Now that you’ve decided to improve your home with new windows, it’s time for installation.  The professional window installation company you hired is ready to give your home a new look. They’ve measured all of the openings and the windows have been ordered. Before your old windows are taken out, there are some steps you should take to make sure the window installation company can get the job done quickly once they arrive at your home.  

Let the Window Installation Begin

Preparing your home for replacement windows is one of the easiest ways to make sure your installation goes off without a hitch. You won’t have to worry about experiencing any delays as long as your home is ready to go when the installers show up. 

Here are a few tips that’ll help you set the stage for replacement window installation.  

1. Choose a Time

When approaching a whole-house window replacement, you’ll want to choose your installation time wisely. Depending on the number and location of your windows, replacement should take between two to three days from start to finish.

Schedule your replacement project during temperate months to avoid too much heat or cold being let into your home. Remember to give yourself some leeway in case problems arise during the project.

2. Clean up Your Yard

The window installers will need to access most of your windows from the outside of your home. Your yard and the exterior of your home will need to be cleaned up to reduce obstructions and hazards. Remove any leaves, sticks, and other debris surrounding your home so that workers don’t have to do it when they begin the installation. 

The installers will use ladders to reach the outside of the windows.  Provide access to the areas where ladders will need to be set up. This may include moving boats, patio furniture, or lawn ornaments. It’ll speed up the installation process. 

3. Clear Away Clutter 

In addition to accessing many of your windows from the exterior of your home, window installers may also need access from inside your home. Remove clutter from the areas surrounding your windows. 

Remove any shades, blinds, and curtains. If you plan on reusing the window treatments, store them away from the area. Clear away any furniture located directly in front of or close to the windows being replaced. 

If large windows need to be hauled through the house, clear an open path near tight corners or along narrow hallways for them to make it through. Speak with your window installation company to see what they might need you to move away from windows to make their job easier.  

4. Prepare for Window Delivery

The installation crew may show up with your new windows in their trailer. They might even have them delivered to your house a day or two before they start the job. If they do get delivered beforehand, it would be best if the new windows and doors could be stored in a secure garage. Ask the project manager how much space is needed for storage and arrange a time for delivery and determine a place to store them.

If you don’t have the storage space, the installation crew will have to coordinate the delivery date with the start of the installation project. You don’t want to leave your new windows outside exposed to the elements or accessible to anyone with “sticky fingers”. 

5. Protect Your Property

To reduce the chance of an accident, relocate items like floor lamps away from the work area. The process of installing a window could rattle the walls, so remove fragile items off nearby shelving. The installers should bring drop cloths and plastic to protect your flooring in the work area. Let them know if there are any other delicate surfaces you would like them to be treat gently.

6. Be Accessible

You should be home for some portions of the installation projects. Make sure you meet the crew and check that they have the right windows. Window replacement installation involves removing the old windows and installing the new ones. The installation process may involve cutting wood as well as caulking. You can expect a little noise and odor. 

During the installation, try to avoid getting in the contractor’s way. You want to be easily accessible but not hovering. It's a good idea to connect with the supervisor for the project at the beginning of the installation. Staying in constant communication with the supervisor will keep you up to date with the progress that’s being made. 

7. Watch Your Children and Pets

You also need to make plans for what to do with children or pets during the installation. Arrange for someone to watch your pets so they don’t get loose and get in the installation crew’s way. The same goes for younger children. 

Is It Time for New Windows?

If it seems like your energy bill increases each month, it’s likely your windows are not functioning as they should. Replacing the windows in your home with energy-efficient replacement windows can help lower your heating and cooling costs. Here are signs to look for that will let you know your windows are failing.

• If your windows provide little protection from the sounds of the outdoors, they may not be sealed correctly or were poorly made. Double- or triple-pane glass windows insulated with Argon or Krypton gas can decrease outdoor noise, which is especially helpful if you live in a noisier neighborhood or on a busy road.

• When you feel a draft, even when your windows are closed, it’s a sure sign new windows are needed.  A drafty window can drastically change the overall temperature of your home, causing your HVAC system to work harder to keep up with the fluctuating temperature.

• Windows that were not installed correctly tend to develop balance issues, making the windows more difficult to open and close. If your windows do not close properly, you may not be able to lock them, which can impact the safety of your home.

• If you notice that your windows are frosting between the layers of glass, it means that your seals have failed, allowing moisture between the glass panes. Once the seals fail, any insulating gas used to make the window energy efficient is now gone. 

Choosing Replacement Windows for Your Home

The typical process of choosing windows is to start with the types of windows that are best for you and your home.. Once the type of window has been selected, the material of the window is next. It’s important to know what you need for your home, the design function for each window, and the amount you’re willing to spend. Choosing a window material that can withstand the climate you’re in is important; otherwise, you’ll be repairing or replacing them more often. 

It’s important to take your time when selecting the new windows for your home. Getting it right will add value to your home, improve its appearance, and make it more energy-efficient. There are six main materials that windows are made of. They include wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood-clad and composite. 

Be Informed Before Hiring A Window Contractor

Replacing your windows is a big project and one that’s best left up to the professionals. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are some questions you need to ask any contractor you’re considering hiring. 

Are you licensed and insured?

Utilizing a licensed contractor gives you some protection should a problem arise. The same goes for insurance, which includes liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage insurance. 

Can I get an itemized estimate?

Itemized estimates allow you to see exactly what expenses are included in your project. A reputable contractor will have no problem with giving you this breakdown of expenses, which can come in handy if there are any disputes down the line.

How much time will my project take?

Specialized windows can take quite a while to be delivered. Knowing exactly when your windows will be out of commission is a good idea, especially if you’re coming up on a seasonal change. Knowing a general timeline can also give you some peace of mind once your project is in process.

Is there a specific window type or brand you recommend?

Some contractors don’t like working with certain brands of windows, and others prefer to work only with a few types. Get these preferences upfront as this information can be helpful information when selecting the windows for your home.

What type of warranty do you offer on your installation?

Regardless of how well-installed your windows are, problems can arise weeks or months later. Get the details, in writing, of your contractor’s warranty policy in case you need it. Also, be sure to retain the contractor’s contact information in a safe place.

The Window Installation Experts

When your home needs updated curb appeal or greater energy-efficiency, it’s time to install replacement windows. Selecting the window is just one step; installing them is just as important.