The Window Installation Process, Explained

If You Want to Know How to Install Windows, You’re In the Right Place

Windows can change the way you enjoy your home. They let in light and create a sense of spaciousness. They give you access to beautiful views on nice days. And they make it possible for you to wave hello for the first time and goodbye for the last time when your guests visit.

Windows are your connection to your world.

And sometimes those connections need to be replaced! Maybe they’re foggy and hard to see through. Or maybe they’re too drafty, and your heating bills are rising in the winter.

In these situations, you probably started looking at window installation options and companies that can help you do it. Here’s what you can expect when the company you choose to trust with your project installs your home’s windows.

Keep in mind that your windows may be different, and the company you choose may follow slightly different processes. This article is meant for educational purposes to give you an idea of what you can expect during window installation.

Home Window Installation Or Repair?

Although most window companies recommend replacing all windows in your home at once, there may be times that you prefer to simply repair an old window while you make plans for replacement later.

Sometimes windows with a single broken pane of glass or opening-and-closing mechanisms can be inexpensively repaired to get a little more life out of them.

However, some windows are beyond repair or will cost more to repair than to replace them, such as if they have broken seals or multiple cracked glass panes. In these instances, you’ll want to consider window installation right away.

Measuring Before Installing Home Windows

The first step your window company will take is measuring your existing windows. Accurate measurements tell you what size and how many windows you’ll need to purchase. Your window company will need to know the height and width of each window. An inaccurate measurement will throw off the entire window installation process.

Measuring windows is tricky because the company will need to measure the height at the left, right, and center of each window, as well as the width at the top, middle, and bottom. This is because windows can be slightly out of square. In fact, if you have an older home, it’s highly likely they are!

After taking accurate measurements, the window company will special order your windows or collect them from their inventory.

Removing Your Old Windows

The next step in the window installation process is removing the old windows. Your window company may follow these steps:

1. Score along the edge of the window frame using a utility knife, then remove the screws. They may use a pry bar to remove the frame.
2. Remove the sash weights and springs, especially if your windows are older. To remove the sash weights, your window installers will simply cut the cords that hold them up. They’ll also carefully remove sash springs.
3. Next, they’ll look for window stops and remove them. Stops are what hold the window sashes in place. There are interior stops, stops between sashes, and exterior stops to consider. They may use an oscillating saw to remove only the necessary window stops.

Window Installation

With the old windows out, it’s time to prepare the openings for new windows.

1. The crew might start by cleaning the window opening to get rid of any dust or debris from the window removal process.
2. They’ll then apply flashing tape to the window sill and ensure the sill is level.
3. Next, they’ll “dry-fit” the new window. This means they’re checking the fit of the window. Then, they’ll set the window aside for now.
4. They’ll apply a bead of caulk at the top of the window frame, the stops, and the sill.
5. Then, they’ll place the window back in the opening, resting it on the interior stops and pressing it against the caulk. This will create a seal around the window. From the inside, they’ll add screws to hold the window in place.

Finishing Touches When Installing Home Windows

With the window in place, the crew will finish up the installation process.

1. First, they’ll check that the window sashes sit evenly in the window frame. They’ll also check for plumb – that the window is straight up and down, level, and square. They’ll also test the window’s opening and closing mechanisms.
2. The window crew will likely add spray foam insulation to fill any gaps around the window.
3. Then, they’ll measure the window height and cut a sill adapter to the right size before drilling weep holes into them. Weep holes allow any moisture build-up to drain away.
4. Finally, the crew will install any necessary new trim and caulk the interior of the window.

Should You Leave Installing Home Windows to the Pros?

Windows are very heavy, and broken glass can be dangerous. For most homeowners, window installation is not a DIY project they’d want to take on, in part because it can be difficult, but also because improper installation can lead to window leaks, which can, in turn, damage your home.

Call a professional window installation company when it’s time to upgrade the windows in your home. Look for one with great customer testimonials and a long history of helping homeowners.