Hamish Murray Construction Inc.

Our Preferred Brands
Hamish Murray Construction, Inc. is happy to work with any window brand you would like. Over the years, we have narrowed down the brands we recommend. This is due to a combination of a variety of factors, including value, performance, features and customer service.

Replacement Options

There are many companies installing windows, and the quality of that installation varies considerably. The operation, efficiency and appearance of your new windows depends both on the quality of the windows and the installation.
We use AAMA-certified installers following Installation Masters guidelines. These guidelines set high standards to ensure a weather tight and problem free installation.

There are 4 commonly used methods of replacing windows:

Full Tear Out

This approach is the most extensive and consequently expensive option. It involves cutting the siding back at least 1 ½” to expose the nail fin. The old window is removed entirely, and the new window installed in the same opening. We seal behind the nail fin with premium sealant, and over the fin with a waterproof membrane. Exterior trim (either cedar or SPF) is used to cover nail fin. Trim is sealed with premium quality polyurethane sealant and painted. The interior trim is replaced, either reusing existing if applicable or replacing to match existing as closely as possible.

This method provides the best possible protection against water infiltration, and home exterior looks as though the new window is original.

Reframe

A variation of the full tear out is reframing the opening. Perhaps you would like a different sized opening, or would like a new window put in a different spot. Or maybe you would like a large window turned into a patio door. This involves removing drywall or plaster from the wall, possibly installing new structural support above window, moving electrical wires and so on. It may also require a building permit. This is more invasive, but may result in increased livability of your home.

Some specialist window companies are not qualified to alter the framing of your house, and will require you to hire a separate contractor to facilitate that. Because Hamish Murray Construction, Inc. is a full service construction company, we can handle the entire project. We can even help you with a new deck to go with the new patio door.

Block Frame or Replacement Sash

A less invasive option is to remove the window sashes and leave the existing frame in the opening. A new window with a finless frame is then installed using wood trim as “stops”. This would be used for aluminum or vinyl windows.

In the case of old wood double hung windows, we would remove only the sashes and use a tilt pak window in either wood, clad or vinyl. A track is mounted to replace the sash cord and weight.
The advantage of this method is that the interior and exterior trim is left intact; and the process is less intrusive. This method does require a qualified installer to complete the installation correctly.

Flush Fin

A method imported from California and other warm dry climates. This involves removing the sashes as in block frame above. Then a flush fin window is installed over the existing frame. This method is faster (and cheaper) than other methods, and so is quite popular with many window companies. We do not recommend this method, as it does not allow for the increased protection from water infiltration that Oregon’s climate demands. It also leaves an ‘unfinished’ look on the interior.

If your contractor proposes this method, we would recommend looking at other projects they have done, to ensure that you know what to expect.

Nail Fin Frame
Nail Fin Frame