Window Installation in New Construction: What You Need to Know
Window installation in new construction has its own features that differ from replacing windows in old housing. The correctness of installation determines the comfort of your future home for decades. In Kyiv, more and more new buildings appear every year, and proper window installation at the construction stage is the key to comfort for many years.
Rough and Finish Installation
In new construction, two types of window installation are used, and the choice depends on the construction stage.
Rough Installation
Rough installation is installing the window unit without finish decoration.
When Applied:
- At the construction stage before starting finish renovation
- When walls are not yet decorated
- If protection from precipitation is needed
What’s Included:
- Frame installation in the opening
- Fastening with anchors or hangers
- Filling gaps with mounting foam
- Installing glass unit and sashes
- Temporary insulation of outer seam
Advantages:
- Protection of the room from atmospheric precipitation
- Ability to continue internal work
- Savings on finishing materials
Finish Installation
Finish installation is full installation of the window unit with all finishing work.
What’s Included:
- Everything from rough installation
- Slope finishing (plastering, plastic, decorative panels)
- Windowsill installation
- Sill installation
- Final sealing
Advantages:
- Ready result “turnkey”
- No additional work needed
- Warranty on the entire complex of work
UWS Expert Tip: For new construction, we recommend rough installation at the construction stage, and finish installation after completing wall decoration. This allows avoiding damage to new slopes during renovation work.
House Settlement Period
Settlement is the natural process of building structures compacting under their own weight.
Settlement Timeline
| Wall Material | Settlement Period | Settlement Size |
|---|---|---|
| Brick | 6-12 months | 0.5-2% |
| Aerated concrete | 6-12 months | 1-3% |
| Ceramic blocks | 6-12 months | 0.5-1.5% |
| Wood (log house) | 1-2 years | 3-10% |
| Frame house | 3-6 months | 1-3% |
What Happens During Settlement
- Wall height decreases — by 1-5 cm depending on material
- Opening geometry changes — window openings can “shift”
- Cracks form — especially at joints of different materials
- Floor level changes — this can affect the windowsill
How to Account for Settlement
- Settlement compensators — special devices that allow the frame to “move” with the wall
- Increased gap — leave a larger gap between frame and wall (3-5 cm instead of 2 cm)
- Rough installation — allows later adjustment or replacement of windows
Important: Don’t ignore the settlement period! Windows installed too early may deform, leading to leaks and inability to close sashes properly.
Installation Features for Different Materials
Each wall material has its own features that affect installation technology.
Brick Walls
- Fastening: anchors or dowels (insertion depth at least 8 cm)
- Insulation: mounting foam + vapor barrier tape
- Feature: brick can be hollow — use special anchors
Aerated Concrete Walls
- Fastening: special dowels for aerated concrete or adhesive fastening
- Insulation: mounting foam + waterproofing
- Feature: aerated concrete absorbs moisture — waterproofing is necessary
Wooden Walls
- Fastening: self-tapping screws or nails (necessarily considering settlement)
- Insulation: jute or tow + mounting foam
- Feature: must use settlement compensators
Frame Walls
- Fastening: self-tapping screws through the frame
- Insulation: mineral wool + vapor barrier
- Feature: need to consider insulation thickness
UWS Expert Tip: Our specialists have experience working with all types of materials. We’ll select the optimal installation technology specifically for your house. In Kyiv, we work with new buildings of various types — brick, aerated concrete, frame, and wooden.
Choosing Window Configuration
For new construction, you need to consider several factors when choosing window configuration.
Cardinal Orientation
- North — minimal glazing area, maximum thermal insulation
- South — large glazing area, protection from overheating (tinting)
- East — medium area, morning sun
- West — medium area, evening sun (overheating risk)
Room Type
- Living room — large windows, good view
- Bedroom — medium windows, good sound insulation
- Children’s room — safe hardware, opening restrictions
- Kitchen — ventilation gap, medium size
- Bathroom — small window, frosted glass
Energy Efficiency
For new construction we recommend:
- Profile: 70-80 mm, 5-7 chambers
- Glass unit: double-glazed with low-emissivity coating
- Hardware: with micro-ventilation
Important: Think through window configuration in advance. Replacing already installed windows in new construction will cost significantly more than making the right choice at the design stage.
Common Mistakes
When installing windows in new construction, mistakes are often made that lead to serious consequences.
Mistake 1: Installation Before Settlement
Consequences: frame deformation, leaks, inability to close sashes.
Mistake 2: No Settlement Compensators
Consequences: frame gets “clamped” by the wall, cracks form.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Gap
Consequences: either frame “leads” (small gap), or poor thermal insulation (large gap).
Mistake 4: No Waterproofing
Consequences: moisture penetrates insulation, thermal insulation decreases.
Mistake 5: Saving on Materials
Consequences: premature wear, need for repair after 5-10 years.
Contact UWS: We guarantee installation quality and provide warranty on all work. Our specialists will help avoid typical mistakes and select the optimal solution for your new construction. Learn more at uws.com.ua. UWS performs window installation, mosquito net installation, and balcony equipment in new buildings in Kyiv — from Obolon to Pechersk.
