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How to window replacement
The process of replacing glazing is rarely a pleasant experience for anyone. Just like an ordinary repair, it causes a lot of fuss and anxiety. In the first stages, after deciding to buy window replacement, you just need to know how to choose PVC windows, but after signing the contract, it is worth preparing for their installation.
Often, tenants are shocked by the anticipation of a “disaster” in their home, but a new technological era is different from the 90s. Today’s technology allows all work to be done with minimal damage and complexity. In this article, we will answer common questions that arise in connection with the window companies near me.
Dismantling and installation depend on the total amount of construction. On average, one window takes a few hours (for all stages). But if the order is a lot of structures, the total installation time will increase slightly since many of the actions can be consistently grouped.
Decisive factors in this case are
- Timeliness of delivery of finished structures. On forums, users often complain about companies for non-compliance with the pre-agreed time of delivery and arrival of masters. We recommend clarifying once if the delivery and installation will be on the same day or different days. Due to the heavy workload of teams, many large companies conduct delivery separately from the structure. Still, it will not be comfortable for everyone (the windows will stand in your place, taking up space).
- The professionalism of masters.
- The degree of preparation of the room – free access to openings, protection of all surfaces.
- Some windows are to be replaced.
- The thoughtfulness of all stages of the work. Today some notable curtains and curtains allow installation without thoroughly dusting the space and even in frosty weather.
It is also essential to consider the seasonality because, in summer, the windows can be installed immediately after delivery. However, you must leave them in a warm room for 24 hours in winter. As a result, the temperature of the profile, the glass unit, and the room will become identical, which will help to prevent unexpected deformation of PVC.
The process of replacing glazing is rarely associated with a pleasant experience. On the contrary, just like an ordinary repair, it causes a lot of fuss and worry. In the early stages, after deciding to buy new windows, you just need to know how to choose PVC windows, but after signing the contract, it is worth preparing for their installation.
Often, tenants are shocked by the anticipation of a “disaster” in their home, but a new technological era is different from the 90s. Today’s technology allows all work to be done with minimal damage and complexity. In this article, we will answer common questions that arise in connection with the replacement of windows.
Dismantling and installation depend on the total amount of construction. On average, one window takes a few hours (for all stages). But if the order is a lot of structures, the total installation time will increase slightly since many of the actions can be consistently grouped.
Decisive factors in this case are:
- Timeliness of delivery of finished structures. On forums, users often complain about companies for non-compliance with the pre-agreed time of delivery and arrival of masters. We recommend clarifying once if the delivery and installation will be on the same day or different days. Due to the heavy workload of teams, many large companies conduct delivery separately from the structure. Still, it will not be comfortable for everyone (the windows will stand in your place, taking up space).
- The professionalism of masters.
- The degree of preparation of the room – free access to openings, protection of all surfaces.
- Some windows are to be replaced.
- The thoughtfulness of all stages of the work. Today some notable curtains and curtains allow installation without thoroughly dusting the space and even in frosty weather.
It is also essential to consider the seasonality because, in summer, the windows can be installed immediately after delivery. However, you must leave them in a warm room for 24 hours in winter. Therefore, the temperature of the profile, the glass unit, and the room will be identical, which will help to prevent the unexpected deformation of PVC.
- Color and uniformity of the surface. Welds in the corners are distinguished only by a minor white groove (no more than 1 mm deep and no more than 5 mm wide). No scratches and chips on the profile should not be.
- Glazing – clean, with no debris inside and no inclusions, cracks, or scratches on the glass. Visibility distortion is also absent. The number of panes is easily checked by the reflection of the flame from the lighter.
- Glazing bars – firmly fixed, no cracks or damage.
- Seals – elastic, located evenly along the entire contour.
After such an inspection, you can safely sign the certificate of acceptance if there are no defects.
We live in the 21st century, so it is necessary to dispose of construction materials properly. For example, Russian law prohibits leaving unassembled PVC windows near garbage cans for household waste.
There are three reasonable options for getting rid of old frames:
- Install them in the summer house or outbuildings.
- Sell them or give them to people in need.
- Sign a contract with a window company for recycling.
Today there are entire factories for recycling used profiles. Recycled raw materials make frames of lower energy efficiency class and other PVC products.
When all the above steps are followed and adequately prepared, replacing plastic windows with new ones goes almost imperceptibly.
Repair in an apartment or house is a step-by-step process. That is why many people change the windows in one room first, then the other. It seems that this is correct and beneficial. This is a delusion. For example, you can buy plastic windows from the manufacturer in St. Petersburg in one company, and a few months later decide for another room to choose another company. With such a tactic of repair work, you will have to regret it in time. It can quickly turn out that the new purchase will be many times more expensive, or vice versa, but with a loss in the quality of the windows from the first company.
