How Should I Prepare My Home for Window Installation

Three feet of clear floor on each side of an opening is the working minimum most crews ask for, and every teardown window installers san bernardino cowboy santas has logged shows the same thing: rooms that were cleared the night before finish sooner than rooms that were cleared while the crew stood waiting. For window replacement in San Bernardino, CA, the prep is mostly a matter of moving objects out of the path between the truck and the wall.

Take down the coverings

Blinds, shades and curtain rods usually need to come down before the old units can be removed. Brackets screwed into the frame or the trim go with the window, and a rod hung on the casing blocks the pry bar. Pull the hardware, bag the screws, and leave the coverings by the door so they can go back up once the new frames are in and the trim is set.

Clear the furniture and cover what stays

Furniture should sit away from each opening so installers have room to work and to carry glass without clipping a table corner. Installers do not always handle moving every piece or every wall hanging, so plan to do it yourself. Removing old frames releases dust and debris inside the house. Drop cloths or plastic over nearby furniture and floors cut the cleanup afterward, and a clear path from the opening to the door keeps the boots off the carpet.

Older paint and dust control

Homes built before 1978 may carry lead based paint on old window frames. That calls for dust containment during removal, such as sealed plastic, careful prying instead of smashing, and wet wiping afterward. Many older houses in Redlands and Loma Linda fall into that age range, as do plenty of the original neighborhoods near downtown San Bernardino. Mention the build year when scheduling so the crew brings the right sheeting.

Alarm contacts and the outside walls

Security system contacts mounted on window frames often need to be disconnected and reinstalled on the new units. Call the alarm company ahead of time, since a loose contact tripping mid-job stops work. Outside, clear plants, hoses and decor from every wall getting a new unit. Crews need to reach the frame from the ground and slide old units out, whether the new one is a vinyl window, a double hung, a slider or a casement. Rock beds and tight shrubs along the foundation slow that down more than almost anything.

Measurements, pets and children

Measurements are usually confirmed before ordering, because custom windows are built to specific opening sizes. Check them while the openings are still intact, then leave the final numbers to the installer. On the day, keep pets and young children away from open wall areas. An opening with the sash out, loose glass and tools on the floor is a hazard until the new insulated glass unit is seated and fastened. Prep affects how long the job runs, so a cleared house is a shorter day.