How windows are installed, step by step
When you get professionals to install your windows, what can you expect? Find out in our 5-minute guide.
Getting windows installed or replaced is a big deal. It can make a huge difference to your home – from aesthetics to insulation, from your energy bills to its market value.
But if you're considering calling in the installers, you may have a reservation. What, exactly, does it involve? Translation: how long will it take and will my house be turned upside down?
As worries go, it's far from unreasonable. A bit of disruption is the price you pay for home improvements. But no one wants to live in a building site for longer than is absolutely necessary.
The good news is that most jobs can be completed in a day or two – from removing the old window all the way to the final checks.
Still hankering for more details? We've got you covered. Read on to find out the step-by-step installation process along with factors that affect how long it could take.
How are windows installed?
Not all window installations follow the exact same procedure. However, a good job will typically involve the following steps.
1. Clearing the area
First, the area has to be cleared. The installers will need free access to the window frame. Without this, they won't be able to complete the job to a professional standard.
This is the part that some customers dread. Blinds and curtains are taken down. Furniture and ornaments on both sides of the window are removed. But fear not: the job will be over soon and everything put back in place.
2. Removing the old window
The windows are unscrewed at the hinges. Beading and putty are removed and the panes are taken out. Then the frame itself is taken out with a pry bar and hammer.
Next, the window opening needs to be cleaned. This involves removing any debris or bits of old caulking. New caulk is applied – a crucial step to avoid leaks and drafts.
3. Installing the new window
The new window is installed from the outside and adjusted so it's level. It's then secured in place with screws. Insulation is added to the frame and the window is trimmed and sealed.
4. Final checks
Next, the installer checks the window is plumb, level and square, and that it operates properly. Shims can be used to make adjustments where necessary.
5. Tidying up
Now the window has been installed, it's time to put things back in place. It won't be long before your house is a home once again. Phew!
How long will it take?
This is the million-dollar question: how long will the professionals be in your house?
Well, a standard window can be installed in an hour or less. A replacement window could take around an hour.
More complex, customised or non-standardised windows will naturally take longer. A bay window, for instance, could take two or three hours.
Bad weather can prolong the job, especially exterior work. You could also be looking at a longer job if the windows are in a hard-to-reach spot.
You should also take into account whether the installers will add insulation or weatherproofing. This will, of course, add a bit of time to the process.
In short, a window can be installed or replaced in less than a day. If the job involves multiple windows or complex windows (or is interrupted by bad weather), it could take longer.
That's how long the house will be a building site. But you should also take into account delivery times. You may need to wait for the windows to be delivered or even manufactured. Find this out from your installer ahead of time to avoid disappointment or frustration.
Can windows be completely installed from the inside?
Most of the time, windows are installed from the outside for ease of access. This is one way that installers can minimise the mess inside your home.
In some buildings, however, windows are installed entirely from the inside. These include historic properties, blocks of flats, high-rises and buildings where the windows simply can't be reached from the outside.
Can I do it myself?
The answer is, of course, yes. Some jobs should only ever be done by professionals – brain surgery, say. But home improvements can be a rewarding DIY activity. It all depends on your skill level, your willingness to learn, your patience, your resources and your time.
If you've got a gift for DIY, go ahead. The internet is bursting with how-to guides and the world is full of experienced installers who can point you in the right direction.
If, however, it all sounds too much like hard work, get a professional in. They'll apply all their skills, experience and eye for detail to the task, drastically reducing the chances of a botched job. It can be the difference between so-so and yes, yes, yes.
The main causes of regret following DIY installations relate to evenness and caulking. If the window is uneven, it can be difficult to open and close. And if the caulking is done less than perfectly, leaks and drafts become a strong possibility.
These aren't just a nuisance. They're also bad for your energy bills. Don't end up paying more than you need because of a substandard job!
How we can help
At Calder Windows, we've been installing windows for more than three decades. We know the process like the backs of our hands – and we carry it out with a smile.
From single standard windows to complex jobs, we've got the experience and expertise to enhance your property.
We stock a wide selection of window styles, including
bay windows,
casement windows and
sash windows. All of them are made out of high-quality materials. They're built to last – and built to withstand the Great British Weather.
Our role doesn't end with the installation. We pride ourselves on providing great aftercare and a 10-year warranty.
So, if you're looking for a
window installer in West Yorkshire,
get in touch today for a quick, competitive quote. We look forward to hearing from you.
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