Best Replacement Windows California

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Best Replacement Windows In California

Explore our picks for the best replacement windows of California, as well as other states in the western half of the country -- so California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, etc. Now I'm going to admit something at the outset -- the amount of quality window brands and series that I like is much lower out west compare to what's available in the eastern half of the United States. However, there are some solid options so let's take a look.

Dane - Site Editor - Updated in 2023

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Replacement Windows California Pick #1

Probably the best window available in this region is the Anlin Del Mar series -- this is a high quality vinyl window that offers a .03 air infiltration rate and is very well made. Their drop down series are the Catalina and the Panorama and these are also very good window series. Anlin Windows manufactures 3 different window lines, the Catalina, Del Mar and Coronado models. While the Catalina is an entry level window, the Del Mar and Coronado are good mid range vinyl windows that usually have a nice price point and include some nice features and options.

Anlin is a smaller manufacturer, but they enjoy a very solid reputation in the vinyl window market for quality and dirability. The company sells their windows in three states; California, Nevada and Arizona. If you live in these states, you should be able to find a distirbutor in your area that sells one of more Anlin vinyl windows.

Our recommendation would be the Anlin Del Mar or Coronado series. The Del Mar window should be very comparable in price to the Milgard Tuscany. Each of these window lines is a mid range vinyl window that should provide consumers with excellent long term value for their dollars (assuming quality installation).

Replacement Windows California Pick #2

Another great option is Amerimax Windows and Doors, headquartered in the state of Colorado. This manufacturer does offer their windows through dealers and local window companies in many of the western states like California and Arizona. They make three vinyl window series, but their mid range series, the Craftsman Portrait, is by far their most popular and is a very solid buy given the right price point.

Amerimax has their main plant in Loveland, Colorado, however they also operate another manufacturing plant just outside of Sacramento, California. The company is one the better vinyl window manufacturers that services the Western United States. The company offers an array of vinyl windows and doors, including their Masters Grande, Craftsman Portrait, Aristocrat Casement window, as well as Bay and Bow windows.

In addition, Amerimax offers three patio sliding and hinged door models, including the Classic French hinged, New Horizon slider and Riviera French slider. Their windows and doors are priced out in the middle of all vinyl windows and doors. Click to discover more about Amerimax Window prices.

Replacement Window Buying Pro Tip

"When you're shopping for replacement windows, always consider getting three to four bids -- this is really the only way to get a fair market price for your project. The bids are free, which is kinda awesome. The quotes can be pretty time consuming, which kinda sucks. However, these price quotes can be great opportunities to suss out options, upgrades, advice, etc. and they can often help you save you lots of money over simply saying yes to the very first bid you receive."

Replacement Windows California Pick #3

Our third option in the west is Marvin Windows. They are one of the more well known companies throughout the country and they make fiberglass windows and doors. Their Essentials and Elevate series are great windows, but they are also kinda pricey. On average, a fiberglass window will run 35% more than a comparable vinyl window, so better prepared for a pricey bid if you do go this route. They are well made though and will last for a very long time given quality installation. Marvin windows are expensive -- how expensive -- check out these Marvin window prices.

Replacement Windows California Pick #4

Fourth up is Milgard Windows and Doors. Milgard is a well known brand in the west and although they do tend to be used on lots of big housing projects, their newest series introduced in 2018, the Milgard Trinsic is a solid vinyl window option. The Trinsic uses a sleeker and more contemporary design than than older model like the Tuscany. I think if the other brands I've mentioned before aren't available, then Milgard is a window and door that you may want to take a look at.

Milgard Windows & Doors started in the late 50s in the Northwest in Tacoma Washington. Today, the company is owned by the Masco Corporation and has 10 manufacturing plants, four of which are located in California (Hollister, Sacramento, Simi Valley and Temecula). The remaining 6 are located in Dallas, Denver, Portland, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Tacoma.

Milgard is definitely a western U.S. manufacturer. Generally speaking, the company manufacturers quality windows and doors, their best known being the Tuscany vinyl window. It is an excellent example of a mid range vinyl window that is relatively affordable, looks good and will last a good 20 years with the proper installation. Milgard offers vinyl, aluminum, impact and wood windows. Click for more info on Milgard Window prices.

Replacement Windows California Pick #5

Last but certainly not least we have Simonton Windows. So these windows can be found everywhere, including in the big box store Home Depot. I don't love how HD sub contracts out their installation, but the 6500 series that they sell is a solid vinyl window and is comparable to their Reflections 5500 series. This, along with their Impressions 9800 series, are the premium vinyl series from the company and these should serve you well when combined with solid installation.

Simonton is one of the largest replacement window companies in the United States, with distribution in nearly every state, including California. Consumers can purchase Simonton windows at the big box stores, or through the countless contractors and reps who distribute and sell various models and lines. They aren't the fanciest or best looking vinyl windows, but they are well made, sturdy and reliable.

The company stands behind their products and has lots of series and models to choose from. Three models we recommend include the Reflections 5500 series, the 9800 Impressions and the ProFinish Contractor, which is similar to their entry level Asure, but at a lower price point. Check out our page on Simonton window prices.