Tip: Choose windows from one company and one brand. So you can save significantly and get quality and noise insulation in every room.
All at once – the right approach to replace windows
Indeed, experts recommend doing window replacement in one “run. Even with the unfinished repair in one of the rooms, you must install the windows and pay a minimum price for the entire event. Comprehensive replacement windows will cost much less than replacing windows one at a time. In their majority, companies for the sale and installation of plastic windows are willing to offer low prices for a complete order.
If there are many rooms, and you doubt your choice, installing windows in the first room will demonstrate all the features and functions on the first day. After installing windows in the living room, for example, you will be able to check how well the construction prevents noise from entering the room, protects from wind and cold, etc. If you are satisfied with everything, you can buy cheap installation for other rooms safely, choosing windows of this brand.
Wholesale purchase is always cheaper. So it is with the installation of windows in an entire apartment or house. First, the fitter will come to you and make free measurements (in most companies, you do not pay for the departure of the master). After that, it’s up to you to choose designs. There will be doubts, of course. That is why it is essential to study the market and consult with a specialist before you make your final choice.
Buy plastic windows from the manufacturer you can in a company with an excellent reputation or on the recommendation of friends. You should entrust the comfort in your home only to trustworthy companies, and then the atmosphere of comfort and warmth will never leave you and your family.
A few decades ago, window installation technology did not allow installation in subzero temperatures. Buyers knew it would be a troublesome process that would stretch indefinitely when it was cold. Today, window installation takes an hour and a half, including all the removal steps. We’ll tell you why installing during the off-season is more profitable and what features it has to do with.
Is it possible to install windows in winter
The main difficulties with the installation of windows during the cold season are related to the tightness of the joints. Previously, the lack of foam, which could harden at subzero temperatures, violated the sealing technology. For this reason, the installation season was from spring to fall. Now on the market, there is a large variety of assembly foam with a composition that hardens quickly at subzero temperatures. Using a frost-resistant sealant allows you to not think about the season and change windows anytime.
For most brands, the operating temperature should not be below -15°C. However, some manufacturers claim their products are usable even at -25°C. Finding the correct version of installation foam in the store is only half the battle. Reliability and durability of the construction will be guaranteed if the installation requirements are not violated during the installation.
Peculiarities of window installation in the off-season
It would help if you did not refuse to replace windows in subzero temperatures. The technology of installation works itself is not different. However, it is necessary to consider the critical points so that the entire process takes place quickly and comfortably. Experienced professionals know how to prepare for repair work in winter and recommend always adhering to the following tips:
- Keep the temperature in the room where the windows will be installed. When working in a non-residential room, close doors, avoid drafts, and use energy-saving screens to protect against cold air.
- Prepare the foam. Cylinders should be preheated or left in a warm room overnight so they are at the right temperature and do not disrupt the work process.
- Warm up the slopes. During hard frosts, cold soffits can lead to joint depressurization. Warm foam will lose its properties on the icy coating. You can prevent this by warming the perimeter of the slopes with a construction hair dryer.
- Keep the windows warm. The cold affects tightness and makes the plastic brittle. Fixing with anchors to be drilled through the frame can ruin the finished product. For this, the windows should stand in the heat after delivery for at least 24 hours.
Materials for installation
A separate topic is choosing frost-resistant sealants for work during freezing temperatures. Again, standards and regulations are specified, but much depends on installers’ skills and materials’ proper use.
Assembling Foam
In addition to warming the cylinders in a warm room, you must not forget to shake them. The larger the volume, the more to shake. The peculiarity of the work is related to the foam’s moisture absorption from the air. In winter, the temperature and humidity of not less than 60% are essential for the assembly foam. It can be maintained by periodically spraying water from a spray gun.
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In winter, the foam must be supplemented with sealing tape. Before application, it is necessary to treat the surface with a primer, which will be suitable for work at subzero temperatures. As a result, the tightness of the joint will be higher, and there will be no unnecessary lumps of installation foam from the street side.
Myths about installing windows in winter
Almost all information on the Internet that you should not install windows in winter is based on speculation. Unqualified installers and non-specialists in construction came up with reasons that have nothing to do with reality.
Myth 1: It will be cold
It will, but only for an hour and a half. This time is enough for installation work, and the room will not have time to cool down to a critical level. The opening is fully open for no more than half an hour. After installation, on average, it takes an hour and any household appliance to heat the air so that the temperature is comfortable again.
