Replacement Window Installation

A replacement window Mark installed

We mentioned in our post "How to Choose Replacement Windows" that there's no substitute for a qualified replacement window installer. But why is the installation so important?

Insulating a window pocket

The most important reason is that improperly installed windows may not work. And you won't necessarily be able to find the problem right away. Sometimes an improperly installed replacement window will work fine when it's new, but go out of square weeks or even years later. If a doublehung (vertically sliding) window is out of square, it's likely to bind, which could leave it stuck closed or stuck open. And even if it slides okay, there can be a triangle-shaped gap at the top or bottom, creating drafts and driving up your heating and cooling bills.

And speaking of heating and cooling bills, sometimes there are pockets in the walls that need to be filled with insulation during the window replacement process.

A competent installer will be careful to preserve your existing interior window trim. This is especially important if you own a historic home.

Window trim, before...

...and after wrapping

Most homeowners also need an installer who is an expert at custom metal trim. Part of the job in most cases is wrapping the exterior casing for weather resistance and protection against rot. The aluminum stock comes prepainted and will never need painting again. Your choice of an installer really matters here, because the beauty of your home's exterior depends a lot on their skill in bending the metal and matching the bevels.

So if you're shopping for replacement windows, be sure to do some careful shopping for their installer, too.

--NH Construction