Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Aluminum Window Installation
Aluminum Window Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Aluminum Window Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Aluminum Window Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Aluminum Window Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Aluminum Window Installation labor cost? What are the important Aluminum Window Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Aluminum Window Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Aluminum Window Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Aluminum Window Installation expect to pay between $106.50 to $146.44 for each aluminum window. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Aluminum Window Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Aluminum Window Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Aluminum Window Installation work begins. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Aluminum Window Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the aluminum windows may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
Is Aluminum Window Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Aluminum Window Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Aluminum Window Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Aluminum Window Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Aluminum Window Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Aluminum Window Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Aluminum Window Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Aluminum Window Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed aluminum window layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the aluminum window meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Installed aluminum windows will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- Vertical edges of aluminum windows will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- Each window frame will open and latch closed with light effort
- Each window frame will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each window frame will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- Each window frame lockset/latching mechanism will be held immovable by the strikeplate when closed - there will be no "play" of the lockset within the strikeplate
- The aluminum windows will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- Securely attach flashing and vapor barrier around perimeter of aluminum windows
- Nail holes will be filled with a suitable putty, leveled and sanded smooth before final finishing, so as to be undetectable through the finished surface
- The aluminum window surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Aluminum Window Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Aluminum Window Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the aluminum windows work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Determine if permit is required for Aluminum Window Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of aluminum windows, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order aluminum windows; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of aluminum windows; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store aluminum windows in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Remove existing aluminum windows (optional)
- Install aluminum windows using construction adhesive, screws or galvanized nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Aluminum Window Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Aluminum Window Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes