How Long Does It Take to Replace a Window

It’s never a convenient time to have your window broken. Spring and autumn expose your home to the risks of water damage with all the rain. In summer, just a single broken window can make it impossible to keep your home cool and comfortable. If it’s winter, you’ll never be able to warm up your house. 

The only question is – how long does it take to replace a window? 

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few days, depending on several factors. So, let’s look into those factors and see what the window installation process entails. 

What Determines the Average Window Replacement Timeframe 

The main reason why there isn’t a concrete number of hours or days it takes to complete a window replacement is that every situation is different. Not all windows are made the same.

They’re not all equally accessible, nor are they all installed in the same, high-quality frame. There are a million different nuances that will impact the time it takes for your window installation. 

Here are just a few of the many factors that determine whether your project will be a quick fix or a more significant time investment. 

The Overall Condition of the Old Frames and Windows 

If you’re only looking to replace your windows because you’re concerned about energy efficiency and heat loss, for example, the process is straightforward. Your contractor will only need to remove the old window and install the new one quickly – no big deal. 

However, if you’re dealing with broken glass panes or other physical damage to the frames, the replacement is entirely different. Your contractor will need to carefully remove the broken pieces, clean up the area, fix the frame (if it can be fixed), etc 

If you have wooden frames with issues like water damage, rot, and the like, the process is even more involved. 

All of these issues, no matter how big or small, need to be addressed, which will add to the overall cost and the time it takes for it all to be complete. 

The Specific Window Type and Installation Method 

While it doesn’t necessarily seem like it at first glance, installing single panes and double panes can be quite different. With every additional glass pane, there’s an additional complication that the installer will need to take into consideration.

They’ll need to ensure that there’s proper insulation between the panes, that all seals are perfectly applied, and that your frames can handle the additional weight. 

The specific installation method will also have a massive impact on the timeframe. An insert installation, where a piece of glass is simply inserted into the existing frame, could take just a couple of hours.

A full frame installation, on the other hand, could take much longer as it involves removing the old frames, adjusting the exterior and interior trimming, weatherproofing – the list goes on. 

Whether Windows Are Custom-Designed or Standard 

Primarily, if you have custom windows – whether that’s custom staining, pattern, glass type, shape, or anything in between – it could take longer for your replacement window to even arrive. You could be looking at weeks or even months simply for your design to be produced. 

Secondly, custom windows tend to have more complicated installations with more moving parts. Your contractor might need to make additional seams or adjust your frames. 

So, while a standard window might take a day to install, a custom one might take much longer.  

The Window Installation Process 

Though the specific steps for installation and replacement might differ between vinyl windows and aluminum window frames, custom designs and standard window panes, the broad strokes are generally the same and can be summed up in the following four stages. 

Preparation 

Before your contractors can replace windows, they need to thoroughly prepare the area. The first step of that process is ensuring that the work area can be easily accessed. That can include moving the furniture, removing curtains, and getting rid of anything that could be in the way. 

Once the work area is prepared, it’s time to start adding some protection to your interior space. Window replacement can be a messy process, so you’ll likely need to cover the surrounding furniture and protect the floors, at the very least. 

Old Window Removal 

The next step of the process is removing the old windows. Depending on the specific circumstances, this step could take a while. If you have broken glass, the installer will need to carefully remove any remaining pieces that are still stuck in the frame.

If you’re simply replacing the existing window pane, they’ll need to carefully remove any seams that are keeping them in place and minimize the chances of the glass breaking in the process. 

With whole frame removals, they’ll need to detach the frame while keeping the surrounding walls safe and addressing any siding or wall repairs as needed. 

Installation 

Finally, it’s time for the installation. Your contractor might need to customize their approach for the specific window and frame type you have. As mentioned, vinyl windows require a different approach than aluminum or wood ones. 

The installation itself doesn’t necessarily take too long. A standard window can be replaced within just a couple of hours. It’s all the preparation and removal beforehand that’s typically more time-consuming.  

Final Touches 

With the installation complete, it’s time for the final touches. Your contractor will seal the frames and inspect the window thoroughly to ensure a proper fit. They’ll test the windows, check whether they’re opening and closing correctly and whether they’re well insulated. 

Finally, they’ll address potential fixes to the surrounding space and clean up the work area. And voilà, you’ll have your new window(s) ready. 

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Single Window? 

As you’ve noticed so far, the time it takes to replace a window will vary based on site accessibility, window type, frame type, etc. That said, it shouldn’t take more than one or two hours to complete the job from start to finish.  

How Long Does It Take to Replace All the Windows in a House? 

If you’re looking to replace all the windows in your home, the process will take longer. On average, it will take about one to two full days to install windows in a standard family home. 

Of course, that depends on the size of the home and the number of windows, as well as all the other factors mentioned so far. 

However, there’s one additional thing you’ll need to keep in mind – installer availability. You might need to book your installer a few weeks to a few months in advance. 

Should You Try DIY Window Replacement or Hire Professionals? 

Window installation isn’t rocket science. It takes a bit of know-how and a bit more hard work to complete. So, if window companies are too expensive for you or can’t fit in with your schedule, you might be wondering whether DIY is the way to go. 

There are pros and cons to both trying to do it yourself and hiring a professional contractor. 

What You’re Getting With Professional Window Installation 

While some homeowners shy away from hiring window companies for fear of their associated costs, it’s generally in your best interest to go the professional route. 

Professional window installers can offer clean, proper installation and avoid costly mistakes. They give you access to high-quality materials and can ensure that your new windows last you for years to come. 

Not to mention – they’re experts in their field and can complete the work in minimal time. 

What You’re Risking With a DIY Approach 

Doing it yourself can seem like the more financially savvy option, but it rarely is. In all likelihood, you’ll also need to buy all the tools and materials you’ll need for the proper installation, which can end up costing you more than you might’ve thought. 

You might also damage the walls and the surrounding areas, reduce your home’s energy efficiency, and even cause critical damage to your home’s structure. 

So, unless you’re an ex-window installer or have some prior knowledge and experience, it’s probably in your best interest to avoid the DIY approach. 

How to Speed up Window Replacement 

While the window installation process by itself cannot be sped up, there are a few simple things you could do to ensure that everything goes as quickly as possible and as smoothly as possible: 

• Prep the space: As mentioned, preparing for the work usually takes longer than installing the windows outright. So, speed up the process by clearing out any furniture, decor, and obstacles before your installer even arrives; 
• Try and schedule installers during clear weather: Unless you need an immediate installation due to a broken window, try and schedule your installers during favorable weather conditions. Unfortunately, installers can’t work when it’s pouring rain or when the temperatures are below freezing;
• Choose an experienced installer: Always work with window companies with a reliable track record. They can offer expert services, provide high-quality work, and sometimes even fit in emergency installations when needed. 

Though there’s not much you can do to complete your installation faster, all these small things can save you both time and money. 

Replace Your Windows Without Batting an Eye 

As you’ve seen so far, there isn’t a concrete time frame for window replacements. On average, replacing a single window takes about an hour or two. All the windows in a standard family home can take up to two days or more. It all depends. 

What’s certain to speed up your window replacement is hiring professional installers. 

Adkins & Sons delivers expert services with high-quality materials, ensuring that your new windows serve you without a fuss for years to come. Contact us for reliable window replacement, and sit back and relax as we handle your project professionally in record time.