When it’s time to replace windows, many homeowners focus on frame styles, energy ratings, or materials. But there’s another decision that’s just as important—choosing the right installation method. The different types of window installation can affect how well your windows perform, how long they last, and how much you end up paying in the long run.
At Davis Window and Door, we’ve spent over 50 years helping homeowners across Metro Atlanta and Metro Charlotte understand their options. Our certified window installers don’t just install a window—we guide our customers through each step, starting with the installation method that’s right for their home.
Here, we break down the most common window installation methods and what makes each one unique.
Full-Frame Window Installation
Full-frame installation involves removing the entire existing window, including the sash, frame, trim, and sometimes even parts of the wall. This method is ideal when the window frame is damaged or rotted, or if you’re changing the size or style of your windows entirely.
It is also referred to as Block frame installation when replacing windows in masonry openings, such as brick or concrete block walls. In this case, the window is held in place by screws or anchors driven through the sides of the frame and into the wall.
This method is more common in commercial buildings or homes with a block construction style. It requires careful measurements and sealing to make sure everything fits snugly and performs well against wind and water.
Our team takes extra care during block frame installations to apply the right flashing, backer rods, and sealants, especially since these projects often have little room for adjustment. While not as common in our residential work, we’re fully equipped to handle it when the situation calls for it.
We often recommend full frame for older homes or when structural integrity has been compromised. It allows us to inspect the wall opening for signs of water damage or deterioration, which might go unnoticed during a more superficial replacement.
Because it requires more labor and materials, full-frame installation tends to be more involved than other methods. But it also offers one of the cleanest, longest-lasting outcomes.
If you’re investing in high-performance windows, this approach gives you the strongest foundation for energy efficiency, insulation, and long-term durability.
Insert (Pocket) Window Installation
Insert installation—sometimes called pocket installation—is a method that replaces only the window sash and leaves the existing frame, trim, and casing intact. It’s typically used when the current frame is in good shape, square, and free from moisture damage.
We often recommend an insert installation to homeowners who want a quicker, more cost-effective project without compromising on performance. It’s a smart option for newer homes or properties where the frame has been well-maintained.
The benefits of an insert installation are clear: less disruption to your home, faster completion, and lower material costs. However, because it depends on the condition of the existing frame, it’s not always the right solution. If there’s any doubt about the frame’s condition, we’ll guide you toward a safer alternative.
Our goal isn’t to upsell—it’s to get the job done right the first time. Insert installations work beautifully when the conditions are ideal, and our team knows how to assess that accurately during our consultations.
New Construction Window Installation
Despite its name, new construction window installation isn’t only for new homes. It’s also used during major renovations or when adding an entirely new wall.
What makes this method different is the inclusion of a nail fin—a component that attaches the window directly to the home’s framing. It’s the most integrated installation method, offering strong structural support and a weather-tight seal.
We use new construction installation at Davis Window and Door when the exterior siding is removed or during large-scale remodeling projects. This allows us to start from scratch, framing out the opening, applying flashing and insulation, and building a window assembly that’s as close to perfect as possible.
New construction installation requires exterior finishing work. But it’s an excellent opportunity to upgrade a home’s design and function, especially when other parts of the wall are already being replaced or opened up.
Block Frame Window Installation
Block frame installation is another technique often used when replacing windows in masonry openings, such as brick or concrete block walls. In this case, the window doesn’t have a nail fin. Instead, it’s held in place by screws or anchors driven through the sides of the frame and into the wall.
This method is more common in commercial buildings or homes with a block construction style. It requires careful measurements and sealing to make sure everything fits snugly and performs well against wind and water.
Our team takes extra care during block frame installations to apply the right flashing, backer rods, and sealants, especially since these projects often have little room for adjustment. While not as common in our residential work, we’re fully equipped to handle it when the situation calls for it.
Which Window Installation Method Is Best?
There’s no universal answer—only what’s right for your home. Each project we take on is unique, and that’s why our process always starts with a conversation. Before making any recommendations, we visit your home to inspect the current window conditions, listen to your goals, and understand your budget and timeline. From there, we walk you through each available option, explaining not only how each method works but why one might serve your space better than another.
If your frames are in excellent shape and the surrounding structure is solid, an insert installation might save you both time and money while still delivering a clean, efficient result. On the other hand, if you’re remodeling, upgrading the size of your windows, or dealing with any signs of rot or water damage, a full-frame or new construction method offers a more comprehensive and lasting solution.
In homes with stucco, stone, or other difficult-to-modify exteriors, a flush fin installation might offer the least disruption while still giving your space a refreshed, modern look. And when working with concrete or masonry construction, block frame methods may be the most structurally compatible option.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every home is different, and so are the needs of every homeowner. That’s why we approach each project with the same care and attention to detail we’d bring to our own homes. The best installation method delivers performance, longevity, and peace of mind, and we’re here to help you find it.
Our Approach at Davis Window and Door
With over five decades in the business, we’ve learned that the key to a successful window project isn’t just the product—it’s the method, the experience, and the craftsmanship behind the installation.
Our installation crews are certified by the manufacturers, and we work with trusted names like Marvin to give you the best results. From the first consultation to the final seal, we’re there to make the process smooth and stress-free.
We’ve built our reputation on transparency, education, and long-term support. In our showroom, you can compare materials, styles, and finishes side by side. Our team is ready to answer questions, guide your decisions, and handle every detail with precision.
If you’re not sure which installation method is right for your home, that’s okay. We’ll help you figure it out. There will be no guesswork, no pressure, just expert guidance tailored to your space.
