The Story
This was a 1962 ranch in Palm Springs with original single-pane aluminum windows in every room. The homeowner was a retiree on a fixed income and his summer electric bills were eating him alive. When I walked the house, you could feel the heat coming through the glass from three feet away. I did a thermal scan and every window was glowing like a heater. I showed him the images on my phone and he just shook his head and said he had no idea it was that bad. We put together a phased plan that got every window replaced without him having to write one enormous check.
Eric, GLME Construction
Project Scope
Whole-house window replacement with low-E double-pane units and exterior weathersealing.
The Challenge
The original aluminum frames were non-standard sizes, which meant every opening needed to be custom measured for retrofit frames. Several window sills had termite damage that needed repair before the new units could go in. Because Palm Springs is in Climate Zone 15, the Title 24 requirements for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are stricter than most of LA County.
Our Solution
I ordered custom-sized vinyl retrofit frames with low-E coated double-pane glass rated for Climate Zone 15. We repaired the damaged sills with epoxy and new trim where needed, then installed all 18 windows with foam backer rod and exterior caulking for a complete air seal. Each window passed the Title 24 prescriptive requirements. The homeowner said his house was quieter the same day we finished the first room.
Materials Used
- Custom vinyl retrofit window frames
- Low-E double-pane glass (Climate Zone 15 rated)
- Foam backer rod and weatherseal caulking
- Epoxy sill repairs
- New exterior trim where needed
Eric handled everything including the Title 24 paperwork. My first summer bill after the windows went in was $140 less than the year before. The house stays cooler, it is quieter, and I wish I had done this five years ago.
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