When is the best time to replace windows in Iowa?

Spring through fall is most comfortable, but installers work in winter by doing one opening at a time.

How long does it take?

Many homes are finished in one to three days once the windows arrive.

Replacement Windows in Des Moines, IA | Des Moines Window Experts

Replacement Windows in Des Moines, IA

New windows are one of the biggest comfort upgrades for a Central Iowa home. Rooms stop feeling cold near the glass in January, sound from the street drops and the heating and cooling systems don't have to work as hard.

Replacement windows, patio doors and egress windows

Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale and nearby

Measured and quoted before any work starts

When to replace

Cold drafts, frost on the inside of the glass, sashes that won't stay open, rotted sills, failed seals and windows that are painted or swollen shut are the common reasons homeowners start shopping.

Insert installs

An insert window fits inside the existing frame. It keeps interior trim and plaster intact, which suits older homes where the frame is still solid.

Full-frame installs

Full-frame replacement removes the old window down to the rough opening, so rot can be repaired and the gaps insulated properly. It costs more but solves more.

Frame materials

Vinyl is the most common choice for price and upkeep. Fiberglass is stiff and stable through big temperature swings. Wood and wood-clad windows suit older and higher-end homes; see vinyl, fiberglass or wood.

Glass for Iowa

Double-pane glass with low-E coatings and gas fill is standard. Triple-pane glass adds warmth on subzero nights at a higher price and weight.

Air sealing

Low-expansion foam and sealant around the frame, plus proper flashing outside, matter as much as the window itself.

Exterior trim

Aluminum capping over old wood trim reduces painting, but rot underneath should be repaired first.

Older homes

Many Des Moines neighborhoods have homes built before 1978. Contractors should follow EPA lead-safe practices when disturbing old paint.

Get a quote

Tell the company how many windows, their style and what's wrong. Send a request and a window company will get in touch.