Windows Installation in San Diego

As a homeowner, performing regular home maintenance, repairs, and improvements can prevent major financial issues and other problems. One of the most important areas to consider when taking care of your property are your house windows.

Windows help maintain the temperatures of your home, improve ventilation in necessary spaces, and provide natural light in every room. When your windows are not in their best conditions, it can cost you more money and headaches in the long run.

So what do you need to know about installing new or replacement windows? This article will provide everything you need to know about window installations, from the best option for your property, types of window materials, window installation costs, and the process of performing either a professional window installation.

When is it time to install new windows?

People often question when it is time to install new windows. The underlying concern is usually wondering how long can they really hold out before spending money on replacements. The truth is your old windows could also be costing you a considerable amount of money every year.

Windows in disrepair can leak air (drafts) and water inside your home, damaging your floor and property, and increasing your energy bill. They also result in you consistently spending time and money on ongoing window repairs. Here’s a complete list of reasons you should replace your windows.

1. Drafts. Drafty windows aren’t just a nuisance – they cost you more money to maintain the temperatures in your home.
2. Leaks. Leaks at your windows can cause damage to your walls, floors, and furniture over time.
3. Difficult/unable to open/shut. Windows that are difficult or unable to open or shut can be a huge safety and security risk. You may not be able to quickly evacuate your house in an emergency, or it may provide an easy access point for burglars.
4. Poor aesthetics. Worn, warping windows negatively impact your curb appeal, reducing the value of your home for resale.
5. Windows with single pane glass. Current window standards ensure the use of double or triple pane glass. The older single pane windows can prove unsafe, and are lower quality than today’s windows.
6. Increased electrical bills. If your windows are doing a poor job helping to regulate the temperatures throughout your home, you will spend more money trying to keep your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter.

If you have any of these problems above, it is definitely a good idea to replace your home windows.

Window Installation in San Diego, CA

Homeowners and construction companies in the San Diego area can depend on ClearMax® Windows & Doors to provide the best products and services when it comes to replacing or installing new windows. You can book a time for a free consultation and have professional measurements with a quote for your window project.

We have several years of experience installing windows in San Diego. Read on for a few tips our experts want you to know about performing a window installation.

What are the different types of windows installation?

There are two main types of window installation projects – replacement window installation and a new construction window installation. We are going to give you more information on the difference between these two types of projects.

What is a replacement window?

A replacement window is designed to replace old windows in an existing structure, other replacement windows, or new-construction windows.

Replacement windows do not have flanges or attachment fins and can be smoothly inserted into an existing frame. To use these types of windows, you have to make sure your existing window frame is in good condition.

Can you replace a window without replacing the frame?

You can absolutely use replacement windows to replace a window without having to remove the frame. The frame has to be in good condition, and the replacement window has to be a similar style (both in looks and operation) to the existing window.

Which is the best metal for windows and doors?

There are a variety of metal materials you can use for windows and doors, such as steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. When determining which metal is best for your windows and doors, you have to consider certain characteristics like reactivity in different climates, conductivity, and hardness.

All things considered, aluminum windows and doors top the list. Aluminum is a very strong material that is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, easy to make into different shapes (for unique styles), and easy to coat for an aesthetically pleasing finish.

What is a new construction window?

A new construction window is designed to be inserted into a frame-less opening in a new building. Unlike replacement windows, new construction windows sport attachment fins and flanges on the outside.

This type of window is used when constructing new buildings, or extreme remodeling or repairs to existing structures with badly damaged walls and frames.

Window Installation by Material

Replacement and new construction windows are available in a variety of materials, including metals (aluminum, copper, and more) and vinyl materials. Read on to learn about the difference between these types of windows.

What do you need to know about aluminum windows?

Windows made from aluminum are lightweight and often have a larger glass surface area than other window types because the frames are very strong. Aluminum is very durable, naturally, corrosion-resistant and the frames typically come with a powder coat finish.

Why should I choose an aluminum window?

Aluminum windows can last for as long as 30–40 years, and won’t rust, crack, or rot because of its resistance to corrosion.

The powder coat finish means aluminum frames never have to be painted. And as an added bonus, aluminum windows are fireproof, which is great for owners worried about fire safety.

What do you need to know about vinyl windows?

Vinyl windows are windows made out of a plastic material called poly vinyl chloride, or PVC. Vinyl windows come in white, which is the natural color of PVC, as well a variety of other colors. High-quality vinyl windows can last 20 years or more, and you never need to paint or scrape them.

In addition to being durable and available in various colors, vinyl frames also have a higher U-value than aluminum. The U-value is a measure of how well a material insulates against changes in temperature. A higher U-value means vinyl frames insulate better than metals (like aluminum), and will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

If durability, variety in colors, and energy-efficiency is top of your list, vinyl windows are the way to go.

What is the difference in window installations for different types of properties?

The mechanics of window installation varies based on the type of property. Whether you’re installing windows in an apartment or a home, read below for things you should consider for these properties.

What do you need to consider for apartment window installations?

With apartment window installations, it may be best to replace several windows at once. Buying in bulk gives you an opportunity to ask for a discount, which is often provided on very large purchases.

It may also be worth it to check with our local San Diego government office and your utility company to ask if there are any low-interest loans or rebates provided for purchasing energy-efficient windows.

Consider purchasing windows with frames that allow for an easy window replacement from the inside of the building, such as flush-fin or z-bar frames. This will avoid having to reach certain heights to install windows from the outside of tall complexes.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a window product for another type of residential structure may not work for your apartment building. Window products are not necessarily interchangeable between these types of buildings. Our ClearMax® representatives can help you figure out what type of windows you need.

Lastly, if you live in a historic district, check to see if you need any type of approval before changing out your windows.

