I Need Window Installation. What Should I Do About It?

7 Steps to Take Before, During, and After

Your window seals are broken, resulting in foggy glass that prevents you from seeing outside. Or perhaps your window frames are rotted and letting in moisture. Or maybe your heating and cooling bills have skyrocketed, and you suspect your old windows are to blame.

It sounds like it’s time for a new window installation — but where do you start? Keep reading to learn what you should do when you suspect it’s time to get new windows for your home.

Learn All You Can About Residential Windows

Before you take any further steps toward installing home windows, your first task is to learn as much as you can about your options.

Energy-Efficient Window Ratings

Start with understanding how energy-efficient windows are rated: U-factor and SHGC.

• The U-factor of a window gauges how well it insulates. It measures the rate of non-solar heat transfer through the window; the lower the U-factor, the better the window resists heat loss in winter, thus the better it insulates. U-factor ranges from 0.20 to 1.20.
• SHGC stands for solar heat gain coefficient. It measures how much of the sun’s heat comes through the window. The lower the SHGC, the less heat from the sun the window lets in, an important measurement in the summer months. SHGC ranges from 0 to 1.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends window performance ratings based on the climate you live in and the direction your windows face.

• If you live in a cold climate: Your north-facing windows should be the lowest U-factor you can afford; south-facing windows should be the highest SHGC and lowest U-factor you can afford; east- or west-facing windows — or shaded windows — can have a low SHGC.
• If you live in a warmer climate: Your north-facing windows should have a low U-factor; your south-, east-, or west-facing windows should have a low SHGC and U-factor.

Types of Window Glass

You’re likely to find three types of window glass as you research.

• Low-emissivity, or low-E glass: It has a nearly invisible layer of metallic oxide incorporated in the glazing that helps reduce energy loss by as much as 50%. Low-E coatings are usually found on windows with multiple panes of glass with argon gas between layers, which also works to prevent heat or cooling loss.
• Tempered glass: Commonly used in bathrooms, tempered glass is stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass won’t form sharp, dangerous shards when broken like typical glass does.
• Tinted glass: Tinted glass windows can include pigments or dyes in the glass production process, or you can achieve it by applying aftermarket window film to your windows. Tinted glass rejects heat from the sun and can block some of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Of these three types of glass, low-E is the most energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends low-E windows with double or triple panes of glass with argon gas between them to insulate against outdoor temperatures.

Want to learn more about window glass? Read this helpful article.

Security

Most modern windows are equally secure, so there are only a few security considerations when installing home windows. In fact, all modern windows are more secure than any you currently have if they are in poor condition.

If security is a major issue for you, consider safety features of windows like:

• Locking systems. Multiple-point systems are more likely to resist force.
• Heavy-duty hinges. If your windows swing in or out, check that the new windows you choose have heavy-duty hinges and non-removable pins.

Read Reviews of Window Companies in Your Area

Now that you understand your window options, it’s time to narrow down a list of window company choices based on their customer reviews and testimonials.

Read reviews on their Google Business Profile, Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, Porch, or other websites. Look for trends across reviews. For example, on the positive side, did multiple reviews mention the company completed their window installation on time? Did several homeowners think pricing was fair? Did multiple people share that the installation crew cleaned up behind them?

Look for trends across negative reviews, too. Did multiple people complain of poor communication? Did many homeowners need to call the company to come back and fix errors? Did anyone have complaints about surprise or hidden window installation costs?

Based on the content of the reviews, choose three to five of the best companies to get an estimate from.

Get Estimates and Warranty Information for New Windows and Installation

Call or send a message online to your top window installation company choices to request an estimate. Make sure the estimates you receive are for the same or similar products and work; they should contain the same number, size, style, and energy efficiency of windows.

Each window company should send an expert to your home to look at your existing windows, talk about your window goals, and take accurate measurements. They should provide multiple choices for your windows, not pigeonhole you into the most expensive option.

During the estimate process, ask for a copy of their warranty on both products and labor.

Window companies that don’t take measurements on-site and don’t thoroughly explain their products are likely not the right choice for your home.

Choose the Best Estimate

Choosing the best estimate is easiest when all your estimates are for the same product types and labor.

Look over each of the estimates you received and compare overall costs and window installation timelines. Consider what each company’s warranty covers; is it a warranty on the product only? Or do they offer a warranty on labor as well? How long does the warranty last? Finally, think about how the expert who visited your home answered your questions and made you feel. If you felt comfortable and at-ease, that’s a good sign.

Your top choice shouldn’t always come down to the lowest window installation cost. Instead, it should come down to whether the estimate was reasonable, whether you’re getting quality products with expert installation, and whether you get peace of mind for your future through a warranty.

Prepare for Window Installation

After you’ve chosen your company and scheduled your installation, it’s time to prepare your home for their visit.

Plan to do the following before installation can begin:

• Remove any curtains that may interfere with installation. This will keep them safe and clean.
• Make a plan to secure your pets, whether you are confining them to a separate room, keeping them safe in crates or kennels, or sending them to a pet day care facility.
• Rearrange furniture or other decor items so they aren’t directly in front of the windows being replaced.
• Outside your home, relocate any patio furniture or plant pots that are directly in front of the windows being replaced.

Know What to Expect During Window Installation

Installing home windows is usually a straightforward process, but it depends on the type of windows you’ve selected. Your window company should explain the process of installation and whether you’ll need to do any paint touch-ups inside or outside your home after they finish their work.

Want to learn more about the installation process? Read this helpful article!

After Window Installation Is Complete

With window installation marked off your to-do list, it’s time to leave a review for the window company that helped you. If you had a good experience, consider giving them a five-star review on any of their online profiles and recommending them to others in your neighborhood!