That’s been my experience too—those smells just hang around, especially if you can’t get a decent cross-breeze. I actually set up a couple of box fans in the windows right after install, and it helped a bit, but not as much as I hoped. The dust was another surprise. Even after vacuuming a few times, I still felt like the air was heavier for a week or so. It can feel like two steps forward, one step back at first, but things do settle down eventually.
I get what you’re saying about the lingering smells and dust, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s just “part of the process” that you have to wait out. When we did our windows (first time, old 70s ranch), I was pretty skeptical about all the clean-up advice people gave me. I figured a good vacuum and some fans would do it, but after living through it, I actually think a lot of the smell and dust can be avoided if the installers use drop cloths and seal off the work area better. Mine didn’t, and I’m still a bit annoyed thinking back—there was caulk dust everywhere, even in rooms where no windows were replaced.
I also noticed that those chemical smells—like from the foam insulation or whatever adhesive they use—lasted way longer than anyone warned me about. A week is being generous. We had to keep our bedroom windows open for almost two weeks straight, and even then, there was this weird plasticky odor hanging around. Maybe it’s different with newer products or a different brand, but I wish someone had told me to ask about low-VOC materials before signing off.
And about the air feeling heavier… I don’t know if it’s just psychological, but I swear I felt like my allergies got worse right after. Maybe it’s because of all the dust kicked up behind the old frames? Either way, I’m not sure I buy that it “settles down eventually” without some extra effort. Air purifiers made a bigger difference for us than any amount of vacuuming or airing out.
Not trying to be negative—I love how the new windows look—but if you’re picky about air quality or sensitive to smells, just waiting it out doesn’t really cut it in my experience. Might be worth grilling your installer beforehand on their cleanup routine, or investing in a decent air purifier ahead of time. Just my two cents.
I wish someone had told me to ask about low-VOC materials before signing off.
Same here. I learned the hard way that not all installers care about what’s in their foam or caulk. The VOCs lingered for days, and honestly, it made me rethink how “green” new windows really are at first. If you’re sensitive, it’s worth being that annoying person who asks a million questions up front. Air purifiers and keeping doors closed between rooms helped us, but yeah, a little more prep from the crew would’ve gone a long way.
Definitely relate to this. When I did my kitchen windows, the installer swore the spray foam was “standard” but didn’t mention anything about VOCs. The smell hung around for a week and I had to crash in the guest room. Next time, I’ll probably just buy the caulk and foam myself—at least then I know what’s going in my house. It’s wild how something so small can make such a difference.
That brings back memories—my first window install, I thought “expanding foam” sounded like something out of a sci-fi movie, not something that’d turn my living room into a chemical bunker for days. I’m with you, it’s bizarre how a bit of insulation can change the whole vibe (and smell) of the place. I’ve started double-checking everything they use now, even if it means a few extra trips to the hardware store. It’s not paranoia if you’ve lived through that off-gassing...
Expanding foam is one of those things you don’t really think about until you’re living with the aftermath. I remember when we had our windows replaced, the installer assured me the foam was “low-odor”—but the smell lingered for days. Ended up running fans and cracking windows, which sort of defeated the purpose of better insulation. I’ve since learned to request non-toxic or low-VOC options, but even then, ventilation is key. Honestly, I wish I’d been more proactive about materials from the start.
- Been there—
—yep, same deal at my place.the smell lingered for days
- Pro tip: If you ever do spray foam again, toss an old towel under the door. The stuff finds its way everywhere.
- I’ve had better luck with the “green” brands, but honestly, nothing’s truly odorless.
- It’s wild how you only notice these things after you’re living with them... like the window guy’s “no mess” promise.
- Next time, I’ll just camp outside for a few days and call it a win.
That “no mess” promise always cracks me up—never actually seen it happen, and I’ve been around a lot of installs. The towel trick’s solid, but I still swear you find foam dust in weird spots months later. Still, new windows are worth a few headaches in the end.
That “no mess” promise always cracks me up—never actually seen it happen, and I’ve been around a lot of installs.
Funny, I actually lucked out with my install—maybe beginner’s luck? There was still some dust, but not nearly as bad as I expected. I think it helped that I basically bubble-wrapped everything in the room (my partner thought I was nuts). Still found a rogue screw in my sock drawer, though. The mess isn’t totally avoidable, but it wasn’t quite the disaster I’d braced for. Maybe it’s just a roll of the dice each time.
Still found a rogue screw in my sock drawer, though.
That made me laugh—last time I did windows, I was finding little bits of caulk and plastic shavings for weeks. I’m with you, the mess never totally goes away, but it’s not always a total disaster either. I’ve noticed the crew makes a big difference. Some really do try to keep things tidy, others… not so much. Bubble-wrapping everything is actually pretty smart, wish I’d thought of that.