Can I Get Windows and Doors Installed in Winter?

We get this question all the time:  Do you install windows and doors in the cold winter months?  In short, the answer is, yes!  In this article, we discuss some considerations for why this is normally not a significant issue.
 
How Can This Be?
 
While it might seem like we are a bit crazy, we do install windows, doors, and other products all year long, even here in Ohio where the weather can be very cold during winter.  Many customers are naturally concerned about having exposed openings in their house in the middle of winter.

While there is some disruption and heat loss, it is normally not significant.  For example, when we are installing numerous windows in a house, we go one-by-one as we work through the removal and installation process.  With our process, the new

window is prepped and ready to go into the opening as soon as the old window is removed, which means the opening is uncovered for only a minimal amount of time. ​

​Still sounding crazy?  Let’s put this process into context.  The parts of the window replacement process that take the most time are: 1) prepping the old window to be removed; and 2) finishing out the newly installed window.  Once the old window is removed, the opening is exposed for only a few minutes, until the new window is placed in the opening and set for installation.  Then the window is positioned (set) appropriately in the opening and screws are used to anchor the window in place.
 
Most of the time spent removing old windows is for removing all existing trim, screws, and caulk before pulling the old window out of the opening.  With the new window, most of the time is spent after setting the window and is focused on installing insulation, trimming out the inside and outside, caulking everything in and cleaning.
 
With respect to exterior/entry doors, the process is very similar.  The difference is mostly related to the size of the opening and the fact that entry doors are more labor intensive to remove and get set than windows.  So, while more exposure to the elements can occur, it is still relatively minimal.
 
Having said all of this, there are times when the weather is just too severe to allow for a reasonable and proper installation.  We won’t install when temperatures are below the ratings for the materials we use (e.g., caulk).  When this happens, we try to schedule jobs that are not as sensitive to the weather, such as garage door installations.  In the end, our focus in on completing installations all year, but only if the quality of the work and finished product can be maintained at a high level.
 
We install products all year long and do our best to minimize the inconvenience during cold and inclement weather.  It is completely safe to install in colder months, so keep this top of mind when considering new windows and doors.  In fact, the relative lead times for installation tend to be lower during the winter months, so this is actually a good time to have the work done.  So, if you are thinking about a project that did not get it done before winter, you don’t have to wait until Spring!
 
We are here to help and are happy to answer any questions you might have.  Contact us today!