What to Expect During Window & Door Installation | Energy Swing Windows
June 12th, 2024
5 min read
By Jeff Blank

Worried about what will really happen when installation day arrives? Will it be messy? Will the crew protect your floors, furniture, and landscaping? Will the job drag on or go smoothly? You’ve made a major investment, and if you don’t know what to expect, the process can feel stressful.
At Energy Swing Windows, we’ve spent over 25 years perfecting the installation experience for Pittsburgh homeowners. Our employee installers are trained in product, craftsmanship, and homeowner care, so we can ensure a high-level of installation happens for every project.
In this article, you’ll get a step-by-step look at how we handle window and door installations.
We’ll walk you through what happens before, during, and after the job so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and why so many local homeowners trust our team with their space.
Key Takeaways on Window and Door Installation with Energy Swing
- Installation day includes some noise and disruption, but nothing should be a surprise.
- Energy Swing uses no subcontractors; our own trained employee installers handle every job.
- We protect your home inside and out; floors, furniture, landscaping, and more.
- Cleanup is always included, and your home is left spotless.
- We walk you through a final checklist and demonstrate how everything works.
- We install in most weather conditions, even winter, unless conditions are severely cold.
- You don’t have to be home the entire time, just for the start and finish.
What Should Homeowners Expect During Window and Door Replacement?
Replacing windows and doors is not a small project. Installers will be cutting, using drills, and removing old frames from your home. That means noise, dust, and some disruption are all part of the process.
By knowing what to expect for you and your home ahead of time, you won’t be caught off guard on installation day. You will also have expectations for how this process goes, so you can have peace of mind.
Who is Working On Your Installation and How Qualified Are They?
Our installers spend the most time in your home out of everyone at our company, so we choose them accordingly.
We never use subcontractors and all of our installers are full-time Energy Swing employees trained specifically on our products and our process.
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Every installer is background checked for your family’s safety and personality surveyed to make sure they fit into the Energy Swing culture
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Your ability to communicate with our team while they are in your home is an important part of our process. With Energy Swing, there will be no language issues.
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Our installers are certified and trained by both Energy Swing and ProVia, a nationally respected manufacturer of premium entry doors and windows.
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We hold monthly training and communication meetings
That consistency means what you were promised by your sales consultant is exactly what gets delivered.
Still comparing installers? Schedule your free consultation and see how Energy Swing makes the process simple and stress-free.
Meet Energy Swing's Installation Team
Our small but mighty crew of employee installers consists of two project managers and three installation specialists. At every job, Fred or Tony will be on site to answer any of your questions. Eric is our newest crew member but previously worked with Tony for two years before joining us at Energy Swing.
All of our installers are willing to answer any questions you might have on the day of installation so you can always feel in-the-loop.
How Should You Prepare Your Home for Window and Door Installation?
There isn’t too much you will need to do, as we want to keep prep simple for you, but here are a few things that will help your installation go smoothly:
- Remove curtains and drapes (no need to take down brackets)
- Move furniture at least 2–3 feet back from openings
- Take down fragile wall decor near windows and doors (vibrations may cause them to fall)
- Keep children and pets in a separate room while installers are working
- Leave your driveway open if possible, so our team can park close to your home
Don’t worry, if something is too heavy to move, we’ll help with it.
What about Pittsburgh weather? We install year-round. Rain doesn’t usually stop us since we work mostly from the inside and on one opening at a time.
The only exception? Extreme cold or severe weather. If that’s the case, we’ll reschedule for safety and material integrity.
What Time Does Energy Swing Arrive for Installation, and How Long Does It Take?
Our team typically arrives between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., depending on your location. Installations generally follow this timeline:
- Small jobs (4–7 windows or 1–2 doors): Done by 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Larger jobs: May span multiple days, but your home will always be left secure and weather-tight overnight
Crew size varies by job:
- 2 installers for smaller projects
- 3–4 installers for larger-scale work
We’ll let you know who’s coming and when, so there are no surprises.
What Is Energy Swing’s Window and Door Installation Process?
We’ve been replacing windows and doors for over 25 years, and over that time, we have developed a process that every installer is trained on for windows and doors.
Here’s a look at what our installers do once they arrive:
For Windows:
- Protect floors and work areas with plastic coverings and drop-cloths
- Remove the old window (sometimes cutting is required)
- Clean and inspect the opening
- Shim and screw the new window in place, making sure it’s level, square, and secure
- Add insulation around the frame of the new window
- Trim and finish inside
- Custom-bend exterior metal and seal with high-performance silicon caulking
For Doors: Same process as above, but we also install a waterproof membrane underneath the door for long-term protection against moisture.
Want a deeper dive? Read our full guide: Window Installation 101: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
How Does Energy Swing Protect Floors, Furniture, and Landscaping During Installation?
We treat your home with care from the moment we walk in. After literally rolling out the red carpet, we make sure to use:
- Floor coverings for carpet and hardwood in the areas where we’ll be walking
- Drop cloths in all work areas
- Vacuums and zip walls to control dust (especially in older homes)
- Discussions about how to handle bushes or landscaping that may be in the way
How Much Noise, Dust, or Disruption Should I Expect During Installation?
It is a construction project, so some noise and dust are inevitable. But we do our best to minimize both.
- Sawing, drilling, and hammering sounds during removal. Typically spaced out between window removals.
- Light dust depending on the age and type of windows
- If needed, we’ll install dust barriers (zip walls) to contain debris
Work from home? We’ll prioritize your office window first (or last) depending on your preference, so you can get back to work with minimal disruption.
Does Energy Swing Handle Cleanup and Haul-Away After Installation?
Absolutely. We don’t leave junk behind. Our crew will:
- Remove and dispose of all old windows, doors, trim, and debris
- Sweep, vacuum, and clean all work areas
- Clean all windows after they are installed
We clean up thoroughly when we’re done, vacuuming, removing debris, and leaving your home as clean (or cleaner) than we found it. And if you’d like to keep a piece of your old product (a sash, screen, or hardware), just let us know.
What Happens After My Window or Door Installation Is Complete?
At the end of every project, your project manager will walk through a Zero Defects Checklist with you and provide a copy of the checklist for peace of mind. It ensures everything is working perfectly:
- Testing all locks, sashes, and hardware
- Making on-site adjustments if needed
- Demonstrating how to properly operate, clean, and maintain your products
If anything needs a service follow-up, such as a cracked pane or a replacement part, it’s noted on the report and sent to our Service Manager right away. You’ll hear from them as soon as the part arrives.
Ready to Get Started with Your Window and Door Project?
If you’ve ever felt anxious about what installation day might bring, you’re not alone.
Many homeowners worry about noise, mess, or whether the crew will treat their home with care.
Now, you know exactly what to expect because you’ve seen how Energy Swing does things differently. From trained in-house installers to dust control, cleanup, and clear communication, our process is designed to make your experience seamless and stress-free.
We believe you deserve more than just new windows or doors. You deserve a team that communicates clearly, shows up professionally, and treats your home like it’s their own.
Next, it’s time to take the step that puts you in control. Whether you're just getting started or you're already on the schedule, we’re here to make your project smooth from start to finish.
Reach out with any last questions; we’re ready when you are.
Jeff Blank is the Operations Manager at Energy Swing Windows and has been with the company since day one. He oversees every aspect of installation with a deep commitment to doing things right. No shortcuts, no guesswork. With decades of hands-on experience, Jeff is the go-to expert when it comes to what really makes a great installation.