Silicon Valley California Replacement Windows Questions

Hi, I'm from Silicon Valley (mild climate). My house has 35-yr old aluminum windows. The exterior is stucco with 2x6 wood trim around the windows. I'm looking to replace 5-7 bedroom windows for sound reduction.

Around here, Milgard is the default that every company sells so I have been researching Trinsic. But I'm open to other suggestions.

I have some questions:

1. If I specify heavy glass such as laminated + 1/8" or laminated + 3/16", will the weight cause issues with vinyl frames?

2. With thicker glass, do the IGU and frame become deeper?

3. I'm torn between new construction vs replacement. The exterior trim around my windows can be pulled off to install new construction, but can this process cause damage? The top trim has Z-flashing.

4. With replacement windows, how often do they need to be re-caulked? My house is 2 stories so I can't do that myself. Replacement windows seem like a hack job to me, but since you are more experienced, what is your take? Maybe I'm worried over nothing

Tony - Homeowner - from 2021

[Site Editor's Answer]

Tony, see my answers below.

1. Laminated glass shouldn't put much of a strain on a well made vinyl window, unless the frame width is particularly large, then you might want to reconsider. It's more with triple pane glass on a wide frame with a just okay vinyl frame. Triple Pane Windows Cost

2. Typically not, although if you are looking for sound reduction, a deeper frame is the best way to increase the effectiveness of noise abatement (i.e. the distance between the two panes of glass).

3. NC v R is a tricky one. I can at least give you the pros and cons [taken out to avoid content duplication -- contact us for this answer...]

4. If they are properly caulked maybe every ten years -- it certainly can't hurt to bring someone in every ten years who can do a quick re-caulk on them, especially on the 2nd floor. Are they a hack job, not really because when they are done properly, the windows are sealed and squared...they are providing a more comfortable temperature in the room and will save you money on your heating and cooling (not much, but...) NC with stucco is a cumbersome process too, although I take your point about cutting out the windows and sticking new windows in the hole...

Dane - Site Editor - from 2021

Best San Diego California Replacement Windows

Hi Tom! For the San Diego area, I’m curious if the below estimate is overpriced for Anlin Catalina windows and their Malibu sliding glass door. My windows are pretty big, so understand if it’s higher than what it would be for average sized windows. All windows are sliders.

91 x 56.5 XOX
8’ Patio Slider 94 x 78 OX
91 x 40.5 XOX
91 x 56.5 XOX
55 x 56 XO
55 x 56 OX
Project price: $7,619.00 

Not sure how much COVID has increased prices for this work as of late. I don’t need to get this done right now. I was contemplating waiting until things return to “normal” and prices maybe stabilize once supply issues are sorted out. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks so much

Steve - Homeowner - from 2021

[Site Editor's Answer]

Steve, that's not a bad looking bid for what I've been seeing lately. In general, window replacement cost has increased 25% from say 2021, which is alot! I'd get two more to compare it to, but I think that's a quality bid. I would check with Newman Windows for a bid and BM Windows. Both of these companies seem to be quality outfits in San Diego.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2021

Best Windows For California

I am really nervous now after reading all the wonderful facts and information that you have available.

I have always wanted Anderson Windows, but cost was a concern. It seems the quality is excellent. I am in Claremont CA 91711.

The price variations are so drastic. I have aluminum old windows from 1984.

I have a total of 9 windows. Includes one Slider and 1 large window like 55"

Anderson Windows OC was $25,242.

CDW chatsworth CA $9500.00 calif deluxe windows

Reborn in Anaheim CA $13,500.00

I think I still need to investigate more! Can you offer me any advice?

I would be very appreciative of receiving your special list!

Thank you so much.

Michelle - Homeowner - from 2021

[Site Editor's Answer]

Michelle, no need to be nervous about the process if you take it slow. It’s a big investment of money so I do understand that it’s stressful. I’ve never heard about reborn so I would toss that bid myself. (There are hundreds of window companies so the really small ones probably don’t do enough volume to insure a quality product percentage wise. My own take, obviously.)

That Andersen bid is crazy.

The CDW bid is solid. They get decent reviews and sell an Anlin and a Milgard I believe?

California is a tough market to offer high quality windows, but here is my list for the state.

Here are my recommendations: a bid from an Anlin dealer on the Del Mar or the Catalina, an Amerimax dealer on the Craftsman Portrait, a Simonton dealer in the Reflections 5500 or Impressions 9800, and a Milgard dealer on the Trinsic or Tuscany series.

These are all good vinyl windows that should suit you well if they are installed properly.

Also, if you would like some quality local bids, you can also use our Window Quote Form, beginning with your zip code where it says Find Local Five Star Rated Pros.

Send me the bids you collect and I'm more than happy to provide you with my take on any cost quotes you receive. I'm not incentivized by any companies so I'm happy to provide you with unbiased advice on your best option(s).

Dane - Site Editor - from 2021

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