Windows being sold out of the big box retailers in south florida are required by code to be impact resistant. These don't have a nail flange and the sales guy says they are usually installed in wood bucks in block construction. These windows are pennies to the dollar compared with what I've been quoted here. How would I install these in wood framed construction?

We're in the process of replacing windows in our Florida fixer upper. I have installed many windows in Wisconsin but found myself perplexed with the "Florida flange". From what I understand the Florida flange is used for replacement purposes where the old window is taken out and the new one put in from the interior. When put in from the interior the "flange" is caulked and butted up against the existing exterior trim. I don't think that is a sufficient enough seal for me so we ordered windows with nailing fins. Yes, I will have to pop the trim off and probably some of the vinyl siding but feel more comfortable with doing a proper job of flashing and sealing.

By the way, I had an estimate done of what it would cost to have the windows installed. I had priced the very window brand the installer would used. Back calculating he was going to charge me about $300 for a 3' by 3' window. And a lot more if I would have wanted to go with windows with a nailing fin.

Replacement windows are installed with screws place in counter sunk holes in the jambs.

I am looking for new construction windows but I will have to go down and visit a retailer. I contacted 3 window manufacturers and was told they do have nailing flange.

Thanks

Yes, they will install windows with nailing fins but the vendors I had out charged more for the installation. They said it required more work, i.e. taking off the trim and flashing the window.

I plan to offer these windows in texas. Impact resistant windows here are very very expensive. Like 5 times the cost from what I seen offered in the 2 big box retailers in south florida. So they have to be for new construction as I've been asked for those numerous times.

In the US I think people in most regions use "new construction" to imply windows that include a nailing flange. But there is no reason why you couldn't use the no-flange type in a new build, and depending on the construction method it may be preferred. They're especially useful when the walls are very thick, like ICF or AAC. They can be set deeper into the opening to create a sturdier, more massive look.