Why Tear-Out Beats Retrofit
In a retrofit, new windows are installed inside the old frame. If the old frame is rotten, the new window inherits the problem. Our tear-out process removes the old frame completely, exposing the rough opening so we can inspect and repair every inch of wood before the new window goes in.
A premium window installed into a rotten opening is a guaranteed failure within 2–5 years. We fix it first.
Retrofit Risk
Old frame stays. Rot stays hidden. Problems return in 2–5 years.
GreenFox Tear-Out
Old frame removed. Full inspection. Repair to solid wood. Problems prevented for decades.
How We Inspect
Our three-step SAWDAC process follows professional building science standards. Here's what happens after we remove your old window.
Look, Smell, Probe
After removing the existing window, check the wood stud frame for rot:
- •Look for discoloration
- •Smell for decay odor
- •Probe with an awl
The key distinction:
Remove Beyond Visible
SAWDAC Standard: Remove minimum 24 inches (600mm) beyond the end of visibly rotten wood.
Why? This precaution prevents spread of rot into adjacent wood and infection of replacement wood.
If rot extends to the edge of the opening:
Recommend removing wall finishes to determine full extent
"Installing a new window into an infected, weakened wall will not provide a durable installation." — SAWDAC
Replace to Structural Standard
Rotten studs:
Replace entire height from floor plate to top plates
Rotten lintels:
Replace from king stud to king stud
Rotten plates:
Replace in sections, joints above floor joists, staggered
Never:
Cut out sections and infill. Never scab good wood over bad.
Follow local building code. Consult a licensed Professional Engineer when in doubt.
Why This Matters — Load Transfer
Lintels (headers) above windows
Carry the weight of the wall and roof above
Jack studs and king studs
Transfer that load down to the foundation. These members are under HIGHER loads than regular studs.
If rotten, the wall can sag
Windows jam, frames distort, and in extreme cases, structural failure.
Rotten sheathing
Must be replaced too. It resists lateral wind loads.
The bottom line:
This is why we don't just caulk over problems. We fix the structure. A new window installed on a rotten frame is a house of cards waiting to collapse.
If ANY member in this chain is rotten, the load can't transfer safely.
Water Damage: The Hidden Enemy
Even small leaks become major structural problems if hidden inside walls and floor systems.
Door Leaks → Floor Rot
Water leakage at doors causes rot in rim joists and joist ends below. Can require removing subfloor and replacing floor structure. Often not visible until damage spreads.
Window Leaks → Wall Rot
Water enters above the window and progresses into the wall. In severe cases, full exterior wall refit required. This is where most hidden rot starts.
Hidden Rot
Original window installed on blocking may mask gaps. When removed, rotten framing revealed underneath interior finishes. Tear-out exposes everything.
What Did We Find Behind Your Old Window?
Use this decision tree to understand what different findings mean for your installation.
We show you what we find.
If we discover rot during your installation, we'll show you photos, explain the repair, and give you an honest assessment before proceeding. No surprises. No hidden costs. No caulk-over-the-problem shortcuts.
