Windows chosen for Texas sun

What matters most in an Austin window

In a cooling climate, the number that matters most is the solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC. It measures how much of the sun's heat passes through the glass. For west and south walls in Central Texas, we recommend glass rated at 0.25 or lower. U-factor, which measures heat loss, matters less here than it does up north, though a good window does well on both.

Low-E coatings do the heavy lifting. They reflect heat while letting visible light through, so rooms stay bright without the afternoon glare that fades floors and furniture. Many older Austin homes still have single-pane aluminum windows, and replacing those makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

Frame materials, and how each handles heat

Vinyl frames are affordable and efficient, and quality vinyl holds up well when it is properly reinforced. Fiberglass frames expand and contract at nearly the same rate as glass, which keeps seals tight through big temperature swings and allows thinner, more modern sightlines.

Aluminum-clad wood gives you real wood inside with a durable metal exterior, a good fit for older Tarrytown and Travis Heights homes or modern builds with large openings. Dark frame colors are popular, but they absorb more heat, so we pair them with materials rated for it.

Installation is where windows succeed or fail

A premium window installed poorly will leak air and water. We remove the old unit, inspect the opening for rot, and flash the sill, sides and head so water drains out rather than into the wall. Gaps are filled with low-expansion foam, not stuffed insulation, and exterior trim is sealed to your siding or masonry.

Most homes take one to three days, working room by room so you are never left with an open wall overnight. We protect floors, move furniture back, clean the glass and show you how each window operates and locks before we leave.