What is the Best Time of Year to Upgrade Your Windows?

By Gates Dearen

While most people realize that old windows reduce the curb appeal and energy efficiency of a home, they rarely know when is the best time of year to upgrade their windows.

Putting the Sizzle in the Season

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When it comes to hot weather, Florida Summers can really put on the sizzle. During July and August, the temperatures rarely go below 90 degrees. There is also a real possibility of afternoon thunderstorms nearly every day.  From a professional window installer’s perspective, while some like it hot, you don’t want it to be too hot.  The reasons are varied.  In the first place, while caulk adheres more readily in warm weather, once the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, caulk has trouble curing in extreme heat.  Even replacement windows themselves made of either vinyl or aluminum have a tendency to expand in hot weather.  This makes installation problematic in the afternoon when solar heating reaches its maximum.

That doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a window replacement in the summertime.  It just means your installers will have to schedule their day accordingly to work either early in the morning or later in the evening when the heat, along with the threat of a passing thunderstorm poses little threat. 

Another reason to consider having your windows installed during the summer is due to the fact that this is the least busy season for window contractors.  That means you can expect to have the job done lickety split since it's less likely a contractor will be booked solid.

Winter Woes?

While some people tend to get cold feet when it comes to having their windows installed in the dead of winter, in Florida this isn’t really much of an issue.  We rarely get snow here.  Even if the temperature dips into the 40’s or 50’s, it only lasts for a few days before bouncing back into the 50’s and 60’s. 

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Besides, a professional window installation team can usually get the job done in less than a day unless there are modifications to the structure required.  It’s not like replacing a roof, that can take days to accomplish.  Windows are much quicker to replace. Also, unlike a roofing job, window replacement can be done one room at a time, which minimizes the heat and energy loss issues.

Another concern for some homeowners is whether the weather is going to hinder the performance of caulking and adhesives.  While a DIYer might have a tough time trying to determine the right material to use for the season, professional installers KNOW what will and won’t work, whether we’re talking winter, summer, spring or fall.  Your old caulking is another story.  After decades of hot and cold, wet and dry, worn out calking can rob you blind when it comes to high utility bills, as can sticky latches, loose window panes, and balky window locks.

If you’re worried about the heater being on for an inordinate amount of time while the work is done, ask your contractor to work on one window at a time.  If the job entails the installation of a bay window, ask the contractor to cover the opening with plastic to help keep the cold out.  Also, make sure to isolate any room in which installers are working by closing any connecting doors.  This will keep energy loss to a minimum.

Spring and Fall

While many people prefer to schedule their window installations in Spring or Fall, these seasons also have a few challenges.  In both Fall and Summer, leaves and pollen drift freely through the air.  This can cause the installer to have to stop to clean window sills of dust and leaf litter. If you really want the job done post haste, your best bet is to prep the area before the installers arrive by clearing away any branches or debris, as well as washing the area around the windows.  It’s also a good idea to move any furniture away from the windows, both inside and out.  Last but not least, if your house has a security system, make sure you deactivate your window sensors before the installation work begins.

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However, if you are really worried about your HVAC running overtime, Spring and Fall are definitely the times of year when the weather is the most moderate.  Just bear in mind that these two seasons are also the busiest for window installers.  Add to it the shorter periods of daylight when we Fall Back, and you could find yourself having to wait a while before the work begins.

Everything considered, there is no “Best” time of year to install replacement windows.  The question you need to ask yourself is how much are your old windows costing you month in and month out when it comes to your utility bills?  If you are tired of having to pay a lot to heat or cool your home, there’s no time like the present.

If you would like a professional evaluation of your home’s weather resistance – at no charge, please contact us at HomeRite Windows and Doors, and one of our specialists will happily assist you.  We have years of experience when it comes to keeping out the worst that wind and weather can throw at you, and we will be more than happy to give your home a free assessment.  While it might cost a few dollars to shore up your home’s defenses against hurricanes, keeping you and yours safe during a storm is priceless.

Courtesy of HomeRite Windows and Doors

HomeRite is a window and door dealer that specializes in energy efficient, quality products with warranties and service to match. The company has been in business since 2005. HomeRite is partnered with a manufacturer that has been producing high-quality products and providing excellent customer service for over 60 years. Windows and doors from HomeRite are some of the highest quality, most thermally efficient windows and doors on the market.

HomeRite products add substantial value to their clients’ properties. HomeRite is a member of the United States Green Building Council, a non-profit organization comprised of leaders across the industry working to advance environmentally responsible buildings.

Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. He and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. They strive to match homeowners with the right windows and doors for their homes and budgets. They make the home improvement process pleasant with first-rate, energy-efficient products, affordable pricing, and award-winning installers who employ the best practices and who always treat customers and their property with the utmost respect.

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