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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Window Installer

💰 $40,000 - $75,000

ConstructionFenestrationInstallationManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Window Installer is a skilled trade professional responsible for the safe, accurate and efficient installation of aluminum windows, doors, storefronts and curtain wall systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. This role requires advanced measuring and layout skills, proficiency with glazing and sealants, familiarity with aluminum fabrication and anchoring systems, and a relentless focus on weatherproofing, thermal performance and finish quality. The installer works closely with project managers, glaziers and general contractors to ensure installations meet manufacturer specifications, project drawings, and applicable building codes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice or Helper in glazing/ fenestration trades
  • Carpenter or general construction installer with window/door experience
  • Fabrication shop assistant for aluminum windows and storefronts

Advancement To:

  • Lead Installer / Crew Lead (Fenestration)
  • Commercial Glazing Foreman / Site Supervisor
  • Estimator or Project Manager for fenestration contracts
  • Shop Supervisor for aluminum fabrication

Lateral Moves:

  • Glazier
  • Storefront and Curtain Wall Technician
  • Weatherproofing / Building Envelope Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately read and interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings and manufacturer installation instructions to plan aluminum window, storefront and curtain wall installations while coordinating with project managers for scheduling and material staging.
  • Take detailed field measurements, verify opening sizes and tolerances, and mark critical layout points to ensure prefabricated frames and sashes fit precisely within existing openings and meet thermal and structural requirements.
  • Install aluminum frames, sashes, mullions, transoms and glazing systems for new construction and retrofit projects using mechanical fasteners, anchors, shims and setting blocks in accordance with manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
  • Cut, fit and field-modify aluminum components, using power saws, grinders and hand tools, to achieve watertight and weatherproof joints while maintaining finish integrity and factory tolerances.
  • Install glazing (insulated glass units, tempered, laminated and specialty glass) with appropriate setting blocks, gaskets and glazing tapes, ensuring correct compression, alignment and protection of glass edges to prevent stress fractures.
  • Apply sealants, gaskets, EPDM, compression seals and backer rods to perimeter joints, sills and mechanical connections to create continuous weatherproof and airtight seals that meet project specifications.
  • Install and adjust hardware—including hinges, rollers, handles, locks and closers—on aluminum doors and windows to ensure smooth operation, proper latching, and compliance with accessibility and security requirements.
  • Install thermal break systems, pressure plates and flashing to maintain energy performance and water intrusion resistance while following manufacturer guidance for insulation and drainage planes.
  • Set, align and secure storefront and curtain wall anchors, brackets and supporting structure to building substrate using chemical anchors, through-bolting or expansion anchors while ensuring loads transfer per engineering requirements.
  • Verify and document installation tolerances, plumb/level/square conditions, and sealant bead profiles; perform on-site corrections to maintain quality control and minimize warranty exposures.
  • Coordinate with glazing crews, scaffold/lift operators and trade contractors to sequence work safely and efficiently on multi-trade job sites, ensuring staged access and material handling are optimized.
  • Prepare and install flashings, sub-sills, sloped sills and interior/exterior trim to prevent water infiltration and ensure integration with exterior cladding systems.
  • Troubleshoot field issues such as out-of-square openings, substrate irregularities or damaged units, recommend corrective options, and execute repairs or coordinate replacement components with the shop or supplier.
  • Use and maintain powered access equipment (scissor lifts, boom lifts), scaffolding and safety fall protection systems according to OSHA standards and site-specific safety plans while ensuring all crew members are compliant.
  • Perform final punch lists, cosmetic touch-ups, and cleaning of installed aluminum systems; document deficiencies and follow through until customer sign-off and project closeout.
  • Package, protect and stage installed components and adjacent finishes to prevent damage during ongoing site work, and coordinate carefully with general contractors during sequencing.
  • Inspect incoming shipments of aluminum frames, glass units and hardware for damage, accurate quantities and compliance with purchase orders; log discrepancies and communicate with suppliers for rapid resolution.
  • Maintain daily installation logs, produce completion reports and provide photographic documentation for quality assurance, warranty records and client reporting.
