How Long Does It Take to Replace a Window?
Don’t let the unpredictable timeline of window replacement shatter you
It can take four to 15 weeks total to replace a window.
The actual labor time to replace a window can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes.
A skilled contractor can replace 10 to 15 windows per day.
Labor for replacement windows generally costs $40 per hour.
The window replacement timeline is affected by things like accessibility, complexity, and materials.
Windows are an essential component of every home. After all, how else will you know when the Amazon delivery driver is arriving? But sometimes, things go wrong with your windows, and you may need to have new ones installed. So what happens when you need a replacement window? How long does it take to replace a window in your home? Learn what timeline you can expect for this beneficial home improvement project and what things may drag it out (or speed it up).
How Long Does It Take to Install a Replacement Window?
Installing replacement windows can take anywhere from four to 15 weeks total from start to finish, but if you’ve done all the prep work and only need to replace windows, the installation time frame is much shorter. Let’s break down the different steps that impact how long it takes to install a replacement window.
Active Window Replacement Time
Actively replacing the windows only takes around 30 to 60 minutes apiece, depending on the type of window, accessibility, and the condition of the window casing. This timeframe can jump to one or two days if you’re replacing numerous large custom windows. Skilled window installers can replace 10 to 15 windows per day.
Overall Window Replacement Time
Despite the ease of the job, the timeline for a window replacement is actually pretty long—four to 15 weeks, to be exact. This is because your window replacement contractor must order the replacement windows and wait for a manufacturer to make or ship them. Custom windows take longer because they’re specially manufactured.
Don’t let the timeline discourage you. Most people find the wait well worth it. Fixing a drafty window and adding insulation (like double-glazing) can reduce your energy costs year-round. In this case, your savings will last a lot longer than your wait.
Factors That Impact Window Installation Time
The answer to “How long does it take to replace a window?” isn’t always cut and dry. Though the basic replacement can take under an hour, other factors influence the overall timeline.
Complexity of the Job
Sometimes, you only need to replace a single pane of broken glass. Other times, you’ll need to install a whole home’s worth of double-glazed windows. The more windows you need replaced, the more panes of glass they have, and the bigger the size of your window, the longer it will take your local window installation company to complete the job. This is especially true if your windows are custom and have to be specially ordered and made.
Retrofit vs. Full-Frame Installation
There are two types of window replacements: retrofit installation and full-frame installation. Just how long your window replacement takes will depend on the type. Retrofit installation is faster and less expensive. The window installer will replace your window by fitting it into an existing window opening. They won’t have to remove part of your home’s exterior.
Full-frame installation is more involved. It takes much longer and is usually only used for old windows that are severely deteriorating (though it can also be a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency). This involves replacing every part of the window, including materials in and around the window—like studs, brock molding, and frame.
Accessibility
It takes more time to install windows that aren’t readily accessible—whether they’re blocked by plants or heavy furniture or are a few stories up. A contractor will have to spend a lot of extra time maintaining safety protocols in this instance.
Material
Your glass type, window frame type, and the type of siding on your home’s exterior can influence your project's timeline. For example, wood windows may take longer to install than vinyl windows because they need to be sanded, primed, and painted. Similarly, the mortar between bricks needs time to dry.
Manufacturer
Is your manufacturer local, or do they have to ship your windows? This can add a significant amount of time to the project. Depending on where your manufacturer is located and their chain of supply, which may be impacted by any number of events, you might see wait times as long as 15 weeks.
Homeowners Association Rules
While window repairs likely need a permit, you may also have to get permission from your local homeowners association. It can take months for a particularly slow homeowners association to approve a job, so put in a request as soon as you possibly can.
Ways to Save Time When Replacing Windows
If the thought of months spent on replacing windows concerns you, there are ways you can shave off unnecessary time. With a little strategic planning, you can avoid delays and make your window installation run smoothly. Here are a few tips on how to save time when replacing windows:
Vet local window companies to find installers with good reviews who offer the fastest installation estimates.
Stay onsite during the installation in case your installer has questions while working on the project.
Avoid doing an installation during the winter or the summer if the weather could delay installation times.
Consider ordering the parts in the winter so that they arrive in early spring, before the peak installation season.
Prepare the installation site by clearing obstructions that would slow the installation.
Keep pets and children away from the installation.
Choose standard window sizes and readily available window frame materials like vinyl or aluminum.
Buy your windows in bulk.
Provide drinks, snacks, and bathroom access for installers to make it easier for them to stay productive.
Should I Replace My Windows?
You only really need to replace windows when they break, start to rot, or lose their insulation value. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t replace your windows for other reasons.
You might want to consider a window replacement for the following reasons:
Better insulation: Better insulation (whether it’s through low-E coatings, double panes, or other means) increases your energy efficiency and saves you money on utility bills.
A different opening style: Options like fixed or awning-style windows increase energy efficiency by reducing air leakage, but sliders are more common.
A new type of frame: Vinyl and wood are the most popular options for homes, but wood requires more maintenance. Metal frames are the strongest but provide less insulation.
Additional window glazing: Older homes typically have windows made of a single pane of glass. Replacing those with double—or even triple—panes of glass can increase thermal performance and provide some level of soundproofing.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Window?
Time is money, and the longer a window replacement takes, the more you’ll pay in labor costs. On average, people pay $40 per hour for an installer, with most window replacement costs landing at around $850 per window on average. That price can quickly increase as the job gets more complex (think swapping out a retrofitted bungalow window versus adding numerous new windows in a penthouse) or takes more time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Window replacement is typically always worth the cost, both from a money-saving standpoint and a comfort standpoint. If your windows are older and significantly damaged, a window replacement can actually save you money in the long term by improving energy efficiency. If your windows aren’t up to code, you may not really have a choice.
In some cases, you might need a permit for a window replacement, which is hard to get if you’re not a professional contractor. You should probably just hire a window replacement company in the first place because the job is complicated and can be dangerous for the average DIYer. You may not even save any money doing it yourself because contractors purchase materials wholesale.
Replacing a glass pane is much less expensive than replacing your entire window. The average person will pay between $180 and $400 to replace a glass window pane. This price can vary based on a ton of factors, including labor costs in your area, special window treatments, and the number of panes on your window.
How messy a window replacement project is depends on how well it's planned out and the condition of the old window frames. Existing window frames in poor condition can break, crumble, or leave debris in their wake, but if your old frames aren’t rotting or falling apart, the removal may not be very messy.
Cover your furniture and the surrounding space with tarps or drop cloths to prevent messes. A mindful window installer will keep the site as clean as possible.
Removing a window isn’t a very long process. Depending on several factors, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to upwards of an hour. The size of the window greatly impacts the time it takes to replace it. Accessibility is another big component. If it’s hard to reach the window or reaching it is dangerous, anticipate it taking longer.
Lastly, if the old window is in poor condition, it could take longer to remove it safely—especially if the frame has wood rot and is structurally unsound.
- How Long Do Windows Last and When Should You Replace Your Windows?
- In Need of Window Leak Repair? Here’s Who to Call for a Leaking Window
- Should You Replace All Windows at Once? Here’s Why the Answer Is Yes
- 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Replacement Windows for Your Home
- Replacement vs. New Construction Windows: Which Should You Choose?
- 14 Things to Consider Before Buying Windows
- 7 Common Window Problems and How to Avoid Them
- 10 Tips on How to Make Windows More Energy Efficient
- Types of Old Windows and When to Replace Them
- How to Seal Windows for Winter: A Complete Guide
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