Winter window installation in Scotland comes with short days, wet weather and the odd hard frost, but the work doesn’t stop. Joiners and installers fit windows and doors right through the colder months, and homeowners often want the job done before the worst of the weather arrives. With a bit of planning, the right products and a reliable supplier, you can keep installs on track, keep customers warm and avoid call-backs in spring. Here’s how.
Plan the Job Around Daylight and Weather
In December, the Central Belt gets only around seven hours of daylight, so the working window is tight. The jobs that run smoothly are the ones planned around that.
- Check the forecast the day before. The Met Office warnings page is worth a look before you commit to taking out a whole elevation.
- Only remove what you can replace that day. Take out one opening at a time and have the new frame in, fixed and weathered before you move on.
- Do the exposed side first. Start on the elevation that takes the weather while you have the best light and the driest part of the day.
- Keep temporary cover on the van. Polythene sheeting and boards mean a sudden shower doesn’t leave a customer with a wet room.
Homeowners are understandably nervous about having a window out in November. Telling them how you’ll keep the house weathertight, and that each opening is closed up the same day, goes a long way.
Order Early and Know Your Lead Times
The biggest threat to a winter programme is usually not the weather, it’s waiting for product. Survey early, confirm sizes and styles with the customer, and get the order in so the frames are ready when the weather and your diary line up.
Every Scotia trade window and door is made in our own Kilmarnock factory, with a lead time of three weeks from order. Because we manufacture in Scotland, we have control over production and can respond quickly when a customer changes their mind. Remember to allow for the festive break when you’re booking jobs for December and early January, and talk to the Trade Centre team about timings before you promise a fitting date.
Store and Handle Frames Properly in the Cold
A frame that’s been damaged before it goes in is a call-back waiting to happen. Cold weather makes careful handling even more important.
- Store frames upright, off the ground and under cover. Keep them out of standing water and away from areas where they could be knocked by plant or materials.
- Handle with care in low temperatures. Take extra care when moving and fixing frames on a cold morning, and avoid dropping or knocking them.
- Keep sealed units safe. Carry glazed units on edge, protect corners and never lay them flat on uneven ground.
- Leave protective film on until the dirty work is finished, then remove it promptly in line with the system guidance so it doesn’t bond to the frame.
Winter Window Installation: Fixing and Sealing
Most problems with winter window installation show up at the seals. Wet masonry, frost and low temperatures all make it harder to get a good, lasting bond.
- Check your sealant’s temperature range. Every sealant and expanding foam has a minimum application temperature. Read the product data before you start, and keep cartridges somewhere warm in the van.
- Seal to dry, clean surfaces. Wipe down reveals and frames, and don’t seal over frost, ice or standing water.
- Follow the system’s fixing guidance. Use the recommended fixings, packers and expansion gaps so the frame stays square and operates correctly as temperatures change through the year.
- Check operation before you leave. Open and close every sash and door, check locking and make sure hinges and gaskets are seated properly.
Correct fitting also protects the performance you’re selling. Our trade windows are manufactured to the BSI Kitemark standard BS 7412, with Window Energy Rating “A” performance and enhanced security to PAS 24:2016 and Secured by Design available. Those ratings depend on the window being installed properly, so it’s worth getting the details right. You can see our full certification list on the accreditations page.
Choosing the Right Windows and Doors for Winter Jobs
The best way to keep a winter job simple is to supply products that are quick to fit and perform well from day one.
- Trade casement windows with a 70mm frame, 28mm sealed units and easy-clean hinges as standard, ideal for like-for-like replacements.
- Trade tilt and turn windows for upper floors and larger openings. Our post on tilt and turn vs casement windows explains when each suits.
- Trade vertical slider windows for traditional and period properties.
- Composite doors and uPVC doors for customers who want a warmer, more secure entrance before winter sets in.
After the Fit: Handover and Aftercare
New windows in a cold house can show condensation in the first few weeks, especially where there’s been plastering or the heating has been off. Let customers know this is normal and usually clears as the house dries out and ventilation settles. Our guide on how to stop condensation on windows is a handy link to send them.
It also helps to point customers to our care and inspection guides, which cover window care and maintenance and the visual quality standards set by the Glass and Glazing Federation. Clear expectations at handover mean fewer calls later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can windows be fitted in winter? Yes. Windows and doors are fitted all year round in Scotland. The key is planning around the weather, replacing one opening at a time and using sealants within their temperature range.
Is it too cold to use silicone or expanding foam? It depends on the product. Check the manufacturer’s minimum application temperature, keep cartridges warm and only seal to dry, frost-free surfaces.
How quickly can I get trade windows from Scotia? Our trade windows and doors have a lead time of three weeks from order, and you can collect from Kilmarnock or Alva or arrange site delivery for certain products within Ayrshire and the Central Belt.
Keep Your Winter Jobs Moving with Scotia Trade
Scotia has been manufacturing windows and doors in Ayrshire since 1983, and our trade customers rely on us for consistent quality and dependable lead times all year round. Every trade window and door comes with a ten-year guarantee against warping, cracking and discolouration.
Find out more about Scotia Trade, contact the Trade Centre to get your winter orders in, or download our brochure to see the full range.
Comments are closed.