Full-frame replacement

Full-frame window replacement across San Diego County

When the frame itself is rotted, corroded, or damaged beyond saving, a retrofit insert won't fix the problem. We connect San Diego homeowners with insured local crews that remove the entire window unit down to the rough opening, address any water damage or wood rot in the framing, and install a complete new window with a proper flashing and exterior seal.

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Crew removing a corroded aluminum window frame down to the rough opening in a San Diego home

What's included in this service?

Remove the entire existing window unit including the frame, sill, and any rotted or corroded framing members
Inspect and repair the rough opening, including replacing rotted king studs, sill plates, or headers before the new unit goes in
Flash the rough opening with self-adhering membrane and install the new window to manufacturer and California Building Code specs
Exterior stucco patch, trim, and caulk to seal the new frame against water intrusion
Interior drywall patch, trim, and paint to match the existing wall finish
Final inspection walk with the homeowner to confirm the unit operates, locks, and seals correctly

When do you need this service?

The existing window frames are visibly rotted, buckled, or pulling away from the wall
You can feel air or see daylight around the frame even with the window closed and latched
Coastal salt air has pitted or corroded aluminum frames to the point where the sashes no longer slide or seal
A retrofit insert was previously installed and it is now failing because the host frame beneath it was already compromised
Your 1950s-1970s San Diego home still has the original single-pane aluminum windows throughout

What do homeowners ask about Full-frame replacement?

What is the difference between full-frame replacement and a retrofit insert?

Full-frame replacement removes the entire window unit down to the rough opening in the wall framing. A retrofit insert fits a new window unit inside the existing frame, leaving the frame in place. Full-frame is necessary when the frame itself is rotted, corroded, or structurally compromised. Retrofit is faster and less expensive when the existing frame is still sound.

How much does full-frame window replacement cost in San Diego?

In San Diego, full-frame replacement typically runs $900-$1,600 per window installed, depending on window size, material, and how much rough opening repair is needed. Homes with wood rot in the framing or damaged stucco at the window openings will land at the higher end. The crews we refer give itemized quotes before any work starts.

Do I need a permit for full-frame window replacement in San Diego?

In most cases, yes. The City of San Diego and most surrounding cities require a permit when you are replacing windows in the exterior envelope, particularly full-frame replacements that involve altering the rough opening or the framing. Verify that any crew you hire pulls the permit before work begins. You can check contractor license status at cslb.ca.gov.

How long does full-frame window replacement take for a whole house?

A whole-house full-frame replacement on a typical San Diego single-story home with 10-15 windows runs 1-3 days of on-site work. Multi-story homes or jobs with significant rough opening repairs take longer. Interior trim and paint patching adds time if it is included in the scope.

What window material is best for coastal San Diego homes?

Vinyl and fiberglass both hold up well in coastal San Diego salt air. Vinyl is the most common choice because it does not corrode and requires no painting. Fiberglass is stronger and handles thermal cycling better, which matters in areas with bigger day-to-night temperature swings like Inland North County. Aluminum with a quality thermal break coating can work but is not the first call for high-exposure coastal locations.