Why Installing Replacement Windows Yourself is a Bad Idea

Buying replacement windows for your home offers the potential to not only improve the energy efficiency of your house, but also to increase the value of it. Even though you may have some experience in do-it-yourself home improvement projects, that doesn’t mean you should immediately assume that you can install the windows on your own.

There are a number of factors that go into installing new windows. If you don’t have experience, you could damage the window, leave gaps through which cold air could move into your home, and cause some functions of the window to not operate properly.

The most common issues that arise when Toronto homeowners install their own windows are as follows.

Broken or damaged windows. When you’re installing your own new windows, accidents can happen. If the glass breaks or a component of the window is damaged, this could cause you to have to replace the entire window. By installing it yourself, you could actually negate any warranty as well. Even if the damage was caused by the manufacturing or delivery process, installing yourself can make it difficult to get the manufacturer to cover those new windows.

Poor insulation. Too many homeowners don’t know the proper method of insulating their windows. If the space around the frame is not properly insulated, then all of that energy saving potential of the windows is going to be wasted.

Leaks. Water getting into the gaps around the windows because they were not sealed properly can lead to rotting, mold, and other serious problems. You may not even notice that water is leaking in until it is far too late to do anything about it, other than completely rebuild the frame and replace the window.

Improper drainage. Many windows have components that help move rain water away from the seals. If the window is not installed properly, the water may not drain and can cause pooling, which can lead to a number of other problems.

As you can see, installing windows yourself is not the best idea. If you value your investment, be sure to have a professional, experienced installer do this work for you.