Top Window Replacement & Installation in Des Moines, Iowa Ranked

Upgrading your windows is a significant home improvement project that can dramatically enhance your home's comfort, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. In Des Moines, where the climate swings from frigid winters to hot, humid summers, choosing the right new windows is crucial for managing indoor temperatures and utility bills. This guide will help you understand the popular styles, key energy features, and typical costs for window installation in the area, empowering you to make an informed decision for your home.

Wagoner Roofing

3161 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Wagoner Roofing is a locally owned company based near Des Moines, IA, specializing in roofing and window replacement services. They serve Central Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, Boone, Ankeny, and Waukee. The company offers a range of exterior home improvement services such as shingle and metal roof replacement, Pella window installation, and siding replacement. Wagoner Roofing is known for providing durable roofing solutions backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty and has extensive experience in storm damage restoration. Their team focuses on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction throughout every project.

5.0

182 Reviews

HomeView Exteriors

1808 Fuller Rd Suite E, West Des Moines, IA 50265

HomeView Exteriors is a locally owned company based in Des Moines, IA, specializing in home exterior and bath remodeling. They provide services including window replacement, sliding glass door installation, siding, roofing, gutters, and bath fixtures. Serving homeowners within 90 miles of Des Moines and Omaha, they work with leading manufacturers to offer high-quality materials and expert installation. One notable capability is their installation of Energy Star Certified double and triple pane windows that improve energy efficiency and noise reduction. HomeView Exteriors emphasizes a customer-focused process from consultation to installation, backed by a comprehensive labor and material guarantee.

5.0

123 Reviews

Sassman Glass & Mirror

4455 NW 6th Dr, Des Moines, IA 50313

Sassman Glass & Mirror is a glass repair and installation company based in Des Moines, IA, serving Central Iowa with residential and commercial glass solutions. They provide custom glass shower doors, mirrors, aluminum commercial storefronts, door hardware, and window re-glazing. The company has over 40 years of experience and a team with more than 200 years of combined expertise. Sassman Glass & Mirror offers on-site measuring and installation services to ensure precise fitting and quality workmanship.

4.9

505 Reviews

NuVu Builders Inc

405 E 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111

NuVu Builders Inc is a window replacement company based in Des Moines, IA, serving the Central Iowa area. They specialize in window, siding, and roofing restoration, offering expert craftsmanship combined with quality products. The company provides personalized consultations and product demonstrations to help customers select energy-efficient and stylish solutions. NuVu Builders has completed projects for over 5,000 Midwestern customers and is locally owned and operated, emphasizing community growth and satisfaction.

5.0

93 Reviews

Right Roofing & Siding

3250 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Right Roofing & Siding is a full-service roofing and exterior company serving Des Moines, IA, and nearby communities. With over 28 years of experience, they provide roofing repairs, replacements, and installations along with siding, window, and gutter services. Their commercial roofing expertise includes EPDM, TPO, PVC, and metal roofing systems. The company also offers AI drone-assisted roof inspections and works with residential and commercial clients to maintain and improve their properties. Owner Ryan Johnson emphasizes honest advice and quality workmanship backed by warranties.

4.9

320 Reviews

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Popular Window Styles for Des Moines Homes

When selecting new windows for your home, style is about more than just looks. The right choice balances functionality, durability, and performance against Iowa's severe weather conditions ^{1 2}. Here are the most common types of residential windows installed in Des Moines.

Double-Hung Windows As the most common style in both the U.S. and Des Moines, double-hung windows feature two sashes that slide vertically ^{3 4}. Their classic design suits almost any architectural style. A major advantage is that both sashes can often tilt inward, making cleaning the exterior glass from inside your home safe and easy. This versatility and ease of maintenance make them a perennial favorite for many rooms.

Casement Windows Hinged at the side and opening outward with a hand crank, casement windows offer excellent ventilation and a very tight seal when closed ⁵. Because the entire window pane seals against the frame, they are exceptionally effective at keeping winter drafts out, which is a valuable feature for energy conservation in Des Moines ⁶. Their unobstructed glass area also provides clear views and allows ample natural light.

Sliding Windows Also known as gliders, these windows have panels that glide horizontally on a track. They are an affordable and practical choice for wider openings, such as in living rooms or walk-out basements ⁷. Since they don't swing inward or outward, they are ideal for spaces like decks or patios where you don't want the window to intrude on outdoor furniture or walkways.

Bay and Bow Windows These projecting windows create a dramatic architectural statement and add valuable interior space, often used as a cozy reading nook or display area ⁸. A bay window typically consists of a large central picture window flanked by two smaller angled windows (often double-hung or casement). A bow window is made of four or more equal-sized windows arranged in a gentle curve. Both styles are more complex and expensive to install due to the structural support required ³.

Awning Windows Hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, awning windows are perfect for smaller spaces like bathrooms, basements, or above counters ⁹. Their design allows for ventilation even during light rain, making them a functional choice for areas where you want to maintain airflow in various weather conditions.

