Replacing Windows In Brick
Do you live in a brick home and are shopping for replacement windows? If you’ve met with multiple window companies and still have questions about replacing windows in brick, this article is for you. We cover a few things you need to know before replacing your windows.
At Window Depot of Dallas, we want to give you the confidence to select a window and local window company for your project. For us, that starts with answering common questions about replacing windows in North Texas.
In this article, you’ll find answers to the following:
- Does it cost more to replace windows in brick?
- Common problems when installing windows in brick.
- What happens if my brick is uneven?
- Do you install windows in brick from the outside?
- Do you have to remove brick to replace windows?
Does it cost more to replace windows in brick?
We’re starting with costs because it’s usually the first or second question. Typically, installing windows in brick costs the same as if your home has siding. Removing the existing window and installing a new one follows the same steps in both situations. Replacement window labor can cost between $200 – $350 per opening depending on window size, location (1st or 2nd floor), and other contributing factors. The presence of tempered or laminate safety glass and interior and exterior trim can also increase the expense of installing new windows. It usually costs more to install wood windows because they’re heavier and more fragile than vinyl windows. Windows with transoms typically cost the same as two separate windows, even though they’re mulled together.
That’s not the case with stucco. A stucco window installation requires a different type of window installation and frame, making the installation more expensive.
Common problems when installing windows in brick
Damaged brick
Replacing windows with brick problems can be challenging for even the most experienced DIYer and contractor. While removing an existing window, brick and mortar can be jarred loose, requiring a visit from a mason to finish the job. If your brick-or-mortar colors are no longer in production, and you don’t have any spares, you could end up with mismatched brick. A skilled carpenter will use a piece of wood between his prybar, the old window frame, and your brick while removing the old frames to lessen the force on your brick.
Hidden water damage
Another problem with replacing windows in brick is that the brick could be concealing extensive water damage. Before agreeing to have a company replace your windows, ask them what their contingency plan is for the discovery of water damage. A company should call you, send photos of the damage, and provide an estimate to fix it properly before installing the new window. While it’s inconvenient and increases the job cost, you need to replace the damaged material before mold grows.
Uneven caulk lines
Unsightly caulk lines are another issue that can arise when replacing a window in brick. Because the brick can be uneven near the window, caulking requires a steady hand with lots of experience. Otherwise, you may end up with gobs of caulk smeared along your brick.
Mismeasure
You could have extra trim if your window is mismeasured and the field tech covers it up. The added window trim reduces your glass viewing area and creates a thick band of material around your brick. Since most windows are a contrasting color to your brick, mismeasured windows can typically be spotted from the curb because there’s too much material.
Mismeasures can also happen in siding and stucco and are typically the fault of an inexperienced technician.
For these reasons, hiring an experienced window replacement crew with a solid reputation is essential. We always say you’re better off having the worst window installed by the best team than the best window installed by the worst crew.
What happens if my brick opening is uneven?
Cities throughout North Texas are known to have shaky soil conditions that can lead to foundation issues. An uneven foundation can cause windows and doors to stick during operation. If you experience that in your home, we highly recommend inspecting and fixing your foundation before installing new windows.
If we install windows in an out-of-square opening, the window will end up being smaller than it should be. Smaller because we will have to find the width and height that fits within the out-of-square opening, which may reduce the height or width of the window by 1″.
Pro tip: don’t replace windows if you have serious foundation issues. If you install new windows and have foundation work done, you’ll probably lose your warranty and maybe even break a few pieces of glass.
Do you install replacement windows in brick from the inside or outside?
Installation can be completed from the outside for a full-frame vinyl replacement window with the help of an interior carpenter. Windows are installed from the outside because the outside opening is typically wider than the inside because the inside frame is cased in trim.
Windows are set in the opening from the outside. The outside tech will force the frame to ensure the window is butting up to the interior trim. While the outside tech is applying pressure, the interior carpenter will secure the window to the frame through pilot homes on the sides of the window.
Do you have to remove brick to replace windows?
The windows were secured to the framing and flashed before the bricks were added during your home’s construction. To replace the windows, we do not remove the bricks, rather we cut or pull the frame out of the opening between the studs and the brick. The replacement window is then installed in the opening and secured through the sides of the new window.
In closing
If you want to upgrade your brick home’s windows, we would love to help. Call us at 214-399-9592 or request a free window replacement estimate.