  • Mentor and train junior installers and apprentices in installation techniques, safe tool use and manufacturer best practices to improve team capability and consistency.
  • Follow environmental, health and safety regulations on-site including PPE use, hazardous materials handling, and waste disposal specific to glazing and sealant products.
  • Assist in on-site fabrication tasks such as drilling, tapping, welding (where applicable), and assembly of custom aluminum components under shop or supervisory guidance.
  • Collaborate with project managers and estimators during pre-installation planning to provide input on constructability, site constraints and installation sequencing.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with material staging, inventory control and on-site tracking of parts, ensuring proper storage and protection of glass and aluminum components.
  • Support quality assurance inspections and coordinate with subcontractors to close outstanding installation punch items quickly.
  • Participate in toolbox talks, safety audits and continuous improvement meetings to enhance installation methods and reduce rework.
  • Help maintain and calibrate hand and power tools, ensuring all equipment is in safe, working order before each shift.
  • Provide courteous, professional interactions with clients and building occupants, addressing minor on-site concerns and escalating issues to supervisors as needed.
  • Aid the fabrication shop by providing field measurements and feedback to improve prefabrication accuracy and reduce field modifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in measuring and laying out window and storefront openings to tight tolerances using laser levels, tape measures and squares.
  • In-depth knowledge of aluminum framing systems, storefront assemblies, curtain wall components and thermal break technologies.
  • Experienced in installing insulated glass units (IGUs), tempered and laminated glass with proper setting blocks, spacers and edge protection.
  • Skilled at applying and tooling silicone, polyurethane and hybrid sealants to produce continuous, compliant weatherseals.
  • Familiar with anchoring systems (mechanical anchors, epoxy anchors, through-bolts) and the ability to follow structural anchorage details.
  • Competent in reading blueprints, shop drawings, architectural details and glazing schedules.
  • Able to perform light field fabrication: cutting aluminum, drilling, tapping, countersinking and assembling mullions and frames.
  • Knowledge of local building codes, ASTM glazing standards and manufacturer installation manuals.
  • Competent in operating scissor lifts, boom lifts and erecting/working from scaffolding with valid certifications where required.
  • Skilled with power and hand tools commonly used in fenestration (saws, grinders, routers, impact drivers, rivet guns).
  • Familiarity with waterproofing and flashing techniques to integrate windows with cladding and air/water barrier systems.
  • Ability to document installations using mobile devices, take accurate photos and maintain installation logs or checklists.
  • Basic welding or brazing experience for aluminum preferred (MIG/TIG) for custom or repair work (where applicable).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality finishes and long-term weatherproof performance.
  • Excellent problem-solving and field judgment to devise practical fixes for on-site irregularities while protecting project schedules.
  • Clear communication skills for interacting with supervisors, clients, general contractors and team members.
  • Dependability and time-management to consistently meet project deadlines and reduce delays.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to lead small crews and train apprentices.
  • Adaptability to changing jobsite conditions, scope changes and tight tolerances.
  • Professional customer service and conflict resolution skills for on-site client interactions.
  • Strong physical stamina, manual dexterity and comfort working at heights.
  • Safety-first attitude with the ability to follow and enforce site safety protocols.
  • Organizational skills for staging, inventory control and maintaining a clean, efficient work area.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; equivalent combination of education and hands-on trade experience accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational or technical certificate in glazing, metal fabrication, carpentry or related construction trades.
  • OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety card; certified aerial lift and fall protection courses preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Trades
  • Glazing Technology / Fenestration
  • Carpentry / Metal Fabrication
  • Architectural Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on window/door or storefront installation experience for entry to mid-level installer roles.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of direct experience installing aluminum windows, storefronts or curtain wall systems in residential and commercial projects.
  • Prior experience with commercial glazing, shop prefabrication coordination, and working from lifts or scaffolding.
  • Demonstrated track record of installations meeting manufacturer warranties and project quality standards.
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