The U.S. window installation industry is worth $5 billion. With windows taking up such a huge portion of the market, along with them being one of the most important parts of your home, how can you be sure you’re taking all the steps you can to ensure a smooth installation?
It starts with knowing the best time to replace windows, along with a few other things like what to look for in a contractor and even how to prep the work area before installation day comes.
Read on to learn the best time of year to replace windows.
When Is the Best Time to Replace Windows?
Each season is going to come with its drawbacks, but they all also hold a myriad of pros that could make it worth it. Here are a few things to consider for each season.
Spring and Summer
Spring is typically the safest time of year to take on home projects of any kind, but especially window replacement. The weather is warm but still mild, and bugs aren’t as intrusive as they would normally be in the summer.
For those who enjoy spring, it’s also typically a time of change and ridding themselves of the old, so making home improvements is a great way to take advantage of that extra energy.
Summer is another popular season when it comes to home improvements, especially the quick and easy ones.
The problem with having renovations done in the spring and summer, however, is the business of both times. If you need window replacements quickly, you could have to wait a longer time than you would in the fall or winter. Higher demand could also mean higher prices.
Waiting until mid-summer might be your best bet since that’s when demand is likely to drop — prices will too.
Fall and Winter
While waiting for the warmer months to come can seem like a good idea, it might actually be better to wait for the cold to kick in. Not only are prices going to have dropped by this time, but you’re less likely to have a long wait ahead of you.
Factories aren’t going to be as backed up with orders as they are in the warmer months, so that means less production time for your purchase.
Not only this, but you’re going to experience a warmer home along with lower energy bills. It’s no secret new windows are great insulators — especially double-pane windows such as those found at kolbewindows.com. This means you’re in for a cozy cold season.
What Can You Do to Prep?
Once you’ve decided on the best time to install your new windows, the next step is making sure everything is ready to go once installation day rolls along. No matter the time of year, having a plan can help ensure everything goes smoothly on installation day.
Here are a few tips you can follow.
1. Clean the Area
The first thing you should do is clean around the windows — inside and outside.
Inside, start with removing any window coverings and ensuring things around the area (like furniture, toys, old curtain rods, pet beds, art, wall hangings, etc.) are picked up and moved out of the way. Your installation company may ask for other things to be done ahead of time, so be sure to ask them when you receive your quote.
Outside, you want to make sure nothing is under or around the window.
Take some time to move any and all potted plants and outdoor furniture. Prune or cut back trees, hedges, or other plants that might be in the way of your new windows.
3. Protect Your Floors
Once you’ve gotten everything out of the way, it’s time to take extra precautions to protect the interior of your home, starting with the floors.
This can be done with the help of tarps, plastic sheeting, or a canvas drop cloth. This step can help keep carpets clean and free of debris or sawdust. It can also help prevent scratches on wooden floors or cracks in your tile.
4. Protect Your Belongings
The next step is to make sure your belongings are protected. We’ve already talked about dust, and your carpets aren’t the only thing that can potentially be affected. It can also settle into items near and around the work area, and it can even travel to other spaces of your home.
Start with keeping doors near the windows closed to minimize the potential dust that gets into other rooms. You can place a towel under the bottom of the door to seal everything up. After that, remove anything from the room that can be potentially ruined by dust and then work to cover anything that can’t be moved.
5. Keep Your Home Accessible
Lastly, if you’re not going to be present during the window installation, it’s important to ensure your home remains accessible to any installation crew. Make arrangements ahead of time so the crew won’t be locked out of the house, and take the time to get everything prepped before you leave for the day.
Turn off your alarms and security systems, and make sure your pets can’t get out or hurt anyone.
When Are You Going to Replace Your Windows?
Ultimately, the best time to replace windows is going to depend on you and your situation. If you live in a place that’s warm year-round, then waiting for cheaper prices in the winter won’t matter much. If where you live experiences heavy snowfall each, however, then waiting for spring might be in your best interest.
If you’re interested in more on the latest in lifestyle and home improvement, check out the rest of our blog.