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Masonry opening prepared for brick-to-brick window installation

Buying Guide

Brick-to-Brick vs Retrofit Installation

The single biggest factor in how long your new windows last — and one most quote sheets bury. Here's the difference in plain language.

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Side-by-Side

Brick-to-brick vs retrofit installation

Both are legitimate methods. The right one depends on the condition of your existing frames, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Best for Sound frames + budget

Retrofit (Insert)

New window slides into the existing wood frame. Faster and cheaper.

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Best for Aging homes + long-term fix

Brick-to-Brick (Full Frame)

Old window AND frame removed back to the masonry. Permanent fix.

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FeatureRetrofit (Insert)Brick-to-Brick (Full Frame)
Typical installed price (per window)$900 – $1,400$1,400 – $2,200
Time per opening30–45 min1–2 hours
Removes old wood frame
Glass area preserved
Retrofit loses 2–4" of glass
Solves water-damaged frames
Solves out-of-square openings
Repairs surrounding masonry
Interior trim disturbanceMinimalFull re-trim
Exterior brick mould replaced
Typical window lifespan in this install15–20 yrs25–40 yrs
Permit sometimes required
Lifetime product warranty (Trust Build)

Our Verdict

If your existing frames are under ~25 years old, square, dry and structurally sound, retrofit is a smart way to save money — the new window is the limiting factor, not the install. If your home is older, you've seen water damage, your frames are rotting, or you want maximum glass area and the longest possible service life, brick-to-brick is the only method that actually fixes the underlying problem. During your free Trust Build assessment we'll show you what's behind your existing trim and recommend the right method per opening — sometimes that's a mix of both.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The installer removes the old window AND the old wood frame ('the buck') down to the masonry opening, then sets a new full-frame window into the rough opening. It's the proper long-term repair when the old frame is rotted, out of square, or letting in water.
The installer leaves the existing wood frame in place and slides a smaller-than-opening window into it, then trims and seals. It's faster, cheaper and disturbs less interior trim — but you lose 2–4 inches of glass area and you're depending on the old frame to last as long as the new window.
Brick-to-brick costs roughly 30–60% more per opening because of additional labour, exterior trim work, sometimes masonry repair, and disposal of the old frame. The premium pays back over time when the install actually fixes the root problem.
If the existing frames are sound (under 25 years old, no rot, square), retrofit is fine and saves money. If the home is older, frames are rotting, or you've had water issues — brick-to-brick is the only repair that actually solves the problem.
Retrofit: about 30–45 minutes per window. Brick-to-brick: 1–2 hours per window plus any masonry repair.

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Your free Trust Build assessment includes a frame-by-frame inspection and a recommendation per opening.

  • Detailed project assessment
  • Written itemized quotation
  • Product and installation recommendations
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