Potential Complications To Work Around When Planning A Window Installation

New windows help your utility bills, home value, and the all-around feeling in the house. That clear glass and those unmarked frames look clean and cool, and if your old windows have gotten kind of gross, the new ones can be a breath of fresh air. However, as with any home renovation, there are a number of issues that can pop up, so you need to be prepared. When you start getting bids, talk to the contractors about the following issues so that your installation appointment goes smoothly.

Lead Paint

If you're installing the windows in an old home, lead paint could be a concern. Your installers have to be EPA-certified to deal with lead if this is the case. Ask the contractors to test the paint if they can, or hire a testing company to get an accurate result (there are home tests, but they aren't always accurate, especially due to human error). Once you know the status of the paint, you can look for appropriate contracting companies.

Stained Glass

If any of the windows have stained glass, you may have to make special arrangements for replacements. The window contractors can't turn the stained glass window into a newer dual-paned window, but they can install special covers that help mimic a dual-paned window's effects. You'll have to let the contractors evaluate the size of the stained glass window before you can get a quote.

The Weather

This is likely the biggest issue you'll face. If the weather is too hot or cold, the caulk won't set correctly. If you can't have the window installed on a dry day in spring or fall, you and the contractor will have to arrange a time when the day is at its warmest in winter and coolest in summer, and check the forecast for rain, as the new window and caulk shouldn't be exposed to water for a while. Try to be home during the installation so that you can help close doors inside the house to seal off the room that's undergoing renovation, to help keep the rest of the home at a comfortable temperature.

These are not unusual issues, and the contractor you choose to work with should have strategies for dealing with each of them. But if you neglect to address them before setting up an appointment, you could find your window replacement delayed substantially. Work with the contractor (such as one from Out West Windows) to figure out the best day and time, as well as the best method if you're dealing with stained glass, and you'll have a better home renovation experience.


Share