Myth 2: Materials do not work in freezing temperatures
Blatant fiction, based on the technology of the past. The frost-resistant properties of foam eliminate leaky joints. The only nuance to consider is the work with PVC profiles. If the temperature behind the window is lower, it will become brittle and brittle. However, expensive profile systems are resistant to frost. On average, at -15°C, the installation can be safely done without the risk of damaging the window or double-glazed windows.
Myth 3: Workers are in a hurry and spoil everything
This is not true. Fitter workers are more in a hurry in summer because of the large influx of clients and the scheduled schedule by the hour. In winter, the temperature in the room is comfortable, and they wear warm clothes and protective gloves. Therefore, doing everything calmly, without rushing, and without getting cold is possible. This is a profitable bonus for the low cost and quick turnaround time.
The only exception to the winter work – is skylights. This is a technically complex process, with the risk of making a leaky joint. It is better to postpone the installation to the summertime. In other cases, winter is not a barrier to replacing windows and completing repairs. Savings on orders, work, and structure without rushing in the off-season outweigh all the minuses. If the room after installation will not be used for a long time or is a long-term construction, then it makes sense to postpone all work until spring or summer.
The main reasons to replace windows in the apartment
Modern translucent constructions are made at specialized enterprises of the finished polymer profile. Windows in the rooms and on the balcony are installed either by their installation sections, by individual companies, or even by private brigades. Accordingly, the skill level of staff is different, directly affecting the installation quality.
Replacement of PVC windows is usually required in the following cases:
- damage to translucent structures due to external factors: intentional or accidental impacts on the insulating glass unit, burglary attempts, natural elements, etc.;
- natural wear and tear of the window during operation;
- Incorrect measurement of the light aperture, violation of the technology of manufacture and installation of structures;
- Insufficient energy-saving, wind- and water-permeability, sound insulation, and other characteristics of the products;
- A discrepancy in the appearance of delicate structures in the room design.
Replacing windows in an apartment or country house may also be necessary to improve the room’s security against burglary. Construction companies often use inexpensive, translucent structures of dubious quality to reduce costs. Unfortunately, they are unreliable and must be replaced after a few years of operation.
How do you know when it is time to replace the window
The following signs indicate the need to replace plastic windows in the house or apartment:
- When closing, the sash catches on the fixed profile. Possible causes of malfunction: deformation of the structure, violation of manufacturing or installation technology of the window unit.
- Yellowing of the plastic during operation. Factors that cause this phenomenon: using a low-quality profile or getting foam on the construction during installation.
- Condensation or ice formation on the inner surface of the window. There can be several reasons for this phenomenon, from the low thermal characteristics of the construction to the peculiarities of the room.
- A strong draft from the window is formed due to an increased gap between the window unit and the opening. The latter occurs due to irregularities in taking measurements and cannot be compensated for by finishing the lining.
Turnkey window replacement is usually done when identified defects cannot be corrected in the repair process. This refers to cases where the replacement of individual structure elements is impossible for technological or other reasons. A specialist determines the degree of repairability of the exemplary system during a thorough inspection.
The cost of replacement of plastic windows
The calculator below shows the preliminary calculations on replacing old windows for plastic windows on a turnkey basis. The final cost depends on the selected type of glass and frames, the number of windows, installation location (on the balcony, in an apartment or house) – and is calculated individually after measuring.
No one disputes that your old windows look great if you regularly refresh the paint on the frames, enjoy insulating them in the fall, and scrape them down to a shine in the spring! It’s a beautiful way to spend energy and time on labor that can be avoided.
Let’s assume that you like it. And you want wood too – an excellent building material, eco-friendly, and proven. But do not forget that it also wears and ages. Frost and heat, precipitation, and wind can destroy the wooden frame over the years of use. And staining also contributes to the deterioration of the structure. As a result, the apartment has constant drafts, street noise, and dust, which only worsen with time. So perhaps it is time to consider replacing the old wooden windows with plastic ones?
You’re already ready to accept some reasons to replace your windows. And we’re prepared to tell you about plastic windows’ undeniable pros and cons.
The advantages of plastic windows come down to the following
- PVC windows have high thermal insulation properties;
- sealed structures perfectly protect against street noise;
- plastic does not require special maintenance during the whole service life;
- Aesthetics and the ability to manufacture windows for any interior.
Let’s consider them in more detail below.
The first and foremost advantage is heat savings.
The history of plastic windows began in Europe, where energy prices began to increase markedly, and it became costly to maintain housing, paying for heat loss. Enterprising Europeans were looking for ways to save heat, and the result of this search was a novelty on the market – the windows made of plastic. The invention became very successful and lived up to the expectations, coping wonderfully with the task of heat saving.
The second advantage is excellent noise insulation.
