Knowing what to expect on window installation day helps you prepare your home and recognize what a quality job actually looks like. Once you’ve chosen your windows and picked an installer, here’s what actually happens on the day of the installation itself.
Before the Crew Arrives
Clear a path to each window that’s being replaced, both inside and outside your home. Move furniture, curtains, and blinds away from the work area, and take down any items hanging on or near the walls close to the window, since vibration during removal can occasionally jostle nearby fixtures. If you have pets, plan to keep them in a separate part of the house during the installation, both for their safety and to keep the work area clear.
Removing the Old Windows
The crew will carefully remove the old window, sash and frame included, taking care not to damage the surrounding drywall, trim, or siding. Old materials are typically bagged or bundled for disposal as they’re removed, rather than left piled up in your yard or living space until the end of the day.
Installing and Sealing the New Window
The new window is set into the opening and checked to make sure it’s plumb, level, and square before it’s permanently fastened in place — this step matters more than almost any other, since a window that’s slightly out of square can bind, leak, or operate poorly for years afterward. Once it’s properly set, the installer insulates the gap between the window and the framing, then applies flashing and sealant around the exterior to keep water and air from getting in.
Interior and Exterior Finishing
With the window itself installed and sealed, the crew moves on to finishing work: interior trim is reinstalled or replaced, gaps are caulked, and any touch-up paint is applied to match your existing walls. On the exterior, trim and siding around the window are finished to blend with the rest of your home’s exterior, rather than leaving a visibly patched-in look.
Cleanup and Final Walkthrough
A quality installation ends with a thorough cleanup, both inside and outside, including any leftover caulk, packaging, or debris from the old windows. Before the crew leaves, walk through the project with them: test that each new window opens, closes, and locks properly, and ask any questions about care or warranty coverage while they’re still on site.
How Long Does It Take?
A single window replacement can often be completed in a few hours, while a whole-home project with many windows may take one to several days, depending on the number of windows, the installation method, and whether any structural repairs are needed along the way. Ask your installer for a realistic timeline estimate specific to your project before work begins, so you know what to expect.
Get Ready for Window Installation Day
Murray Window Replacement can help you plan a smooth, professional window installation from start to finish. Contact us or call (385) 786-6447 to schedule a consultation.