Why Energy Efficiency is Non-Negotiable in Iowa

Iowa's climate, with average winter lows below 20°F and hot, humid summers, places a heavy demand on your home's heating and cooling systems ^{10 11}. Installing energy-efficient windows is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's thermal envelope, reducing energy waste and lowering your utility bills year-round.

To make an informed choice, you need to understand the key metrics found on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label, which is the industry standard for rating window performance ¹².

• U-Factor: This measures the rate of non-solar heat flow through a window. Simply put, it's a rating of how well the window insulates. A lower U-factor indicates better insulation. For Iowa's cold winters, a U-factor of 0.30 or lower is generally considered energy efficient, with values in the 0.20-0.27 range being excellent ^{13 14}.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. It is a number between 0 and 1. A lower SHGC means less solar heat is transmitted, which is beneficial in summer to reduce cooling costs. The ideal SHGC balances summer heat gain with desirable passive solar heating in the winter.

Beyond these ratings, specific window features enhance performance:

• Low-E Coatings: These microscopic, virtually invisible metallic coatings are applied to the glass. They reflect interior heat back inside during winter and reflect outdoor heat away in summer. They also block a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can fade carpets, furniture, and artwork ¹⁵.
• Gas Fills: The space between double or triple panes of glass is often filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. These gases are denser than air, providing superior insulation and reducing heat transfer more effectively ¹³.
• Triple-Pane Glass: While a more significant investment, triple-pane windows offer the maximum level of insulation and noise reduction. For homes in particularly cold areas or near busy streets, the added comfort and energy savings can be worthwhile over time.
• Frame Materials: The frame plays a critical role in overall efficiency. Vinyl is extremely popular in Des Moines due to its affordability, durability, low maintenance, and inherent insulating properties. Fiberglass frames offer even greater strength, dimensional stability, and can provide some of the best thermal performance available.

Understanding Window Replacement Costs in Des Moines

The cost to install new windows in Des Moines is not a one-size-fits-all figure. Final pricing depends on the window style, frame material, glass package (double vs. triple pane, gas fills, Low-E coatings), and the complexity of the installation ^{10 16}. Labor for a standard installation typically adds $150 to $300 per window on average, but this can increase significantly for complex projects involving structural modifications, difficult access (like third-story windows), or intricate trim work ¹⁷.

Here's a breakdown of average installed costs per window for common styles ^{10 16}:

• Double-Hung Windows: $700 - $1,700. As the most versatile and common style, they offer a wide price range based on features and brand.
• Sliding Windows: $700 - $1,700. Similar in cost to basic double-hung models, offering an affordable solution for wider openings.
• Casement Windows: $900 - $2,000. Their more complex operating mechanism and superior seal often place them at a higher price point than standard double-hung or sliding windows ⁵.
• Bay/Bow Windows: $1,500 - $4,500+. The higher cost reflects the increased materials, custom fabrication, and more labor-intensive installation requiring structural support.

For a full-home window replacement, Des Moines homeowners can expect a total project cost ranging from $8,500 to $30,000 or more, depending on the number of windows and the selections made ^{16 18}. It's important to view this not just as an expense, but as an investment that can increase your home's value, improve comfort, and generate ongoing savings on energy bills.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional window installation is key to ensuring your new windows perform as intended. A proper install ensures optimal energy efficiency, operation, and longevity. The process generally involves:

1. Initial Consultation & Measurement: A specialist will assess your needs, discuss options, and take precise measurements for each opening.
2. Ordering & Manufacturing: Once you select your windows, they are ordered. Custom windows may have a lead time of several weeks.
3. Preparation: On installation day, the crew will protect your interior and exterior work areas. Furniture may be moved and floor coverings laid down.
4. Removal & Installation: Old windows are carefully removed. The new window unit is placed in the opening, leveled, squared, and secured. Proper insulation and sealing around the frame (flashing and caulking) are critical steps to prevent air and water infiltration.
5. Finishing: Interior and exterior trim is installed or replaced, and the area is cleaned up.
6. Final Inspection: The installer should walk you through the job, demonstrate the operation of your new windows, and ensure you are satisfied.

Signs You Need New Windows

How do you know if it's time to consider a replacement? Look for these common indicators:

• Drafts & High Energy Bills: Feeling cold air near windows in winter or noticing a steady increase in heating/cooling costs.
• Difficulty Operating: Windows that are hard to open, close, or lock.
• Condensation Between Panes: Fogging or moisture trapped inside double-pane glass indicates a failed seal, meaning the insulating gas has escaped and the window is no longer efficient.
• Visible Decay: Rotting wood frames, cracked vinyl, or warped sashes.
• Excessive Noise: If outdoor noise seems louder than it used to, your windows may no longer be providing adequate sound insulation.
• Outdated Appearance: Windows that look old or detract from your home's curb appeal.

Frequently asked questions

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