Once homeowners and contractors have settled on aluminium windows, one of the first questions is simple: how long will this take? The honest answer is that aluminium windows lead time depends on several things. For a standard residential order, you can typically expect the full process from quote to completed installation to take around X weeks.
Custom colours, large panes and double glazing can extend that. Straightforward orders on standard profiles and colours can move faster. Understanding each stage helps you plan accurately and avoid the surprises that derail building schedules.
Table of Contents
The full timeline at a glance
Every project moves through the same stages, even if the time spent at each one varies. The table below shows Inso’s typical turnaround times.
Stage
What happens
Typical time
Quote
Get an instant estimate using your own measurements, followed by a detailed quotation[CONFIRM]Site verificationA technician visits to confirm precise opening measurements and check site conditions[CONFIRM]ManufacturingProfiles are cut, joined, machined for hardware and finished in your chosen colour[CONFIRM]GlazingGlass is cut and fitted, or double-glazed units are produced[CONFIRM]InstallationWindows are delivered and fitted by Inso’s installation team[CONFIRM]
Each stage feeds directly into the next, so delays at any point add up quickly. Accepting your quote and booking your site verification promptly is the most effective thing you can do to protect your timeline.
If you haven’t measured your openings yet, our guide on how to measure for aluminium windows, will get you ready for an accurate quote.
How long does manufacturing take for custom aluminium windows?
Manufacturing is usually the longest stage. Once your measurements are confirmed on site, the production team works from those exact dimensions. Aluminium profiles are cut to length, corners are joined, hardware positions are machined and the frames are finished in your chosen powder-coated or anodised finish.
For a straightforward order on a popular profile and colour, manufacturing at Inso typically takes X amount of time. Non-standard colours generally take longer because they need a dedicated powder-coating run. Large pane sizes also add time, because oversized frames need extra reinforcement and more careful handling through production.
The practical takeaway: if your project is flexible on colour, choosing a standard finish will almost always shorten manufacturing time. If a bespoke colour matters to the design, build the extra time into your plans from the start. Browse our guide to aluminium window colours and styles to see what’s available.
Choosing standard window sizes where your openings allow can also help, since standard sizes are more efficient to produce.
How long does installation take per window and per house?
Installation time depends on three things: how many windows you have, how complex the openings are, and whether any preparation work is needed on the reveals. A single window in a standard masonry opening can typically be fitted in X amount of days/weeks.
For a typical residential project, our team usually completes installation over X days. Larger homes, projects that include pivot doors or frameless stacking doors alongside the windows, and properties needing significant reveal preparation will sit at the upper end of that range.
The site verification visit is the best way to get an accurate installation estimate. Apart from capturing dimensions, it lets the installer spot anything that could slow fitting. Loose brickwork, unusual reveal depths or tricky access are far easier to plan around in advance than to discover on installation day.
What happens on installation day
Installation follows a consistent sequence: old frames are removed where applicable, openings are prepared, new frames are positioned and fixed, and everything is sealed. This post focuses on timing rather than method. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our aluminium window installation guide.
Does double glazing add to the lead time?
It can, so plan for it if double glazing is part of your brief. Single-glazed windows move through the glazing stage quickly, because the glass is cut and fitted directly into the finished frame.
A double-glazed unit is a sealed assembly in its own right. It consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer, with a cavity filled with air or an inert gas, all sealed around the edges. The unit has to be made, cured and quality-checked before it can go into the frame.
Inso operates its own in-house double glazing facility, so the glazing stage doesn’t depend on an outside supplier’s schedule. [CONFIRM in-house production and typical glazing turnaround.] Where glazing is outsourced, lead times depend partly on the supplier’s own workload, so keeping production under one roof makes timelines more predictable.
If you’re comparing quotes and timing matters, ask each supplier whether their glazing is made in-house or outsourced. The answer tells you a lot about how reliable their timeline is.
