How Many Impact Windows Can a Crew Install in a Single Day?
A standard two-person crew can typically install 8 to 15 impact windows in a single day, depending on window size, frame material, and how accessible each opening is. Larger picture windows or fixed units that need custom rough-opening work will slow that pace considerably. Most full-house projects in South Florida take two to four days from start to finish, though that number shifts based on the scope of the job.
What Actually Determines the Pace of Installation?
Speed is rarely the right way to judge an installation. What matters more is how carefully each window is set, sealed, and secured. That said, several real-world factors push the timeline in one direction or the other.
Window Size and Configuration
A small single-hung impact window in a bathroom is a quick pull-and-replace. A wide picture window or a multi-panel sliding unit is a different job entirely. Installers have to manage more weight, more glass, and more precise shimming to keep the unit square. Homes with a mix of shapes and sizes, which is common in older Boca Raton neighborhoods, often take longer than a house with uniform window openings.
Existing Frame Condition
When crews remove the old windows, they sometimes find rotted wood framing, corroded metal, or crumbling stucco around the opening. Fixing that before setting the new unit adds time that nobody can fully predict until the old glass comes out. This is one reason experienced contractors always build a buffer into their project estimates rather than locking in a guaranteed single-day finish.
Permit Inspection Scheduling
Florida building code requires a licensed contractor to pull permits for impact window installation, and local municipalities schedule their own inspections. In Palm Beach County, inspectors can sometimes be scheduled quickly, but during busy storm-prep seasons, wait times stretch. The windows themselves might be installed in two days, but the final sign-off could take a few days longer depending on the inspection queue. You can check current permit and inspection processes through Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building.
What Homeowners Can Do to Keep the Project Moving
The crew controls what happens on the wall. You control what happens before they arrive and between visits.
Clear the Area Before Day One
Furniture, blinds, curtains, and valuables sitting near window openings all need to be moved. Most contractors will not shift your belongings as part of the job, and having to work around a couch or a large TV stand adds delays that come out of your installation time. Clearing 3 to 4 feet of space around each opening before the crew shows up keeps things moving from the first hour.
Confirm Permit Status Early
A good window installation contractor handles the permit application, but you should confirm it was submitted and approved before the scheduled start date. Crews that show up without an active permit cannot legally begin work. Ask for the permit number and check it with your local building department. If you want to see how STS approaches this process, the STS Way page walks through the steps from quote to final inspection.
Ask About Product Lead Times
Impact-rated windows are manufactured to order in most cases. Lead times from brands like PGT or CGI typically run four to ten weeks depending on the order size and current demand. The installation itself might only take a few days once products arrive, but the total project timeline starts the moment you sign a contract, not the morning the crew shows up. For Delray Beach and the surrounding area, that lead time is worth confirming early since demand for storm-rated glass spikes sharply as hurricane season approaches.
Related Questions
Does the number of stories in my home affect installation time?
Yes, noticeably. Second-floor windows require ladders or staging equipment, and getting heavy impact glass safely to height takes more time and crew coordination than ground-floor work. A two-story home with 20 windows will almost always take longer than a single-story home with the same count. If you want an accurate estimate for your specific layout, the best move is to request a free quote so a contractor can evaluate the job in person.
Can I stay in my home while impact windows are being installed?
Most homeowners do stay home during installation. Crews work opening by opening, so your home is never fully exposed all at once. Expect some noise, occasional dust near the work areas, and brief periods where a single room loses its window temporarily. If you have young children, pets, or someone who needs a quiet environment, coordinating with your contractor on a sequenced work plan can help minimize disruption. Check the STS FAQ page for more answers to common prep questions.
