Retrofit vs. Full Frame Window Replacement vs. Piggyback Inserts – Pros, Cons and Costs

Figuring out which installation type, full frame, retrofit, or piggyback inserts are right for your window replacement project is a major factor in determining the cost of your new windows and the longevity of your replacement, not to mention your happiness and sanity.

But while many window companies will suggest one or the other depending on what they sell, the installation type that is right for you is determined by the condition of your existing windows and the surrounding wall structure as well as the current type of window you have- i.e Wood, Aluminium or Vinyl.

So, let’s dive in and explore what is best for your house not only in terms of monetary value but also aesthetics, energy-efficiency and durability – full frame replacement, retrofit or piggyback inserts?

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Retrofit Windows vs Replacement Windows – Key Differences

Remember, how well your windows keep the warm air in, and keep your home comfortable depends not only on the quality of the windows you get but also on whether they are installed correctly. 

Even the best windows can do very little to keep your home comfortable if they aren’t installed as airtight as possible. There are three types of window installation are widely used on the market: full-frame removal, retrofit and piggyback inserts.

Pros and Cons of Retrofit Window Installation

A retrofit window, is a window which fits inside the existing frame work of your current wood windows frame. Retrofit should only be carried out only on old traditional wood window to help preserve the existing look of their home when the wood is free of rot or cracks.

• At Ecoline, we recommend this retrofit approach only when your existing wood frame is still in good condition!

This installation is less labour intensive and less invasive on the structure of your house. There is, however, always a concern that even if done correctly a retrofit still won’t take into account the condition of the frame and may not fully eliminate the problems with existing units, especially when leaving existing aluminum frames in place.

These installations are not ideal for older homes as usually the casings, jamb extensions, and the brick moulds should all be rot and crack free in order for a retrofit replacement to be effective.

What is a Piggyback Insert? (Never recommended at Ecoline)

A piggyback insert is when the glass of your current window is removed but leaves the perimeter of your existing window frame intact. The new windows are inserted over the top of this existing frame and then secured into place from the inside of your home. Your old, condensation-creating metal frame is left in place, hidden under your new window. 

This installation is less labour-intensive than a full removal and will typically cost 20% less, so some people decide to go this route. At Ecoline, however, we won’t sell piggyback windows as we do not believe leaving your old frame in place is the best practice. 

Full Frame Replacement Window Installation: Ultimate Solution

Also known as the most thorough and complete window replacement, you can get. At Ecoline, we always recommend this approach if you want to get windows that will serve you for decades, hassle-free.

• In a full-frame installation, the entire window is removed.

For example, replacing a wood window includes removing casings, jamb extensions, and brick moulds, and in a vinyl or metal window, the entire frame comes out, and no nasty surprises are left in your wall. This really ensures there is no hidden moisture or damage left in the structure.

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By cleaning up the rough opening, the installers are also able to better assess the needs of your home. This installation also ultimately ensures a longer life for your new windows. Because the standard replacement material for these parts is vinyl instead of wood, it will not deteriorate or age as quickly.

Full Frame Replacement, Retrofit or Piggybacking: What’s the Cost?

When homeowners ask which window installation type is right for them, they want not only to renovate home efficiently but also save as much money as possible. But in case of old homes and deteriorating windows with many issues like rot, leaks or ice build-ups, just retrofitting or piggybacking windows will not not provide the needed solution to combat all those problems.

But when it comes to pricing, on average, a full frame window replacement cost is 15-20% higher than that of a retrofit or piggy back installation.

Check out the replacement windows cost estimator below to get an approximate price for your new windows:

So which installation type is right for your home?

While there are local window companies that will happily tell you that a retrofit is substantial, that may not always be the case. You should absolutely go the full-frame route if there is any moisture or window condensation damage. Same goes for rotting around the frame of your window.

Be careful, this may not always be visible until the windows are removed, but often just by taking off a piece of the old casing in a bottom corner, you can tell the condition of the frame envelope and the wood structure around the window.

In this case, getting retrofit windows can be a waste of time and money. Even if they are efficient and comfortable at first, eventually the moisture damage will catch up, and the framing will need to be replaced, meaning your window will probably have to go along with it.

Wrapping Up

If you are at a point when you are getting some quotes for your project, be sure to clarify exactly what is implied in each company’s installation. Some companies will replace your casing, or change it to aluminum capping, without actually changing the frame.

Only installations that fully replace the brick moulds, jamb extensions and casings can be considered full-frame replacement windows.

Finding out what kind of triple pane windows installation type is right for you is crucial in ensuring you get what you want out of your window replacement.