ᐅ How to Protect Windows During the Construction Phase?

Hello everyone,

We are certainly not the only ones to have windows installed shortly after the shell construction is completed. After that, several other trades still need to work, and there is a high risk that the new windows—frames, glass, and seals alike—will be significantly damaged.

Does anyone have good tips or, ideally, experience with methods to protect window frames and glass panes? Many products are said to lack UV resistance and/or leave stains on the frames or glass later on.

Thank you for your help!

Bauherr am L schrieb:

After that, several other trades will follow, and there is a high risk that the new windows (including the frames, glass, and seals) will be significantly damaged.

No, the risk is not high. Therefore, no special protective measures are necessary.

nordanney schrieb:

No, the risk is not high. So no special protective measures are necessary.

Then you were very lucky. Among four homeowners surveyed and also our own architects, all of them experienced damage to their windows during construction:
- scratched aluminum frames, nobody admitted responsibility
- crack in the glass (probably from dropped tools)
- splatters and stains from plaster, mortar, roof primer, etc. (frame had to be replaced because removing the mortar also severely damaged it)
- rubber seals completely dusty and covered with paint spots, only replacement helped

So this question is aimed at people who have tips for some basic protective measures.

Bauherr am L schrieb:

Then you were very lucky. Out of four builders surveyed, and our own architects as well, all reported damage to windows during construction:

Unusual. Construction is my profession. I manage sites with up to 1,000 windows without defects.
I also have not heard of any issues in our private projects—and in 20 years have not seen any “protective measures.” Front doors and staircases: yes. Windows: no.

nordanney schrieb:

Unusual. Construction is my profession. I finance sites with up to 1,000 windows without defects.
I have not heard of any issues in our private sector either – and in 20 years have not seen any “protective measures.” Front doors and stairs: yes. Windows: no.

As I said, the reports and experiences from our area are different.
Also: better to be overly protected once and not need it, than the other way around. Very simple, but unbeatable logic.

Does anyone have any tips?

At our place, only the plasterer covered the windows with plastic film, which made sense. Otherwise, the protective films remained on the windows until the final cleaning. We did not have any scratches or similar damage.