for discussion on the pros/cons of full-frame window replacement versus replacement-frame windows (or retrofit) on a stucco house. Current windows are alum. frame, probably with alum. fin embedded in the stucco.

I see two main issues with the full frame removal: 1) this would require thoughtful rebuild of the primary water seal and 2) potential for lots of work on stucco matching (with lots of chances for not getting it right). On the other hand, you get a window that maximizes the RO size.

Replacement windows reduce the size of the existing window by the area of the frame, but minimize the problems listed above.

Any other thoughts out there?

Sammy

Look long and hard at pocket replacements versus full frames due to the stucco. The downsize wont be that noticeable and if your old windows have dividers and the new ones dont, the new windows will look larger even though they are smaller.

Joining_Heads

If you are not looking forward to tons of work I would go with the replacement windows. Replacing the entire window properly would require adding trim (unless you are damn good at patching) to cover the flanges.

Ron6519

It's your house, do what you want. You just need to realize that ripping out the windows is a much larger expense then replacement windows. The stucco will not match . And unless there are alot of houses in your area with a stucco exterior there will not be too many guys who will even get it close. The issue of a slightly larger window does not come close to compensating for what you will give up.
Look at other houses with the same setup and see who did what.
Ron