Mitchell Dean

Homeowners usually go through the process of replacing most if not all of the windows in their home at least once. It’s a good thing that this window replacement process is not done often as it is an expensive proposition and when you need to utilize installers, they usually have to turn your home upside down for a few days during the process.  The reason for this is that the installation of replacement windows is not an easy process. If you need window treatments or window protection you should specify this when purchasing the windows.

What actually occurs during a window installation and what do window installers do? Here are a few things to keep in mind when you have hired a window contractor to handle your window repair.

Before the Installers Arrive

• You should touch base with the salesperson where you purchased the new windows to double check on the installation date and time.
• Utilize post-it-notes and place these next to the windows being replaced describing exactly which window goes where and any special instructions that might be needed.

The First Day

• Speak with the job foreman and do a walk through of the house while discussing each window. This will assist you in catching any errors that the window company might have made.
• If there is more than a few people on the crew, there will probably be one set of installers bringing in the new windows while another crew removes the old ones.
• You should walk through the house to make sure the installers have placed drop cloths inside where work is being done and outside if you happen to have flower beds that need to be protected.
• Be within calling distance, but let the crews do their jobs.
• Disposal of the old windows is usually included in the contract, so don’t be surprised when the  stack of old windows begins to grow outside, before the job is done the stack will be taken away.
• It’s always a good idea to keep in touch with the foreman as work proceeds.
• By the end of the day you can expect at least ten windows to be done. Rooms should be broom clean and the old windows removed.

The Second Day

• Installers should arrive early the next day and continue removing and installing windows for the job.
• When the window removal crew is done they will begin installing aluminum exterior trim to the windows that have been done, this will provide a tight seal. This service might be optional.
• Most average sized homes will be finished on the second day.
• The house should be broom cleaned once the job is completed and the windows should be tested and window cleaning completed.

The Third Day

• If the job is extended into the third day than it will probably be exterior work that needs to be completed. You will not have to be present for this work to be done, but it is a great idea to check in on the crew to see that the work is being done correctly.

Window installation isn’t rocket science so it might be tempting to attempt to do the job yourself, there are two problems;

1)      You can’t go to your local home improvement store to buy replacement windows. You will only find new construction windows which are the wrong type. Manufacturers have answered the call knowing that many people would actually like to install their own replacement windows and have developed product lines for that purpose.

2)      Another problem is exterior cladding. Specialized tools are required to install the exterior trim that is used to provide a tight seal against moisture and the weather. There is a huge learning curve when working with aluminum that professional installers already have.