The Window Installation Process: What to Expect from The Window & Door Store

A window is only as good as the hands that install it. You could buy the most expensive, energy-efficient triple-pane window in the world, but if it is installed poorly, it will leak air, trap moisture, and fail within a few years. In the volatile climate of North Dakota, where temperatures swing from -30°F to 90°F, precision installation isn’t just a luxury—it’s a requirement.

At The Window & Door Store, we have spent nearly two decades perfecting a window installation process specifically engineered for the Bismarck and Fargo regions. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” solutions or rushed “slash-and-dash” installations.

This guide outlines our comprehensive, step-by-step approach to transforming your home, from the initial design consultation to the final quality audit.

Phase 1: The Design & Technical Consultation

Our process begins long before a tool ever touches your home. Because every home in North Dakota—from historic Fargo bungalows to modern Bismarck estates—is unique, we start with a deep-dive consultation.

1. In-Home Aesthetic & Functional Analysis

We meet with you at your home to discuss your goals. Are you looking to lower your MDU or Xcel Energy bills? Are you tired of painting old wood frames? Or is your primary goal to modernize the look of your home? We evaluate your current windows’ performance and help you choose styles (Double-Hung, Casement, etc.) and colors that complement your architecture.

2. The “True-Fit” Precision Measurement

Unlike many contractors who use “rounded” measurements, our technicians perform a precision measurement of every single opening. We measure the width, height, and depth at multiple points to account for any “settling” the house has experienced over the decades. This ensures that when your custom ProVia or Sunrise windows arrive, they fit with a tolerance of less than 1/8th of an inch.

Phase 2: Custom Engineering & Manufacturing

Once your order is finalized, your windows enter the manufacturing phase.

Why Custom Matters for ND Homes

Standard “off-the-shelf” windows from big-box stores are designed for a national average climate. Our windows are custom-built with glass packages specifically selected for Northern Climate Zone 5. This means specialized Low-E coatings and gas fills that are optimized for retaining heat during a North Dakota winter while reflecting the intense prairie sun in the summer.

Phase 3: Preparation & Site Protection

On the day of installation, our factory-trained crew arrives in a fully equipped mobile workshop. Our first priority is not your windows—it’s your home.

1. Interior Protection

We treat your home like our own. We lay down protective drop cloths and floor runners from the entry point to the work areas. We also ask that you move furniture a few feet back from the windows, but our crew is always happy to assist with heavy lifting to ensure a clear, safe workspace.

2. Exterior Staging

We set up a designated “cut station” and staging area outside. By keeping the majority of the heavy equipment and debris outside, we minimize the dust and footprint within your living space.

Phase 4: The Surgical Removal

Removing an old window in North Dakota requires finesse. If you simply “rip” a window out, you risk damaging the surrounding vapor barrier, siding, or interior drywall.

Identifying Hidden Issues

As we remove the old sashes and frames, we perform a “structural audit.” We look for:

• Hidden Wood Rot: Often caused by failed seals in the old windows.

• Insect Damage: Identifying if ants or termites have compromised the rough opening.

• Insulation Gaps: Many older homes in Fargo and Bismarck have “empty pockets” around the windows where builders skipped insulation.

If we find these issues, we don’t just cover them up. We address them properly to ensure your new windows have a solid, healthy foundation.

Phase 5: The “Weather-Tight” Installation

This is where the magic happens. We utilize a “Full-Frame” or “Insert” method depending on your home’s needs, but the core sealing technology remains the same.

1. Level, Plumb, and Square

Using high-precision levels, we ensure the new frame is perfectly square. This is critical for the long-term operation of the window. If a window is slightly tilted, the gravitational pull will eventually cause the hardware to fail or the seals to warp.

2. Advanced Thermal Sealing (The Foam Method)

We do not use standard “stuffing” fiberglass insulation, which can actually hold moisture and grow mold. Instead, we use a closed-cell, low-expansion polyurethane foam.

• Why it’s superior: This foam expands into every nook and cranny, creating an airtight and watertight seal. Because it is “low-expansion,” it won’t bow the window frame, and because it is “closed-cell,” it acts as a secondary vapor barrier against the North Dakota wind.

3. Integrated Flashing & Capping

To prevent water from ever reaching your wall studs, we install integrated flashing. On the exterior, we use custom-bent aluminum “capping” or “wrapping.” This provides a maintenance-free finish that matches your window color and ensures that rain and melting snow are directed away from the home.

Phase 6: Professional Finishing & Cleanup

We don’t consider the job done until your home looks better than it did when we arrived.

1. Interior Trim & Caulking

We apply high-grade, color-matched sealant to the interior trim. This isn’t just for looks; it provides the final air seal. Our installers are trained in “clean-line” caulking techniques that result in a professional, furniture-grade finish.

2. The White Glove Cleanup

Our crew performs a thorough cleanup of the work area. This includes:

• Vacuuming all interior floors near the work zones.

• Magnet-sweeping the exterior lawn to pick up any stray screws or metal shards.

• Cleaning the glass of your new windows so you can enjoy the view immediately.

Phase 7: The Final Walkthrough & Education

The last step of our process is the most important for your peace of mind. The lead installer will walk you through every window in the house.

1. Operational Demo

We show you how to operate the locks, how to use the “tilt-in” cleaning feature (on Double-Hung models), and how to remove the screens. We want you to feel 100% confident in using your new investment.

2. Quality Audit Sign-off

We go through a checklist to ensure every window meets our “Window & Door Store Standard.” Only when you are completely satisfied do we consider the project closed.

Why Our Process Beats the “Big Box” Competitors

In Bismarck and Fargo, you have many choices for window installation. Here is why our process stands out:

Feature	The Window & Door Store	Typical Subcontractors
Crew Type	Factory-Trained In-House Teams	Lowest-Bid Daily Labor
Measurement	Precision Technical Measure	“Rough” Estimation
Insulation	Closed-Cell Thermal Foam	Fiberglass Batting (Drafty)
Cleanup	“White Glove” Interior/Exterior	Basic Debris Removal
Warranty	Lifetime Labor + Material	Limited Product Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions About Installation

Do I need to be home during the installation?

We do require an adult to be present at the start of the job for the initial walkthrough and at the end for the final sign-off. During the day, many of our Bismarck and Fargo customers feel comfortable letting our crews work while they go about their day.

How long does a typical installation take?

For an average-sized home (10-15 windows), we typically finish in 1 to 2 days. We work efficiently to ensure your home isn’t “under construction” for a week.

Can you install windows in the winter?

Absolutely. We have a specialized “Cold Weather Installation” protocol. We work window-by-window, keeping the home sealed as much as possible to prevent heat loss. We’ve installed windows in Fargo when it’s -10°F without dropping the home’s internal temperature more than a few degrees.

What do I need to do to prepare my home?

The main things are removing window treatments (blinds/curtains), moving furniture about 3 feet back, and deactivating any window-based security sensors. We handle the rest!

Start Your Project Today in Bismarck or Fargo

Our window installation process is designed to give you a stress-free experience and a home that is significantly more comfortable and valuable.

Ready to see the difference that a professional, local team can make? Contact The Window & Door Store today to schedule your free design and installation consultation. Let’s build something that lasts.

• Bismarck Office: (701) 223-1008

• Fargo Office: (701) 205-0110