RETROFIT
WINDOWS
AND  DOORS

The picture on the top left shows a corner section of a vinyl replacement frame. You can see how the outside perimeter is flat with no protruding fins of any kind. This is basically a nail on window frame with the nailing fin removed. These frames were made to fit in the pocket of a wood window,so the depth is 3 1/4", the same depth as the pocket in the old wood frames. But, they can also be used to replace aluminum framed windows if you don't want to tear out the whole frame and nail on a new vinyl window. Remember,if you're going to do a complete tearout, there is going to be damage to the exterior and interior surrounding each window opening. In the west, and particularly in California, there is another type of vinyl window frame. It's called a california Retrofit window frame. The retrofit window frame was developed for replacing windows in homes with a stucco exterior.
The picture on the lower left shows a corner section of a california retrofit window frame. You are viewing it from the inside portion of the window, so you're looking at the back side of the lip. The lip on a retrofit window is completely different than the nailing fin on a new construction window. Besides being twice as wide, the retrofit window lip is flush with the outside face of the vinyl window frame. A nailing fin is offset an inch back from the face. When a vinyl retrofit window is installed in a home with old aluminum windows and a stucco exterior, the lip covers the old frame and extends onto the stucco surface. This eliminates any outside stucco damage.

The Certainteed retrofit window frame offers a 3/4" thick brick molding extrusion (Only Available In California). This extrusion is not only more rigid than a traditional 1/8" lip, but it's also much more attractive. This Video clip compares the two. The clip takes 60 seconds to load using a high speed connection.

The picture on the left is a corner section of the Certainteed vinyl retrofit window frame with the exterior brick molding lip. The pictures on the right are "before" and "after" shots. Notice how none of the old metal frame is showing. When you install a retrofit window with a typical 1/8" thick lip on a stucco exterior, the lip will conform to the uneven surface of the stucco, creating a wavy look. But, the brick molding frame of the Certainteed retrofit window stays rigid.

The picture on the left shows the vinyl retrofit window frame applied to the face of the wood trim. If the wood is too thick, and the distance into the house is greater than 3", then another option would be to purchase the retrofit window without the brick molding and trim down the lip to fit between the wood. The back of the Certainteed retrofit window lip has grooves in it to make cutting easier. If you don't have any power tools, you can cut the lip down using a plastic cutting tool or utility knife.

As you can see from the picture on the left, it's essential that your vinyl retrofit window frame extends into the house further than the old frame, so the flat trim will hide all of the old framework. Notice the left side jam in the picture on the right. There are 3 screws in that side jam, but you can't see any screw heads because we used these screw hole plugs that you see on the right.The plugs are sold in bags of 100 on the Trim page on this website.

The picture on the left shows an old aluminum sliding door with a stucco exterior. When replacing sliding doors, I recommend doing a complete tearout. The video "Vinyl Sliding Doors made easy" shows the best way to remove the entire nailed on frame without damaging the exterior around the frame. The picture on the right shows the vinyl retrofit door being put in place. The pictures below show the inside and outside after the job is done.

We sell everything you need in order to install vinyl replacement windows, vinyl retrofit windows, and sliding glass doors like a professional. To start, you can get a complete education with the 2 hour instructional videoVinyl Windows Made Easy, the 1 hour video for vinyl sliding doors, or the 3 hour video that combines both the window and door videos. Read Testimonials from happy customers. The window video shows the replacement of an aluminum sliding window on a stucco house, as well as a wood sash window. The wood sash window replacement doesn't involve a retrofit window frame. When replacing wood windows with vinyl windows, the replacement style frame is used. In both cases, the video shows the entire procedure, from start to finish, including how to measure for the new vinyl windows. There is additional footage explaining how to replace picture windows, or windows with brick or wood siding. There is information for almost every application. The toll free number is available to video purchasers to get answers to their questions before beginning the project. You can purchase the videos by phone if you call 1-800-990-2183. You can also purchase the videos online using a major credit card or PayPal by going to our videos page.

We sell Certainteed vinyl windows in both Northern and Southern California. In Washington and Oregon, the windows are manufactured in Auburn, Washington . If you live in California,Click Here for a quote. If you live in Washington or Oregon, Click Here. All Certainteed vinyl windows and doors come with a lifetime warranty on materials AND LABOR! Try to find a manufacturer that will send out a service tech to repair your vinyl windows for as long as you live in the home. And a warranty is only as strong as the company offering it. Certainteed has been in the home insulation business since 1905. They aren't going anywhere. You can view this 10 minute video to learn what to look for in a quality vinyl window, and why certainteed is so respected throughout the window and door industry.


Call 1-800-990-2183 to make an appointment to visit our showroom in Corona, or check out our ONLINE SHOWROOM