Not every window replacement goes exactly as planned. Sometimes old windows are hiding problems inside the wall. On a project we just finished, we replaced a home’s old bronze aluminum windows with new white impact windows, and partway through the job we found something the homeowners couldn’t have seen.
Here’s how the project went, start to finish.
The Before: Old Bronze Aluminum Windows
The home had the dark bronze aluminum windows that are common in Florida houses from past decades. Over the years these windows lose their seals, become hard to open and give no protection against wind-borne debris during a hurricane. The homeowners wanted impact protection, better energy efficiency and a cleaner, brighter look.
What We Found: A Rotted Frame
When we removed the old windows and opened up the wall below, we found that the wood framing and sheathing had rotted. Most likely, water had been getting in around the old windows for years and slowly damaging the structure behind the stucco.
This is more common than many homeowners think, and it’s one of the biggest reasons to choose an installer who knows how to handle it. Installing a new window on top of rotted wood is like building on sand: the window is only as strong as the frame it’s attached to.
The Fix: Demolition, New Framing and Waterproofing
For our team, this wasn’t a problem. It was part of doing the job right. Here’s what we did:
- Demolition: We removed all the damaged wood until we reached solid material.
- New framing: We built a new frame with pressure-treated lumber.
- New sheathing: We installed new plywood sheathing to rebuild the wall.
- Waterproofing: We wrapped the wall with a weather-resistant barrier before the new windows went in, to keep water out going forward.
The After: White Impact Windows on a Solid Wall
With the structure repaired, we installed the new white impact windows. The result is a home that looks brighter and more modern, is protected against hurricane debris around the clock, and has a solid, dry wall behind every window.
Why This Matters for Your Home
If your home still has its original windows, there’s a chance that water has been getting into the walls for years without you knowing. Signs to watch for:
- Stains, bubbling paint or soft spots on walls below windows
- Cracked stucco around window frames
- A musty smell near windows
- Windows that are drafty, hard to open or fogged between panes
- Gaps or failing caulk around the frame
When you choose an installer, ask how they handle hidden damage. A good installer won’t cover it up. They’ll show you what they found, explain the fix and do it properly.
Ready for Your Own Before and After?
Four Seasons Impact Windows & Doors has completed 800+ projects across Brevard, Volusia and Orange counties since 2018. Get your home protected before the 2027 hurricane season.
Call us for a free estimate:
Brevard: (321) 441-9393
Volusia: (386) 285-8811
Orange: (407) 214-9314
