Installing Windows in the Winter
Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: Four Minutes
A question we get this time of year: “Can windows be installed in the winter?”
Absolutely. In some important ways, winter is actually the best time to install windows in Portland and Bend, Oregon.
In this article, we’ll review the most important considerations for when to install windows, focusing on what you should know about installing windows in the winter. If you’d like to get an appointment for installing windows, including a breakdown of costs, cash incentives, and tax credits, please give us a call at 541.330.8767 or schedule online:
What matters for longevity?
Most people want their windows to look good and last as long as possible. If you're one of these people, there are two considerations that matter more than anything else:
The quality of your new windows
The expertise of your window installer
We consistently recommend Milgard windows because they’re beautiful, energy efficient, and perform reliably for homeowners in the Oregon. Milgard windows are made here in the Pacific Northwest and come with a lifetime guarantee.
However, even the best windows will fail if you work with an installer who holds themselves to a lower level of professionalism. This is a really important point. If your installer leaves gaps or cracks that let water inside your walls, you’ll eventually see mold, mildew and rot that can cause a host of issues with both your home and your health.
Fortunately, we have all of the materials needed to successfully install windows in almost any conditions. A couple materials to call out in particular:
Caulking :: Make sure that your installer understands which sealants are appropriate for the weather conditions. Especially during the winter months, we recommend a silicon-based caulk, which adheres better at lower temperatures.
Foam :: If you install windows in the winter, make sure that your installer uses a foam rated for lower temperatures. The foam and caulk need to stay malleable throughout the installation process. If they become brittle, they’re more likely to crack and let water into your walls.
The point is this: If you choose high quality windows and an installer who knows what they’re doing, you can successfully install windows any time of year in Portland or Central Oregon.
The best time to find and fix issues
It’s easiest to find and fix issues during the winter months.
As the temperature drops and precipitation increases, we have a better chance of finding problem areas, which manifest as drafts and leaks. For example, if we see moisture in your wall from a recent leak, it’s easy enough to seal up the source of the leak, but unless it’s a large leak with rot, mold, or mildew, we may miss it during a summer installation.
The more extreme winter conditions bring problem areas to light. That’s why we’re able to find and fix more issues when installing windows in the winter.
How long will you wait?
You’re likely to get your windows installed faster if you choose a non-peak time like the winter.
Most people wait until spring or early fall, but if you get in line with everyone else, you could end up waiting months to get your windows installed.
We get the most calls about replacing windows between mid-March and mid-April. It seems that people have had a chance to see all of the problem areas during the winter months, and by March, they’re ready to take action.
We also get a lot of requests for new windows in the fall between September and October. The first chill of winter reminds people to replace their windows so that the winter to come will be better than the last one.
If you choose a traditionally slower time for windows, like the winter, you can often skip the line and get your new windows installed sooner.
Stay comfortable during the project
Most people don't consider installing windows in the winter because they're concerned about letting in lots of cold air during the installation process. We find that this concern doesn’t play out the way most people think it will.
Let’s be clear - Your home will get a little colder, and you’ll use more heat. However, the temperature change isn’t that much because of the preventative steps that we take.
One window at a time :: When we install windows in the winter, we go one at a time. This significantly limits the exposure to outdoor air especially if we can close the door to the room where we’re working.
Plastic barriers :: We also follow lead safe practices, which include using plastic barriers to separate the area where we’re working from the rest of your home. The plastic keeps sawdust and lead out of your home, and it limits the amount of cold air that’s allowed to enter.
To sum it up, there are a lot of upsides to installing windows in the winter, and no significant downsides. If you’re thinking about replacing windows, feel free to give us a call anytime: 541.330.8767. We’re happy to help.
More about windows
Start by visiting our window resource pages for homeowners in Portland or Bend, Oregon. You can also keep reading our latest blog articles about energy efficient windows.
