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For most GTA homes, a window replacement takes 30 minutes to 2 hours per window. A standard house with 6 to 8 windows is typically done in one to two days. Some jobs wrap up faster; a few take longer. The difference comes down to the type of window, the condition of the frame, and whether any surprises turn up once installation starts.
This post covers what to expect before, during, and after your installation, and which factors most affect how long the job takes.
A typical Vaughan or GTA home with 6 to 8 windows can expect installation to be complete in 6 to 8 hours per day. A smaller job with 3 or 4 windows might take half a day. A larger home, or one with oversized or specialty windows, can run into a 2nd, 3rd, or sometimes even a 4th day.
Each window is measured, custom-made to your exact opening, and installed one at a time. There’s no assembly line — the crew works through the house systematically, room by room.
A standard casement or single-hung window in good condition can be swapped in 30 to 45 minutes. Bay windows, bow windows, and picture windows take longer — sometimes up to a full day each — because they’re larger, heavier, and require more precise fitting. Sliding patio doors and garden doors follow a similar pattern.
If the existing frame is in good shape, the new window drops in cleanly. If the frame has rot, water damage, or was built out of square, the crew has to address that before the window goes in. This is the most common source of unexpected time. It’s also why working with an experienced installer matters — problems caught early are easier to fix than problems discovered mid-install.
More windows means more time, but not in a straight line. Crews get into a rhythm. The third and fourth windows on a job often go faster than the first two as the team gets familiar with the house.
Windows on the main floor with clear exterior access are the simplest to replace. Windows above the garage, in tight stairwells, or on upper floors facing a slope take more time to set up safely. Clear access around the window — inside and out — helps the crew work efficiently.
Window replacement happens year-round in the GTA, including through Ontario winters. Cold weather doesn’t stop the work, but it can slow caulking and sealing. Extreme cold affects how quickly sealants cure. Your installer will plan around this and let you know if conditions require any adjustments.
The crew arrives with your windows already manufactured to your measurements. Every replacement window is custom-made to the opening, so the windows you ordered are the windows going in that day.
Here’s the general sequence for each window:
Cleanup happens throughout and at the end. Old windows and packaging are removed. You should be left with a clean job site.
A little preparation goes a long way. Before the crew arrives:
You don’t need to be home for the entire job, but it helps to be reachable in case any questions come up about specific windows.
Caulking needs time to cure — exterior caulking can take up to 3 weeks to fully cure. Your installer will tell you what to avoid and for how long.
Test every new window yourself before the crew leaves. Open and close each one. Check the locks. If anything feels stiff or off, say so on the spot — it’s much easier to sort out at the time than after the crew has packed up.
Yes. Most homeowners are home for at least part of the day. The crew works independently and will only need you if a question comes up about a specific window. Expect some noise and minor disruption as each window is replaced, but nothing that makes the house unlivable for the day.
Frame damage is the most common thing that extends a window replacement job. Rot, water damage, or framing that has shifted over the years all need to be addressed before a new window can be properly installed. A good installer will assess this during the quote, so you’re not caught off guard on installation day. If something unexpected turns up, your installer should show you what they found and explain the plan before proceeding.
Not significantly. Window replacements happen year-round in the GTA. Cold temperatures can slow how quickly caulking cures, and the crew will account for that. If conditions are extreme, your installer may recommend rescheduling, but this is rare.
Right away, in most cases. You can open and close them immediately. However, exterior caulking can take up to 3 weeks to fully cure — avoid painting or exposing it to prolonged moisture until then.
In most cases, replacing a window in the same opening does not require a permit. Adding a new opening or significantly changing the size of an existing one typically does. We cover this in detail in our post on window replacement permits in Ontario.
Ready to get started?
Comfort Windows and Doors has been installing windows and doors in Vaughan and across the GTA for 30 years. Every window is custom-made to your opening, and every installation is done by our own team — no subcontractors. Call us at 416-800-1365 or request a no-obligation quote online.
Thinking about your home's overall security? Julian Herzberg, owner of Comfort Windows & Doors, also conducts independent professional home security audits through his separate firm, Home Security Consultants. An audit will identify your property's specific vulnerabilities and give you a prioritized action plan — with no products to sell and no pressure. The two businesses are completely independent.