Is It Possible to Install Doors and Windows in Winter?

It would be easy to think that all outdoor construction and renovation work comes to a complete halt once the cold season arrives. Many people would hesitate to install, say, an exterior door or exterior windows at the end of fall or in the midst of winter.

Yet, it is possible!

And there are numerous advantages to changing your fenestration products during this industry’s slow season. Notwithstanding a few minor limitations, benefits are more than interesting and definitely worth taking into consideration. You be the judge!

Advantages of Installing a Doors or Windows During the Winter

1. Better Installation Price:

The first advantage to choosing to install your doors or windows during winter is the lower installation price you will likely obtain. This is a simple matter of “Supply and Demand”: since professional installers are not as busy, they’re often more open to negotiate their price. And, rest assured: professional installation teams easily adapt to all conditions, including cold winter ones.

2. Competitive Pricing for your Fenestration Products:

When you do business with a specialized door and window manufacturer, it is often possible to negotiate the price of your purchase during winter. Indeed, during their quieter season, local manufacturers regularly offer discounts on their products. Since the cost of a new exterior door or new windows can sometimes represent a substantial investment for some, waiting for competitive winter pricing can be a wise choice.

3. Shorter deadlines:

Again, since winter is quieter in the fenestration industry, you often enjoy tighter deadlines all around, be it for production, delivery, or installation. The entire timeline shrinks: your products are manufactured faster, thus they can be delivered faster, and they can often times be installed… faster. A substantial advantage, assuredly!

Limitations to Installing a Door or Window in Winter

Are there any real drawbacks to going ahead with the installation of exterior doors or windows when it’s cold outside?

No. Products will fulfill their function just as well, and their installation, if done by professionals, will be just as good and efficient. Nevertheless, two minor limitations must still be taken into consideration.

First, the temperature. The minimum temperature threshold required for the installation of a door in winter, or the installation of a window in winter, is minus 10 degrees Celsius (-10 ˚C), because of the sealant which must be applied on the products’ outer periphery. Below this temperature, sealants do not adhere properly, rendering caulking joints inefficient.

Second, bad weather. In the event of a big winter storm or if a heavy snow fall is forecasted, it is most likely that your installation will be rescheduled (for your own good). Yet, keep in mind that the risk of bad weather exists all year long. Indeed, heavy rain falls in the spring or searing summer heat waves could also cause one’s installation to be postponed.

Installing Doors and Windows During Winter? Yes!

So, to the question “when to install doors and windows?”, the answer is now clear: anytime all year around, even during winter! But only as long as you do business with professional manufacturers and hire professional installers, as they will be able to accomplish the work required efficiently and quickly.

Note that the period of exposure to the cold only lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Competent installers know how to best prepare their worksite in order to limit the duration of this brief discomfort and rapidly seal the product. The indoor and outdoor finishing typically requires the longest amount of time… but, by then, the “hole” is already closed!

For additional recommendations regarding the installation of doors or windows – even in winter! –, do not hesitate to contact Portatec, a Canadian premium door and window manufacturer specializing in custom entry doors for the last 35 years.