What should you consider when doing a home window installation?

When replacing home windows, many times a major concern (other than cost) is how long the project will take and how messy it may leave your house.

Many windows can be installed from the outside. However, some of the process may have to take place inside due to special features of the window opening in your home. Regardless of how carefully either you or a hired crew will work, window installations are often a messy job.

It is a good idea to cover your floors, furniture, and yard with plastic sheeting to catch dust and debris. This will protect your home from damage and allow the cleanup period to go much more quickly. Our ClearMax installers actually do this part for you, covering the adjacent work area with protective coverings like drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

You should remove any curtains at the windows, adjacent picture frames, and keep furniture and other valuables a couple of feet away from the work space. Also, if you have a security service, let them know your plans so they can remove any sensors at the window and promptly reinstall them after the work is completed.

In terms of time, it can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to to replace a single window in your home. This doesn’t include working on the trim or time for preparation and cleanup. But really, a variety of factors are involved, such as additional equipment that may be required or any problems encountered during the installation. It may be better to choose a warmer season to have your windows installed.

What is the General Process for a Window Installation?

There are some general steps to remember when doing a window installation. Here they are listed below.

Step 1: Remove the Window Trim and Casing (What the wood around a window is called)

First, you need to remove the trim and casing at your windows. To do this, use a utility knife to slice the paint at the edge where the trim meets the wall. Use a putty knife or scraper blade and a hammer to slide the edge under the trim to loosen it. Then, gently pull the old trim off (gently using a pry bar if you need to) and keep it to help measure the size of the new trim.

Step 2: Remove the Old Window/Guide Track

For this step, make sure you unscrew the window from the sash to remove it. Take care not to damage the glass during the removal process. For windows with multiple sashes, don’t try to remove them all at once – go one at a time.

Step 3: Prepare or Repair the New Window Opening

Now that your old window is out, it is time to inspect your window opening. If there is any structural damage, it will need to be repaired or the frame replaced before you install your new window. The next thing to do is measure the opening to make sure it is between ¼ to ⅜ of an inch larger than your new window in order for it to fit properly.

Step 5: Dry Fit the Window

Place the new window in the frame to see if you can achieve a proper fit. If you notice any problems that prevent the window from achieving a snug fit, you will need to fix those before permanently installing your new window.

Step 6: Install the Window

Line the inside edge of the opening with silicone before fitting the window inside of it. Use a level to help ensure your window is sitting properly in the frame to prevent future issues with drafts, leaks, etc. Use the screws that come with your frame and drive them into the pre-drilled holes to secure the window into the frame.

Step 7: Add the Insulation

Look for any gaps, using insulation packs and foam to seal them properly.

Step 8: Add the Trim Molding

Cut your trim molding to the lengths you need using a miter saw. Afterward, use nails to attach the trim to the wall.

Step 9: Paint and Add the Finishing Touches

For your final look, paint or stain the trim around the window.

ClearMax® Team of Inhouse Installers

At ClearMax®, our team helps make the window installation process a smooth, fast, and easy one. Save time and energy, and avoid potentially costly mistakes from a DIY window installation by contacting us for your next project.

Our team of skilled professionals will help you find the perfect window or door for your home. We are familiar with every variety of windows and door styles and designs. And when recommending a product, we consider your budget, preferred aesthetics, and accessibility needs.

Plus, our trained professionals will install your doors and windows with as little disruption to your home as possible. We cover up your floors, furniture, and surrounding space with protective coverings such as drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

Book your free 1-hour consultation for us to help you decide which product will work best for your needs. We provide professional window and door measurements and will provide you the best quote for your project.

What to consider when looking at window companies in San Diego

You have several window companies to choose from in San Diego. So why choose us?

ClearMax Windows & Doors is an award-winning window and door replacement and installation company. We are also an Energy Star Partner, and member of top professional associations in our industry as we are committed to serving our customers with the best products and services.

We offer high-quality, energy-efficient products from top tier manufacturers including Milgard, Premium, Jeld-Wen, Pella, La Cantina, Windsor, and more. Our products range in size (small to larger styles) and cost (budget-friendly to high-end luxury). We are sure to have the perfect product to meet your window replacement or new installation needs.

Most importantly, ClearMax values our customers and strives to deliver an optimal customer service experience. Along with an excellent customer service team, we also make it easy for you to order custom windows by purchasing through our online website. Just call our team or use our online chat function to reach out with any questions.

What are the window installation prices in San Diego?

In San Diego, window replacement costs range from $200 to $1,000 per window. Variations in window installation costs depend on a variety of factors, from the type of window installation project to how you choose to customize your windows.

Why do windows cost so much to replace on a home?

Because you should only need to replace your windows once or twice in your entire lifetime, purchasing high-quality windows will allow you to enjoy them for many decades to come. As with everything quality, the price you pay upfront should pay off in the long run.

Another contributor to window installation costs is the huge efforts undertaken by workers to complete your project. Window installers take an enormous amount of time and energy to carefully remove old windows and properly secure your new ones.

At ClearMax, we keep our customers in mind by providing the most affordable options for homeowners. You can also check out our financing program to help make your dream window installation project a reality.

What are the factors that shape the window replacement project price?

Several factors affect the price of your window replacement project.

New installation costs typically run higher than replacement windows projects. The style and materials of the window will affect the price of each window. Selecting additional custom options such as style of window (double-hung, sliding, picture, etc.), grid pattern, frame style, glass type and transparency, and window style will also affect your overall costs.

How much will a glass window cost to replace?

The cost to replace a window depends on a variety of factors, such as shape, type of window, other options desired for your replacement window, and the state of your frame. You can use our simple online window builder to create a custom quote for your window replacement project.