When you decide to replace the windows in your home, you’re making a significant investment in its comfort, energy efficiency, and beauty. While choosing the right high-quality window is crucial, the long-term performance of that window depends entirely on the quality of the installation. A flawless installation by a certified professional ensures your replacement windows deliver every promised benefit, while a poor installation can lead to a host of problems. Understanding what to look for in an installation team gives you the peace of mind that your home improvement project will be a lasting success.
What certifications should window installers have?
For homeowners, certifications act as a third-party validation of an installer's expertise and commitment to quality. At Renewal by Andersen®, we take this further with our own specialized Certified Master Installer (CMI) program. This intensive training goes beyond general industry standards to ensure our installers are experts in the specific materials science, moisture management, and structural requirements of our unique products.
While many companies rely on general certifications, the CMI designation ensures that every member of your team has demonstrated mastery in:
- Advanced Material Handling: Precise techniques for working with our exclusive Fibrex^® material and high-performance glass.
- Structural Integration: Ensuring a custom, airtight fit that is calculated to 1/16th of an inch of your original opening.
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification (RRP): A mandatory federal requirement for any renovation work in homes built before 1978. Our firms and renovators are trained in lead-safe work practices to protect your family from exposure to lead-based paint hazards.
How do local building codes affect window installation?
Building codes are not uniform across the country; they are adapted to address the specific challenges of the local environment. Our Installation Managers, who inspect every job before an order is placed, double-check that the Project Consultant has reviewed all local requirements with the homeowner. This ensures the order is perfectly compliant with the specific codes for your area.
- For Desert Climates (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Las Vegas): Codes focus on managing intense solar heat. Techniques must accommodate the expansion and contraction of materials in extreme daily temperature swings.
- For Coastal Communities (Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, and Cape Cod): Codes are far more stringent due to hurricane risk and salt air. Installers in these areas need specialized experience with impact-resistant glass and corrosion-resistant hardware.
- For High-Altitude Markets (Colorado): Installers must be versed in codes related to heavy snow loads and the effects of thermal cycling at elevation.
- For the Northeast (Southern Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts): Homes face challenges from freeze-thaw cycles. Certified installers here are experts in moisture management to prevent water from freezing and expanding within the wall cavity.
Why is professional installation important for window warranties?
Your window’s warranty is one of its most valuable features, but it can be unintentionally voided by an improper installation. Choosing a company that handles the entire process—from consultation to installation—is the best way to protect your investment.
Renewal by Andersen’s comprehensive limited warranty covers the product, the glass, and the installation, giving you a single point of contact and complete peace of mind. Our installation warranty is also fully transferable, protecting the value of your home for years to come.
What are the safety standards for window installation?
Professional installation is about more than just performance; it’s about the safety of your home and family. During the pre-order inspection, our Installation Managers verify that the Project Consultant has properly identified all safety requirements on the order.
- Egress Requirements: Building codes mandate that bedrooms have at least one window large enough to serve as an escape route. Our team identifies if your current openings are non-compliant and recommends a solution that meets modern safety standards.
- Tempered Safety Glass: In locations prone to human impact—such as in bathrooms or near doors—codes require tempered glass. This glass is designed to crumble into small, dull pieces rather than dangerous shards. Our Installation Managers double-check these requirements to ensure they are on the final order before manufacturing begins.
By choosing a team of certified professionals, you ensure your window replacement project meets the highest standards of safety and compliance. Trust the Certified Master Installers at Renewal by Andersen® to do the job right from start to finish.
Your home deserves the best products and a world-class installation team. To ensure your window replacement project is done right from start to finish, trust the Certified Master Installers at Renewal by Andersen. Schedule your free, in-home consultation today to get started.
