Window installer

Window installers place windows into structures and service them. They take out old windows if present, prepare the opening, mount the window, and attach it in place plumb, straight, square and watertight.

The duties of a window installer include, but are not limited to:

• Installing new windows, including measuring and cutting openings for them in walls or ceilings
• Cleaning and repairing glass surfaces, including windowpanes, mirrors, and doors
• Installing new doors and door frames using tools such as saws, hammers, nails, levels, screwdrivers, and hinges
• Repairing or replacing damaged sashes, muntins, locks, frames, hinges, stops, or other components of windows
• Installing window treatments such as blinds or shades on a variety of windows, including single hung, double hung, casement, bay, bow, and transom
• Installing storm windows and doors during the winter season to protect homes from severe weather conditions
• Installing security devices such as window bars, burglar alarms, and motion detectors
• Installing new skylights or roof windows in homes to let in natural light
• Installing ceramic tile or other types of flooring in bathrooms and kitchens.

Window installers typically work full time, and some may work more than 40 hours per week. They may work outdoors in all types of weather and on scaffolding or ladders, which can be physically demanding. They also may work indoors in dusty and dirty conditions. Some window installers travel to different job sites, and some may be away from home for long periods of time.

The following job titles also refer to window installer:

window installation team member
window technician
window installation team worker
window fitter

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a window installer.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Window installer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to window installer.

door installer
insulation worker
plate glass installer
resilient floor layer
carpet fitter

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of window installer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of window installer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

insulation supervisor
glass installation supervisor
bricklaying supervisor
roofing supervisor
plastering supervisor

These skills are necessary for the role of window installer.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Apply proofing membranes: Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.
• Cut insulation material to size: Cut insulation material to fit snugly into a space if that space is too small, too large, or of an irregular shape.
• Use shims: Set shims in gaps to keep objects firmly in place. Use the suitable size and type of shim, depending on the purpose.
• Install sill pan: Install different types of sill pans, systems that sit underneath the window sill to collect any excess moisture or fluids and convey it outside as to prevent moisture damage to the window or adjacent structures.
• Transport construction supplies: Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers’ safety and protection from deterioration.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Manipulate glass: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of glass.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Apply insulation strips: Apply insulation strips, which prevent air exchange between outdoors and indoors areas.
• Set window: Place a window in a prepared position such as a wall or floor, in case of full height glass. Use measurement tools to ascertain that the window is straight and plumb.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Apply spray foam insulation: Spray foam insulation, usually polyurethane, to fill a space.
• Cut house wrap: Make incisions in house wrap to insert windows, doors or other objects. Plan the incision first and mark the lines on the wrap. Remove excess material. Tape all seams.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of window installer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Types of insulation material: Various types of insulation material and their usage cases, advantages, risks and costs.
• Energy performance of buildings: Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of window installer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Advise on construction materials: Provide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.
• Install frameless glass: Set frameless glass panes, usually in showers and on bathtubs. Use plastic shims to make sure the glass doesn’t touch any hard surfaces, which may cause scratching or breaking. Make sure the glass is level and attach any brackets to keep the glass in place. Waterproof the edges with silicone rubber caulk.
• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Assemble windows: Assemble the profiles to build window or glass door frames using cutting, trimming, sealing and welding equipment,fix the metal fittings with power tools, and insert the glass pane.
• Use squaring pole: Use a squaring pole, a telescopic measurement pole that allows for checking the length of the diagonals of an inset area of a structure. If the diagonals are of equal length, the inset is straight.
• Use sander: Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Maintain work area cleanliness: Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Assemble insulating glazing units: Assemble two glass panes with a spacer, usually made of stainless steel, aluminium or structural foam, and apply an adhesive sealant to press the glass panes against the spacer. Drill holes in the spacer to draw out the air, fill the space with gas or leave the vacuum, then seal the holes.
• Install insulation material: Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermal or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, or rely on friction to keep the material in place.
• Inspect insulation: Inspect the quality of the insulation of a structure. Inspect the insulation visually to detect any mistakes or defects. Analyse infrared imagery to see any cold bridges, air gaps, or insulation malfunctions.
• Install construction profiles: Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Apply house wrap: Cover exterior surfaces with house wrap to prevent moisture from entering a structure, while allowing it to exit. Securely fasten the wrap with staples, often button staples. Tape seams.
• Create architectural sketches: Create architectural sketches for the design and detail specifications of interiors and exteriors to scale.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Pack fragile items for transportation: Pack fragile items such as glass panes or glass objects using the appropriate boxes and cushioning materials such as air-encapsulated plastic or customised foam enclosures to make sure the content will not move during transportation.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

7115 – Carpenters and joiners

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References

1. Window installer – ESCO
2. Window Installer Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: Photo by Ksenia Chernaya