A lot! Replacing windows is dust and dirt central! There are differences depending on exactly what you mean by replacing and what precautions might be taken ahead of time, but no matter how you slice it, replacing windows is a messy, dusty, job. Let’s look into the details of what to expect when replacing windows, and then explore some window replacement alternatives.

Types of Window Replacement

The first thing to understand is exactly what is meant by “replacing windows”. The level of mess involved will vary quite a bit depending on how extensive the replacement will be.

Full Frame Window/New Construction Window

When you talk about replacing the entire window, including the frame that holds it into the home, this is what you’re talking about. Putting in a full frame window, or a new construction window is extensive and involves removing the interior and exterior trim, the entirety of the window frame, and all parts of the window. This type of window replacement can be done on any type of existing window in the house, and it can be replaced with any type of window (for example, a wood window could be removed and replaced with a vinyl window, or any other combination of window materials).

Replacement Window Inserts

This type of window replacement is less extensive than a full frame. It is essentially inserting a slightly smaller frame and window inside the existing frame. It is typically done on existing vinyl windows with vinyl inserts, but there are times when an existing frame of a different material might be covered and then a vinyl insert installed.

Does Installing New Windows Make a Mess?

First, we’ll go over what kind of mess to expect with a new construction or full frame window installation. This can help homeowners prepare for how disruptive replacing windows can be. Typically, to do a full window replacement, installers will plan to insert a window either from inside (and remove all interior trim) or from outside (and remove all exterior trim). This removal is done as carefully as possible, but removing this trim is a common cause of window installation damage. It often can cause damage to the siding, stucco, or brick on the outside of the home, or to the molding, tile, plaster, or drywall on the inside of a home. 

In addition, the act of removing the old window frame will create a lot of dust, as well as exposing a lot of dust that will be present in the wall voids or outdoors. And speaking of outdoors, because this replacement is so extensive, your home will be exposed to the elements for a longer time, making it more likely for outdoor-related mess and weather to come inside.

Lastly, repairing the interior of the home around the replaced window once installation is complete can also cause mess. Reinstalling trim, caulking, patching, sanding, and painting will all create some mess of their own.

Does Installing Window Inserts Make a Mess?

The less-involved installation of replacement window inserts does create a smaller mess than full window replacement, but it’s by no means mess free. Although this is a way of replacing windows without removing interior trim,  removing the existing interiors of the window from its frame will generate debris and expose dirt. Inserting and securing the new window inserts, and adding the sealing and insulation needed, will also cause mess. Additionally, the team of installers will need to be moving in and out of the house as part of their job, which will track in more outside dirt and dust. 

How Do I Prepare My House for Replacement Windows?

Regardless of which of the two main types of window replacement may be happening, there are some good basic steps you can take to get your home ready for this home improvement project. This will reduce the amount of mess and cleanup needed after the window replacement is complete.

• Move things away from the area – Make it easier for the installers to move around the space and do their job, and also keep your things from being damaged or getting dirty. This includes things inside and outside, and is especially important for curtains, blinds, plants, and windowsill décor.
• Drop cloths are your friends – Cover the floor inside the house, and consider covering the outside space as well to reduce debris in flower beds or on the lawn.
• Cover soft furnishings – There will be dust, so if you can’t or don’t want to take couches, beds, etc. out of the room(s) involved, cover them if possible.
• Keep pets and kids away – It makes it easier for the workers to work, keeps them safer and less likely to track mess around the rest of the house.

Does This Sound Like a Big Pain?

It does to us too! Sometimes replacing windows is unavoidable. If the frames are badly damaged, the walls themselves need considerable work, or you are dealing with certain materials that cannot be repaired onsite, replacement is the only option. But in many cases, repairing or replacing only the portion of the window that is causing the problem is a much less messy (and less expensive) option!

At Fenster, we specialize in wooden window replacement parts, so you can keep the beautiful existing wooden windows in your home, but fix the issues they may be causing. We can match the style of the windows you already have – even legacy brands – meaning you do not need to replace windows that are in good shape just so the ones that need to be fixed will match. Have a look at our products guide to see what we have that will help you avoid all the mess of window replacements!