Can you replace windows in the winter? If window installation is on your home improvement list, take a look at what you need to know about scheduling this service during the colder months of the year.

Does the Contractor Work in the Winter?

While most window contractors work year-round, verify the company's schedule before you decide on an installation team. The regional climate, projected forecast, and contractor's preferences will impact the answer to this question. You don't want to choose a contractor or select windows in the fall only to find out you'll need to wait months or longer for installation.

What Role Does the Weather Play in Installation?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. Mild winter weather, with moderate temperatures and little to no snow, may not play any role in this installation process. But if the mercury dips dramatically, your area has heavy snow, the winds whip excessively, or it sleets (freezing rain), you may need to postpone the installation.

Extremely low temperatures or visible frost can make it difficult to work with vinyl materials or caulking. Without the ability to seal the windows with caulking, the contractor can't complete the installation.

Even though materials failure is a possibility with excessively low temperatures, average cold winter weather isn't likely to interfere with sealants or other related items. The contractor will explain what temperatures are too low for installation when you schedule your appointment. Each type of material has a specific temperature tolerance threshold the contractor will need to consider.

Not only can below-freezing temperatures affect the materials required for installation, but the weather can also cause problems for the contractor. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause hypothermia or lead to frostbite, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If the contractor feels their employees are at risk, they may want to delay the service until the weather warms.

How Will the Weather Impact Your Family During Installation?

Unlike plumbing, painting, or another similar service, window replacement requires the contractor to remove an exterior part of your home. Without windows, the cold air, snow, sleet, and other elements can easily enter your home. But this doesn't mean you need to wait until the spring for a window replacement service.

Talk to the contractor about how their company handles winter-time installations. They may seal off individual rooms to minimize heat loss or use a similar strategy to keep your home as they replace each window. Contact a window installation service for more information.