FAQs - Home Window Installation

While DIY seems tempting, improper window installation can lead to costly problems like water leaks, air drafts, structural damage, and voided manufacturer warranties. Professional installation by a certified team like Cal Coast's ensures the window performs as designed for energy efficiency and security.

It’s a multi-step process. Cal Coast installers use flashing, sealant, and insulation foams to create multiple barriers against water and air intrusion around the window frame, ensuring your home is protected from the elements.

Yes. This is a common issue and a key reason to hire professionals. Experienced installers know how to shim and adjust the window within the rough opening to ensure it is perfectly plumb, level, and square, guaranteeing smooth operation and a proper seal.

Very little time. The Cal Coast installation team works on one opening at a time. They remove the old window and install the new one in the same opening before moving to the next, minimizing your home's exposure.

Professional crews take great care to protect your property. They use drop cloths and plastic sheeting to cover floors and furniture and perform a thorough cleanup of the work area, including hauling away your old windows and debris.

Look for installers who are factory-trained and certified for the specific brands they carry. Cal Coast’s team, for instance, are AAMA-certified Master Installers, representing the highest standard of training in the industry.

Yes. A reputable company will provide an installation warranty separate from the manufacturer's product warranty. Cal Coast provides a lifetime warranty on their installation, giving you confidence that the workmanship is guaranteed.

After setting the window, installers fill the gap between the window frame and the house frame with a special low-expansion insulating foam. This prevents drafts and energy loss around the perimeter of the window.

Not necessarily. Cal Coast specializes in "stucco-cut" or "Z-bar" installations, a technique that allows them to replace the window with minimal disturbance to the existing stucco, saving you the cost and hassle of major stucco repair.

For homes built before 1978, installers must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Cal Coast’s crews are trained to use specific lead-safe work practices to contain dust and debris, ensuring the safety of your family during the renovation.

A retrofit (or pocket) installation places the new window inside the existing frame. A new construction installation involves removing the old frame and exterior trim, exposing the studs, which allows for a larger glass area and new interior/exterior trim.

It depends on the condition of your existing frames and your goals. A Cal Coast consultant can assess your home and explain the pros and cons of each method. New construction is often preferred for a cleaner look and if the old frames have issues.

Most projects are completed within 1-3 days. The Cal Coast project manager will give you a clear timeline based on the number and complexity of the windows being installed.

While not always required for the entire duration, it is recommended that you are home at the beginning to review the project with the crew leader and at the end for a final walk-through to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Yes. The installation crew will test every window to ensure it opens, closes, and locks smoothly. They will also show you how to operate and care for your new windows before they leave.

As part of their service, Cal Coast will haul away and dispose of all your old windows and any job-related debris, leaving your property clean.

Yes, it often does. You should notify your alarm company about your window replacement project. You will likely need them to come out after the installation is complete to re-install the sensors on your new windows.

The price should reflect the level of service, quality of materials used (sealants, etc.), and the installer's credentials and warranties. A very low price can be a red flag for cutting corners. Cal Coast provides detailed, transparent estimates outlining all costs.

Yes, critically so. The most expensive, energy-efficient window will perform poorly if it's not sealed correctly. The professional installation techniques used by Cal Coast ensure there are no gaps for air to leak, maximizing the window's performance.

This is why choosing a company with a strong installation warranty is vital. With Cal Coast's lifetime installation warranty, you can call them to address any workmanship-related issues at any time, long after the project is complete.