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If you’re considering getting new windows this summer, you should be aware of bases you need to cover to ensure a smooth process. Undertaking this on your own can be too much for one person to handle, especially if this is your first time tackling this project. To get the most out of your investment, you must leave this job to the hands of a trustworthy team of window professionals.
Once you hire the right contractors for the job, they’ll manage the replacement project and keep you updated in each step of the process. But like every other renovation project, installing new windows can create a whole lot of mess. You may have to deal with the dust, dirt and all sorts of debris while the pros are in your home.
Of course, you can expect them to do their best in keeping the mess at a minimum while they’re installing your new windows. They’ll do this by preparing your home to reduce the amount of dust and debris that might accumulate in your home.
You can also do some preparations yourself days before the actual installation. Doing this helps make it easier to do the cleanup process once the windows are installed. But as soon as you’ve settled on a quote with your contractor, you must first schedule the best time for your window replacement. It should be set on a date that will give you enough time to prepare your home for the project.
You can easily schedule your windows on any summer day because of the predictable weather, but you should still take your daily routine into account. Even if it’s only a few windows, the project can still disrupt you while working. If you choose a weekday to get the project done, don’t forget to take time off your work if it’s needed. Your children and pets may also get anxious by all the new faces coming in and out of your home. They may even be curious about some of the equipment and get in the way of the work, which is why we recommend taking them to a friend or a neighbor during the replacement process.
The following are some of the tips to consider when preparing your home for your upcoming window replacement and ensure your interiors remain as clean as possible:
Curtains, draperies, sheers, blinds, shades and other treatments must be removed as they can easily get in the way when installing your specialty windows. Other hanging fixtures and wall decorations like paintings and photos should also be removed and stored in a safe place as they can get dirty and damaged when the old windows are removed.
Window installers who frequently shuffle in and out of your home can take up a lot of space in a single room during a window replacement. In some cases, some interior doors may need to be removed from their hinges to make more space for large windows! But even if you don’t have any large windows to replace, you still need to be sure that your new windows can be safely carried in and out of your home. You can do this by making a pathway from the entrance that the workers can follow easily.
A clear pathway within your home can make your window replacement faster and more efficient to complete. This may involve clearing some of the stuff in the halls and doorways that may get in the way just to free up more space, which can include small furniture, plants, and area rugs. Clearing them out of the way can also avoid unwanted slips and injuries during the process while also cutting down on the mess made during the installation.
If you have any electronics near your windows, make sure to move them away before replacement. You should also move smaller objects such as vases and lamps to a safer area as they can get in the way of the replacement process. The bigger furniture pieces and appliances can stay where they are, but they should be covered with a tarp or drop cloth to keep them clean from dust and debris.
Whether it’s installing standard or specialty windows, professional contractors usually spread drop cloths and tarps around each window’s vicinity. This helps catch most of the debris coming from the removal and replacement process while also making it easier to clean up afterward.
Tarps can also be laid on the yard around your windows to protect any plants, flowers, grass and the rest of your landscaping underneath during replacement. Plastic wrap coverings can also be used if drop cloths and tarps aren’t available to protect other items. They’re frequently used on sofas, seats, beds, cabinets, shelves and flooring near the windows. Once the new windows are installed, the plastic covering can be rolled up with the collected dust and dirt to be disposed of properly.
This should be done if you don’t want the dust from spreading in your home during the installation. You should also close the doors to the rooms that don’t need to be accessed by the window installers to ensure they won’t get any dirt and debris circulating within your home. The dust and debris must be contained in a single area so that cleaning won’t be as difficult once they’re all installed.
If some of your items and belongings can’t be covered and protected by drop cloths and tarps, they’ll need to be moved elsewhere so they won’t get damaged. Consider a place that has adequate storage space and the workers won’t usually pass through. Some of the usual examples include the garage, basement and attic. Moving them to a portable storage container is also a good option as they can be easily rented out during the window replacement process.
Normally, your central heating and cooling system won’t be in use during the installation to prevent dust and dirt from circulating throughout your home. The lack of conditioned air may impact your indoor air quality and comfort, but at least it’s only temporary. But before you get your new windows, you need to check if your vents are closed properly. It may also be necessary to seal them with tape as the dust and debris can still get in during the replacement. Otherwise, the dust can easily cause allergy triggers and affect your home’s indoor air quality once you turn back on your HVAC system.
The fans should be placed around the window openings to help minimize dust from accumulating and circulating throughout your home and force them outside instead. Keep in mind that this can work under normal, sunny weather conditions but can also backfire on windy days as they can be blown back. Make sure that they’re facing outside or away from the interiors so that they can blow most of the dust outdoors.
Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati is your best choice for top-quality window installation services. We take pride in our exceptional window product offerings, from double-hung and casement windows to bow and bay windows. Count on our certified installers as well to ensure a clean, mess-free environment during the window replacement – before we leave, we make sure to clean up any dirt and debris left. Give us a call today at (513) 283-8996, or fill out our convenient online contact form to get started! We serve our customers in Ohio, including Mason, Sharonville, Loveland and the surrounding communities.