Timeline For Install of Impact Windows & Doors

The information on this page was last updated on August 10, 2024

Timeline For Install of Impact Windows & Doors

The time it takes to install impact windows and doors on your home can vary based on several factors. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

1. Size of the Home

• Small Home (1-2 bedrooms): Typically 1-3 days
• Medium Home (3-4 bedrooms): Generally 3-5 days
• Large Home (5+ bedrooms): Around 5-7 days or more

2. Number of Windows and Doors

• The more windows and doors you have, the longer the installation will take. Each window and door may take several hours to install, including removing the old ones, prepping the opening, and installing the new impact-resistant ones.

3. Type and Complexity of Installation

• Standard Installation: This involves straightforward removal and replacement, usually taking less time.
• Complex Installation: Custom-sized windows, non-standard shapes, or installations requiring additional structural modifications will take longer.

4. Weather Conditions

• Bad weather can delay installation. Contractors usually prefer dry conditions to ensure proper sealing and fitting of the windows and doors. The rainy season in South Florida (typically May to October) can indeed impact the installation of your impact windows and doors in a few ways. For instance. the high humidity and frequent rain showers can cause problems with the installation materials. Wooden window frames might absorb moisture and swell, leading to improper window fit. Sealants and adhesives like caulk or silicone might not cure properly on wet surfaces, compromising the watertight seal around the windows. Experienced companies will have strategies to mitigate the effects of rain. If you have some flexibility, discuss scheduling the installation for a drier part of the rainy season or during a predicted dry spell. While the rainy season can pose some challenges, it shouldn't completely prevent you from getting impact windows installed.

5. Availability of Materials

• If your windows and doors are custom-made or if there are supply chain delays, the project may take longer to start. Once materials are on-site, the installation process can proceed. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain for impact windows and doors, like many other industries, faced significant disruptions. Many manufacturing plants, especially those overseas, were forced to shut down or operate at reduced capacity due to lockdowns, safety regulations, and outbreaks among workers. This led to production delays and backlogs. The production of raw materials needed for impact windows and doors, such as glass, aluminum, and vinyl, was disrupted. Suppliers struggled to keep up with demand as their operations were also affected by the pandemic. Ports around the world also experienced significant congestion as ships were delayed, and there were fewer workers to handle the cargo. This resulted in longer wait times for goods to be unloaded and processed. This led to many unhappy customers complaining about their installers who promissed more reasonable installation times which very severly delayed.

6. Permits and Inspections

• In many areas, permits are required for installing impact windows and doors, and inspections might be needed before and after installation. The time taken to obtain permits and complete inspections can add to the overall timeline. In general, the time it takes to get a permit to install impact windows in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida can vary, but here are some typical timelines for each county:

A. Broward County Initial Application and Documentation: 1-2 weeks to gather and submit all necessary documents. Administrative and Technical Review: 2-4 weeks, depending on the current workload of the permitting office. Corrections and Resubmission (if necessary): 1-2 weeks. Final Approval and Issuance of Permit: 1-2 days after all reviews are complete. Total Time: Generally 4-8 weeks. (Broward Building Permitting) B. Miami-Dade County Initial Application and Documentation: 1-2 weeks. Administrative and Technical Review: 2-4 weeks. Miami-Dade may have more stringent building codes due to higher hurricane risk, potentially increasing review time. Corrections and Resubmission (if necessary): 1-2 weeks. Final Approval and Issuance of Permit: 1-2 days. Total Time: Generally 4-8 weeks, with a possibility of extending up to 10 weeks due to stricter regulations. (Miami-Dade Permitting Center) C. Palm Beach County Initial Application and Documentation: 1-2 weeks. Administrative and Technical Review: 2-4 weeks. Corrections and Resubmission (if necessary): 1-2 weeks. Final Approval and Issuance of Permit: 1-2 days. Total Time: Generally 4-8 weeks. (Palm Beach Permit Center)

7. Contractor Schedule

• The availability of your contractor can also impact the timeline. High demand seasons might mean a longer wait time before your project can start. Hurricane season in South Florida, and the entire Atlantic basin for that matter, officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. However, the peak of the season for activity is from mid-August to late October. This is when the warm water temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico create the ideal conditions for tropical storms to form and develop into hurricanes. Hurricane season coincides with peak demand for impact window installations. As storms approach, homeowners scramble to get their homes protected, causing installers to become booked up quickly. Keep in mind that with higher demand comes higher prices. Installation companies may raise their rates during hurricane season due to the surge in requests. If you're concerned about cost and timeliness, it's best to schedule your impact window installation before hurricane season hits South Florida.

Typical Installation Timeline:

1. Initial Consultation and Measurement: 1-2 days
2. Ordering Materials: 2-4 weeks (or longer for custom orders)
3. Installation:
   • Small to Medium Home: 3-5 days
   • Large Home: 5-7 days or more
4. Inspections and Final Touches: 1-3 days

Total Time:

• From Start to Finish: Generally, the entire process from initial consultation to final inspection can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the factors mentioned above. Keep in mind that the most significant factor will likely be the availability of materials.

It’s always best to discuss the timeline with your contractor, as they can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific project.

Get a free in-home estimate on new hurricane proof impact windows. We provide you a price including financing options with no pushy sales tactics; please call (561) 422-4935