Can windows be installed in the rain

Best Time to Install Windows: Should You Replace Windows Before Winter?

Can windows be installed in the rain


 
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There's no doubt that winter is the best season to feel the benefit of new replacement windows but the shorter days and unpredictable weather might not make provide ideal conditions for installation.

Winter window replacement does have its benefits though, including the possibility of saving money and having more flexibility with installation dates. We've compared the advantages and disadvantages of installing windows during winter to summer, helping you to find the perfect time to install new windows around your home.

Window Replacements Costs

You won't be able to get an exact quote for window replacement without an installer coming to your property to consider the style, size and type of windows you'd like. However, to help give you an idea of cost, installing double-glazing with uPVC frames around a 3 bedroom house could end up costing between £3,000 and £5,000.

There are many different window frame materials available so let's start looking at potential window replacement costs by looking at material and size.

Window Frame MaterialSize of Window (mm)Potential Cost
uPVC 600 x 900 £300 – £400
uPVC 900 x 1,200 £450 – £600
uPVC 1,200 x 1,200 £800 – £900
Timber 600 x 900 £900 – £1,000
Timber 900 x 1,200 £1,300 – £,1400
Timber 1,200 x 1,200 £1,400 – £1,500
Aluminium 600 x 900 £600 – £700
Aluminium 900 x 1,200 £700 – £800
Aluminium 1,200 x 1,200 £900 – £1,000

As we mentioned earlier, it's not just down to material and size but the style of window you choose and, again, there are many options available.

Type of WindowPotential Cost
Casement £150 – £575
Sash £550 – £850
Tilt & Turn £450 – £600
Bay £1,000 – £2,400
Bow £1,100 – £2,300

In addition to the costs of the windows, you'll also need to consider the price of installation. We highly recommend sourcing multiple quotes for the work you need so that you can compare them, giving you the greatest chance of finding the best possible deal.

To make this easier, you can get free quotes from up to 3 local window installers by completing our simple online form.

Winter Window Installation: Pros and Cons

A general rule given to homeowners when it comes to installing new windows, is to see how the current ones perform during winter as this is the best time of year to spot issues with the current windows.

Winter advantage 1: Installers could be flexible with dates

Window installers are likely to have less work on during the winter, giving you more choice when it comes to finding a date and time to have the new windows installed.

Winter advantage 2: Possible discount on the installation

Following on from the first advantage, having less work on could mean that the installer is able to offer a reduced price.

Winter advantage 3: You won't have to worry about being cold during the winter

Having brand new windows installed around your home during the coldest part of the year will mean that you get to feel the benefit straight away.

While there are several advantages to a winter window installation, it's also important to consider the possible downsides.

Winter disadvantage 1: Heat loss

When the window being replaced has been removed, heat is easily able to escape your home and cold weather can get in, which can lead to an increased demand for central heating during the installation. To help, the installer might install one window at a time.

Winter disadvantage 2: Could take longer

While installing one window at a time during the winter might be good for minimising heat loss, it could make the installation process much longer. This is only if the installer plans on replacing one window at a time, so it's worth asking beforehand.

Winter disadvantage 3: Sealant could struggle to set

Sealant is used to fill gaps and cracks around windows to prevent water and draughts from entering the home. The trouble with installing new windows in the winter is that if there's moisture in the air, more likely in the winter than summer, the sealant won't be able to set as it should.

Summer Window Installation: Pros and Cons

The thought of having your windows taken out during the winter might have already convinced you to arrange the window replacement for summer when the weather is warmer. However, while there are many advantages to a summer window installation, there are a few disadvantages too.

Summer advantage 1: Less chance of bad weather

The most obvious advantage to having windows installed during the summer is that there's a much greater chance of the weather being better than winter. Thanks to the warmer temperatures, having the existing windows removed won't cause the same level of disruption as it would during the winter.

Summer advantage 2: More daylight hours

Not only will the weather be better but the days are longer too giving installers more time during the day to get the windows installed.

Summer advantage 3: Ready for winter

When the temperatures are nice and your windows spend more time open than closed, it can be easy to forget that winter will soon come around again. Having windows installed ahead of time helps to give you the peace of mind that when the temperature begins to drop, you have new windows that will help to keep the cold outside and warm inside.

On the face of it, summer might seem like the perfect time to have new windows installed, but like winter, it doesn't come without its disadvantages.

Summer disadvantage 1: Installers are likely to be busier

With the weather being better, it's likely that lots of homeowners will have the same thing in mind and want to improve their home. So, to get a summer window replacement you might have to book well in advance.

Summer disadvantage 2: Moisture in the air

Warm air holds more moisture than cold air, which could cause a problem when it comes to the sealant setting and moisture getting trapped between the wall and the window.

Summer disadvantage 3: Insects

The hot weather not only brings moisture but a variety of insects and bugs that will be able to easily get into your home during the window replacement.


 
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Can Windows be Installed When it's Raining?

There's nothing to stop a window installation being carried out in the rain, however, if sealant is being applied to the outside of the window, some types can require up to 24 hours to set before they can be exposed to water. For this reason, the installer might not carry out the installation if there's heavy rain.

In addition to this disadvantage, when it's raining installers shouldn't be using electric power tools and moisture can get trapped between the window and the wall which can lead to mould.

Can Windows be Installed in Cold Weather?

Windows can absolutely be installed during cold weather. The biggest concern with replacing the windows in low temperatures is there will be a hole in the wall between the existing windows being taken out and the new windows being installed.

When is the Best Time to Install New Windows?

A peak time for window replacement is during the spring as homeowners will have spotted issues with their existing windows during the winter.

If you're looking for flexibility with dates and times to have new windows installed, installers are most likely to be quiet in late Autumn and early winter. It's worth bearing in mind that the weather could prove a problem at these times of the year though.


 
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Can windows be installed while raining?

It is possible to install windows while it's raining, and some professionals may perform the job in the rain. But keep in mind that if the rain is falling especially hard, it could cause moisture to enter the house. And, it's not safe to work in strong winds or thunderstorms.

What is the best time of year to install new windows?

Not too hot, but not too cold Your best bet is to plan your window replacement for a time of year when the weather will be warm, ideally in the spring or early summer.

Is it okay to have windows installed in cold weather?

Generally, winter window installations can be performed in wind chill down to as low as -20°C. Although the vinyl in your modern windows is made to withstand such cold temperatures, it does become more brittle and therefore harder to cut.

Do you install replacement windows from the inside or outside?

In colder climates, it is generally more efficient to install windows from the inside to be sealed against the cold air. However, installing windows from the outside is more common in warmer temperatures, as it allows for better airflow and cooling.