Have you ever tried to analyze how much extra noise enters your house through window gaps? This monotonous continuous noise can hurt your health, depriving you of proper rest. This is especially true if your windows face a busy street. In addition, you breathe dust, which does not improve the quality of life… Well, properly selected and installed plastic windows will solve this problem once and for all.
The third advantage is the ease of maintenance.
Just think about it: when you replace your windows, you can forget such things as taping frames for the winter, painting, and other “pleasures” of care. Instead, you will only have to wash your plastic windows with soapy water as needed and lubricate the moving elements of the fittings 1-2 times a year.
The fourth advantage is your safety.
A significant advantage of plastic windows is the use of vandal-proof hardware. It is difficult to break into such windows, and burglars take time. Double-glazed windows also will not break at once, so you can forget about the bars on the windows.
The fifth advantage is design
Plastic windows’ various shapes and colors make them a truly unique find for a person who wants to make his interior memorable! You can order the typical rectangular or arched windows or be creative and opt for a triangular, trapezoidal, or even round window. You can also experiment with colors to accentuate the sophistication and style of your home!
To be objective, we will also discuss plastic windows’ disadvantages.
As a rule, two claims are often made: plastic windows “do not breathe,” and the PVC profile is a health hazard.
The statement about the health hazards of the profile is based on the fact that during its manufacture, lead is used to stabilize it. However, numerous studies on this issue have proved that authority does not evaporate from the profile and is not released in any other way. Therefore, the profile meets all hygienic norms and safety standards in this case. In addition, we should not forget that lead is also used in the production of cutlery, household appliances, and medical devices.
Now let’s answer the question: do windows “breathe” or not? The thing is that modern hardware has a system of micro ventilation. In other words, there is a continuous supply of fresh air. At the same time, this arrangement of the sash does not cause draughts.
For many, a significant disadvantage will be spending money on a new window. But believe me, not much time will pass, and you will remember the old windows with horror. The silence and warmth in the apartment, aesthetic appearance – all these advantages of PVC windows you will appreciate.
Signs that indicate the need to replace the windows
Old wooden windows usually show immediately that it is time to replace them. The market for replacement glazing is signaled by:
- Mold and fungus. If microflora actively and uncontrollably develops, the wood is destroyed by microorganisms. They spoil the appearance of the window and its performance and threaten the occupants’ health.
- Condensation. Fogged wood windows do not perform their functions because, in their normal state, they can “breathe” and are not covered with moisture droplets.
- Violation of the tightness of the profile system – a closed profile with sealing rubber allows street moisture and dust inside. This means that the glazing elements are hopelessly worn out.
- Warping, cracking of sashes. When a window loses its standard geometry, its coating is frayed, and there is no point in restoring the profile system. It needs to be replaced.
- Failure of fittings. Fittings are designed for long-term operation. If it fails, the cause of the problem is most often in the frames and sashes. Not the fittings, but they need to be replaced entirely.
Even if wood windows that are more than 20-30 years old look and work satisfactorily, they should be replaced entirely. Morally outdated, they do not block cold and noise, look worse than new models, and need more and more care.
Why replace windows more often
Only until the end of the month are special discounts of 30% on windows and balconies!
- The wooden systems from Soviet times are morally obsolete. They have completely outlived their usefulness despite meticulous care. Restoring profiles is troublesome, expensive, and inefficient. The fasteners in the old wooden windows are not adjustable – it is impossible to fix a jammed sash or handle.
- We need to improve the energy efficiency of glazing. The problem of energy conservation for many families is urgent. The installation of high-quality “warm” windows makes it possible to reduce heating costs by up to 35%. With individual heat meters, changing the “native” profiles in a budget typical house for energy-saving counterparts is simply necessary.
- Glazing in a new building does not stand up to criticism. Construction companies save money on glazing and install cheap plastic in the openings. It is not suitable for residential use all year round. After assessing the technical condition of the profiles, you can decide what is better – to expand the window, if possible, or to change it completely.
When it’s time to replace plastic windows
Not only wood but also PVC profiles may need to be replaced. In most cases, plastic is returned if it is of low-quality raw materials and does not look and function well. So how to understand that it is time to change the windows in the apartment? The problem is signaled by the presence of cracks in the PVC and mounting seams in any part of the window – warping, yellowed profile. It would help if you also changed the PVC window when it emits a “toxic” smell.
You can glaze the apartment with modern materials in both summer and winter. Negative temperatures are not an obstacle to the installation. Apartments are glazed even at -25°C with a thermal shield. In summer, the cost of the windows is usually higher, and the waiting time is longer. You can save on glazing in winter. It takes much less time to complete an order. During the cold season, installation defects are quickly detected, and sashes are optimally adjusted at once.
How to window replacement 