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Specification
Structure first, then windows, then wet trades, then finishes. The detail varies by project, but glazing almost always goes in before plastering and before external render.
Written by Windows in the Lakes · A trading name of Home Glazing Ltd · Last reviewed 21 September 2026
In short: windows are installed once the structural openings exist and are weathertight, and before plaster, render, flooring and decoration. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of damage, delay and rework on a renovation.
| Interface | What to agree in advance | Who usually does it |
|---|---|---|
| Render to frame | Bead detail, gap allowance and sealant | Renderer, to a detail agreed with us |
| Threshold to floor | Finished floor level both sides, drainage | Builder, designed before the slab |
| Plaster to reveal | Whether reveals are plastered to the frame or beaded | Plasterer |
| Scaffold removal | That all high-level glazing is installed first | Main contractor |
| Cills and copings | Projection and weathering | Builder |
Some projects install temporary closures and glaze late to protect very large or expensive units. Others need glazing early because the building must be dry before other work starts. Barn conversions, listed buildings and projects with long lead-time units all justify a different order, decided project by project.
Regulatory and technical points in this guide should be checked against the current published guidance below, and against the specific circumstances of your property.
Guidance last reviewed 21 September 2026 by Windows in the Lakes
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