The windows in your home are probably not something you think much about—until they start to become a problem. In most San Diego homes, windows do the jobs they were intended: allow light in, while keeping the elements out. Most windows can also be opened to let in fresh air on pleasant days, and then easily closed again when needed. But what do you do when your home’s windows start to fail—when they start letting in hot and cold air from outside even when they’re closed? Or when they start to leak or allow in dust and debris? What about when the windows become difficult to open and close? It might be time to consider installing retrofit windows in your San Diego home.
What Are Retrofit Windows?
Retrofit windows, also known as “replacement windows,” are windows that are made to be installed in existing homes (as opposed to new construction homes). Retrofit windows fit in the same spaces as the home’s original windows. The old glass units are carefully removed, leaving behind only the window frames. The new, retrofit windows are then carefully installed within those frames, giving a homeowner brand new windows.
Why Would a San Diego Homeowner Consider Retrofit Windows?
San Diego homeowners install retrofit windows in their homes for a variety of reasons. The most popular reason, according to Michal Bohm, owner of BM Windows, a replacement window company in San Diego, is because they want to make their homes more energy efficient. Bohm says, “Old, single-pane windows do very little to keep the heat and cold from entering a home. That is because glass, on its own, is not a good insulator. However, modern windows have a ton of technology built into them to help insulate homes from outside temperatures. The windows we sell have two panes of glass with a special gas in between the two panes, which makes it harder for heat and cold to pass through. Our windows also have vinyl frames, which do a great job of insulating, when compared to older windows with aluminum frames.”
Other reasons for installing retrofit windows, according to Bohm, include better sound suppression (keeping out noise from the outside) and having windows that open and close easily and smoothly.
Where to Buy Retrofit Windows in San Diego
There are multiple places in San Diego to shop for retrofit windows, but Bohm recommends going with an independent replacement window dealer. He says,
These companies have access to some great brands of windows that you can’t purchase in retail stores. You also tend to get better prices and better service from replacement window dealers.”
One last tip from Bohm:
Make sure you have your retrofit windows installed by professionals! By that, I mean people who were trained specifically in retrofit window installation. There are some specific installation techniques that should be used in order to get the best performance out of retrofit windows. A typical general contractor or day laborer might not know to do those things. You could also potentially void the windows’ warranty if you don’t have them professionally installed.”