Double glazing is also worth considering for comfort and energy efficiency. New builds and extensions in South Africa must meet the energy requirements of SANS 10400-XA, and glazing choices play a big part. Learn more in our guides to glazing for comfort and energy efficiency and the ultimate window glazing guide.
What can cause delays?
Most delays on aluminium window projects fall into one of four categories.
Custom colours and non-standard finishes
Depending on the colour, this can add days or even weeks to manufacturing. Choosing from a standard palette avoids this delay entirely.
Large or unusually shaped panes
Oversized glass needs specialist handling. Large double-glazed units take longer to make and cure. Fixed feature panes and floor-to-ceiling glazing look stunning, but they carry a longer production time than standard casement or sliding windows.
Site readiness
This delay catches the most projects off guard. Windows can be made and ready to deliver, but if the site isn’t ready, they wait. Common issues include unfinished structural work, openings that aren’t prepared, and access to the property that hasn’t been arranged. Booking your installation date at the same time as your order keeps manufacturing and site progress aligned.
The December shutdown
Much of South Africa’s building industry closes from mid-December into early January. Suppliers, builders and other trades all slow down or stop around this period. If your project needs to be finished before the holidays, place your order well ahead of time. If it runs into the new year, plan for the break in your schedule.
How to keep your project on schedule
A few simple habits make a real difference:
-
Book your site verification immediately after accepting your quote. Manufacturing can’t start until measurements are confirmed, so every day of delay here adds a day to your finish date.
-
Confirm your colour and specification at the same time. Late changes to colour or profile can send your order back in the production queue.
-
Decide on double glazing at the quoting stage. Switching from single to double glazing once manufacturing has started is slow and costly.
-
Coordinate installation with your builder. If other trades are working in the same areas, agree the sequence before the windows arrive. Plaster, cement and paint can damage aluminium finishes, so frames should be protected if work continues after installation.
-
Ask for a confirmed lead time in writing. A verbal estimate is useful, but a written confirmation tied to your order is what you can actually plan around.
Projects that stay on schedule almost always have one thing in common: decisions were made early and communicated clearly. Once manufacturing begins, the timeline is largely in the manufacturer’s hands. What you control is how quickly the stages before manufacturing are completed.
When choosing any supplier, it’s also worth checking whether they’re a member of AAAMSA, the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa, which sets industry standards for aluminium windows and doors.
Ready to get your timeline started?
The sooner your quote is confirmed and your site verification is booked, the sooner your windows move into production.
If you’re still planning your budget, our aluminium window price guide, and our breakdown of what affects the price of aluminium windows, are useful starting points. When you’re ready, use our quote calculator, or contact the Inso team to request your quote and lock in your measure date.
Still deciding on the right window type? Our aluminium windows range, covers every profile Inso manufactures, from casement and top-hung windows to sliding and fixed options. Our guide to types of aluminium windows explains where each works best.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical aluminium windows lead time from quote to installation?
For a standard residential order, the full process typically takes X weeks from quote acceptance to completed installation. The exact time depends on specification, quantity and site readiness.
Does choosing double glazing significantly extend the lead time?
It can add time compared with single glazing. Inso’s in-house glazing facility makes the process more predictable than relying on an outside supplier. [CONFIRM typical double glazing lead time.]
Can I shorten manufacturing time by choosing a standard colour?
Yes. Standard powder-coat colours are processed routinely, while bespoke colours need a dedicated coating run. Choosing from the standard range is one of the most reliable ways to reduce your lead time.
How long does it take to install aluminium windows in a typical house?
It depends on the number of windows and the complexity of the openings. Inso’s team typically completes a standard residential installation in [CONFIRM] days. Your site verification visit will give you a more accurate estimate for your home.
Does the December builders’ break affect lead times?
Yes. Much of the industry closes from mid-December to early January, so orders placed late in the year may take longer. If you need windows installed before the holidays, order as early as possible.
