How Long Does Window Replacement Take?

Are you wondering how long it will take to replace your windows? In this guide, we will break down how long window replacement will take so you can plan your schedule accordingly.

Timeline

Replacing one window takes around forty to sixty minutes.  The typical timeline for window replacement takes around four to seven weeks after the windows are ordered. Most companies can install between ten to fifteen windows per day in your home.

The Installation of Windows from Beginning to End

After you sign an installation contract, the window installers will measure the window openings in all the places that they are to be replaced and assure the right measurements are provided to the window producer.

Your installer will then order your windows. About a month later, the finished products will be delivered to your contractor.

After you decide on the date of installation, your windows installer will come to your house to begin the project. It could be a single person or multiple people taking out the old windows.

Then, they will install your new windows into their proper places and make sure the windows are level by using shims. They will also insulate any cavities around the window with expanding foam. The final job is to anchor the windows into place, and then seal the exterior with trim coil and caulking.

An extremely capable window installer will normally put in ten to fifteen windows daily. It normally takes about a half-hour to put in a window based on the size of the windows.

After taking out the old windows and putting in the new ones, the exterior trim is applied to the last step of the process. This is called cladding, and it makes a tight seal that protects the window from weather conditions.

Cladding is sometimes optional. If you want it done, then ask your contractor prior to the start of installation.

Issues That Could Affect the Timeframe for Installing Windows

It can be very worrying to know your house will be exposed to outside forces such as weather for an unknown timeframe. When trying to figure out how long it will take to replace windows, you must consider many different factors. 

Time of Year

One thing that could cause a longer timeframe is the time of year that you decide you want to get your windows replaced. Seasons like the summer can get crazy busy for window companies. You can read more about this topic here.

Manufacturer

Also, the brand of windows you choose can impact the timeline of your project. If you live in a large city such as Chicago, then you are usually able to choose from a few different local vinyl manufacturers. Their close approximation means the windows don’t have to get delivered by truck from out of state.

Preparation For Home Window Installation

Listed below are a few things you can do at your house to make sure the installation of your windows is completed as fast as possible.

Make a Clear Pathway For Your Window Installer

Ensure your window installer has lots of elbow room because windows are usually heavy and break if dropped. Additionally, move anything that is close to the windows like heavy furniture.

Also, make sure to remove anything that is blocking the front of the windows such as trees, bushes or any heavyweight lawn furniture that can cause a problem. If the house has two stories instead of one story, then that adds time too.

Do Not Lock the Doors

The installer will usually have to work both inside and outside of a house. Make sure you tell the workers that you will let them in your home if you will be gone so that the installation can continue while you are not home.

Take Paintings and Other Items Off Your Walls

It is very important for you to take down all wall decorations near the windows since your installer needs to move all around them and could potentially knock them off by accident. The best thing to do is to take all the items down prior to the installation. Put them somewhere safe to avoid any damage.

Put Down One or More Drop Cloths

Installing new windows may include workers walking into your home with dirty shoes. This is why an installer will put down a couple of drop cloths to try to retain the cleanliness of a house.

Also, you can make your chances of retaining a clean home even better if you put some cloths down prior to the installer’s arrival. Cover the floors and anything else that you do not want to get dirty. Ask the windows installer for advice if you are unsure.

Remove Window Treatments

It saves time if you take the treatments down yourself instead of the person installing the windows. Prior to your window installer arriving, go ahead and take down blinds, draperies or any type of window treatments in your home. 

Remove Security Sensors

If you have security sensors on the windows, make sure they are taken off.  Make sure that the alarms are off prior to the start of installation.

Questions Before Hiring a Window Installer

You must ask yourself these questions before agreeing to professional window installation:

• How dependable is the window installation company?
•  Is the window installation company trustworthy and do they stay in contact during the whole process of window installation?
• What kind of experience does the window installation company have? That plays a part in the timeline as well.
• How many windows are being installed and how big are they?
• What material are your windows being made of? Wooden ones may take longer because they must be primed, sanded and painted. Plus, what the material of the walls around the windows are made of also matters, It may be made of bricks, wood,  Stucco or Hardie Plank.

Final Words

From beginning to end, a normal window installation should take around six weeks. The process begins when you sign a contract. Also, it takes one to three days to do the actual installing of the windows.

Your installer will likely be glad to tell you the average timeframe for installing windows and will answer any other questions that you have.

Remember, checking the rules of your Homeowner Association or your neighborhood may prevent you from getting penalized and looked down upon.