How Long Does It Take to Install Impact Windows on a Whole House?

For most single-family homes, a full impact window installation takes anywhere from one to three days, depending on the number of openings and the complexity of the frames. A typical home with 15 to 25 windows is usually finished in a single day by an experienced crew. Larger homes or those with custom shapes may run into a second or third day.

What Actually Affects the Installation Timeline

How Long Does It Take to Install Impact Windows on a Whole House? — Hurricane Protection, Boca Raton

The one-to-three-day range is a starting point, not a guarantee. Several real-world variables push a job toward the faster or slower end of that window.

Home Size and Number of Openings

This one is obvious, but the math matters. A two-story home in Boca Raton with 30-plus openings is a fundamentally different project than a one-story condo with 10 windows. Each opening requires removing the old frame, prepping the rough opening, setting the new unit, shimming, sealing, and inspecting. That process runs roughly 45 minutes to two hours per window, depending on access and frame condition. Multiply that across a large home and you start to see where extra days come from.

Existing Frame Condition and Window Style

Older homes sometimes hide surprises behind the drywall or stucco. Corroded frames, rotted wood bucks, or out-of-square openings all slow the crew down. Pocket installations, where the new unit slides into the existing frame, are faster than full-frame replacements, but they only work when the existing frame is in solid shape. Impact-rated casement and single-hung windows also install faster than large picture windows or specialty shapes, which require more careful handling.

Permit Inspection Scheduling

Physical installation and project completion are two different things. In the City of Boca Raton, permit inspections are required after installation, and scheduling that inspection adds time to the overall process. Most reputable installers handle the permit pull before the job starts and schedule the inspection as soon as the work is done. That inspection turnaround typically adds one to a few business days to the total project timeline, even if the windows themselves go in quickly.

The Steps That Happen Before a Crew Arrives

The installation day is actually near the end of a longer sequence. Understanding the full timeline helps homeowners set realistic expectations.

Measurement, Order, and Lead Time

Every impact window is custom-sized to the exact opening. After an in-home measurement, the order goes to the manufacturer, and current lead times in South Florida run roughly four to ten weeks depending on the product line and order volume. Brands like PGT and CGI are common in this region and both maintain Florida production facilities, which helps keep lead times from stretching further. See the full list of manufacturers STS carries if you want to compare options before committing.

Day-of Logistics

On installation day itself, the crew typically starts by staging and protecting interior surfaces near each opening. Glass units are heavy, and careful handling matters both for safety and to avoid nicking fresh stucco. Most windows are installed from the exterior. The crew seals, trims, and does a basic cleanup before moving to the next opening. Homeowners can usually stay in the house during the job, though it gets noisy.

Related Questions

What Actually Affects the Installation Timeline — Hurricane Protection, Boca Raton

Do I need to be home during the impact window installation?

You don’t have to be home the entire time, but it helps to be available at the start and end of the job. The crew needs access to each room, and you’ll want to do a walk-through when they finish to confirm everything looks right before they leave. If being home all day isn’t possible, at least plan to be there for the first 30 minutes and the final sign-off.

Can impact windows be installed in phases rather than all at once?

Yes, and many homeowners in the area do exactly that, starting with the most exposed openings like the front facade or rooms facing the coast, then completing the rest over the following months. Just keep in mind that hurricane protection coverage is only as strong as your weakest opening, so phasing works best with a clear plan for finishing the job. Check the STS FAQ page for more details, or request a free quote to get a project-specific timeline from the team.

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