We remove the stucco, stone, brick or siding which surrounds the window, and tie the new window into the moisture barrier which is behind the exterior cladding.

More common window replacement techniques would
involve cutting out the old window, fitting a new window
to the ‘finished’ opening, cutting off the attached window
fin, fastening the window through the side of the frame, and caulking the window on the inside and outside of the home. Out technique would include the following: removal of 5-6”
of the exterior cladding from around the window, pulling
back the existing moisture barrier, removal of the entire window, fitting the new window to the ‘rough’ opening,
cutting back the interior drywall or wood, applying new flashing and caulking around the exterior rough opening, fastening the new window at the integral nailing fin,
installing a metal ‘Z’ flashing at the top of the window, replacing the existing moisture to tie into the new flashing, and re-installed or applying of the exterior cladding.

This is essential and the only way to replace windows that are surrounded by stucco or stone This includes vinyl replacement windows !!!

Windows replaced in brick or siding can be done using a ‘cut and caulk’ method. Using a ‘cut and caulk’ method, you are relying on a nonpermanent/non-maintainable tight sill. When the caulking fails over time, water intrusion will occur and potentially cause premature decay of structural wood framing members. You might ask: Does RAM’s approach to window replacement cost more than ‘cut and caulk’ methods? Is this much work necessary just to replace my windows?


The answer is YES, YES and YES. There is a lot of time and effort involves when replacing windows when using our methods. As you can see from above, there are many steps in properly replacing windows or doors. Or methods come from our motto ‘build it right the first time’. A lot of home owners decide to replace there windows because they might be leaking and causing water to enter their home. After replacement windows are installed, and ‘cut and caulk’ methods are used, home owners sometimes notice the same problems with water intrusion. Even if replacement windows do stop leaking, there is a good chance that water is still finding its way into the wood framing members.

We have worked on many homes where ‘cut and caulk’ methods have been used to install new windows. In every case where we are dealing with replacement windows, we have to remove and dispose of the new replacement windows and install new ones using our repair methods. There is no way to re-use and properly sill a window that has been installed using a ‘cut and caulk’ method, because the nailing fin has been cut off. With out a nailing fin attached to the window, you can not properly flash and sill a window at the exterior rough opening. This means the home owner is left to buy new windows for a second time.
(See the home owner testimonial on this page.)

Do I really want to replace my window?

Window replacement has become a very popular service. WHY? Replacement windows add value from every prospective. If you're thinking about replacement windows or patio doors, there's no reason to wait. The benefits start immediately. From enhancing your home's interior to adding to its curb appeal, new windows and doors transform a home from ordinary to outstanding. What's more, they provide one of the best returns on investment of any home improvement project. Especially if they're Milgard windows. Backed by a full lifetime guarantee, these are the last windows or patio doors you’ll ever have to buy for each one they replace. Sticking. Sweating. Screeching. Fogging. Rotting. These are just some of the problems that affect older windows. New Milgard replacement windows and doors won't be a problem now or even years from now. They open when you want them to open. They lock when you want them to lock. They slide easily. They don't need painting. They keep drafts out. And they do it forever, guaranteed. Cut heating and cooling losses with Milgard SunCoat™ Low-E all climate, all-season glass. It's the "clear" glass choice for energy-efficient windows that give you year-round comfort. You'll find it on all Milgard insulated windows. Not only does it make windows more energy efficient, but it also protects your carpet and furniture from fading. SunCoat Low-E blocks infrared light and reduces ultraviolet light.