Free in-home measure and quote - PGT, CGI and CWS impact lines compared on your actual openings, style by style
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterWindows & Doors in Berkeley, CA
Window installation in Berkeley usually means working on a house built between 1895 and 1940, often within a Landmarks Preservation Commission district, where original wood windows have spent 80 to 125 years absorbing morning marine-layer condensation. Our crews handle single-pane double-hung replacements, rot repair at sills and jambs, and custom-matching of original muntin profiles that off-the-shelf vinyl can’t reproduce. Every job begins with a measured survey you keep, and the written price is fixed before any tool is lifted. Call (509) 265-6387 to schedule a free estimate.
Why Berkeley Homes Are Different
The flatlands below University Avenue sit in fog that rolls through the Golden Gate most mornings from June through September. Windows on north- and west-facing elevations collect condensation daily, and over eight decades that moisture works into wood sashes, rotting sills, loosening glazing putty, and blowing the seals on older insulated glass units. In the flats, the dominant window problem is moisture management and thermal performance. Move uphill past Grizzly Peak Boulevard into the 1991 Tunnel Fire rebuild zone, and the conversation reverses: houses there now face WUI fire-code requirements that can force tempered or fire-rated glazing even on a like-for-like swap. A homeowner near Tilden Park who budgets for a simple two-window replacement often discovers the scope has changed entirely once the permit review starts.
Berkeley’s housing stock is also unusually regulated. The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission oversees contributing structures in districts like Elmwood, Northbrae, and parts of the Berkeley Hills, and replacement windows on those homes frequently require matching original wood profiles, sightline dimensions, and muntin bar patterns. No neighboring East Bay city enforces historic-window compatibility at this scale.
Our Main Berkeley Services
Most Berkeley homeowners call us first about two things: doors that no longer seal or square properly in aging Craftsman frames, and windows that have finally crossed the line from drafty to failing. Both jobs start with the same measured survey.
Door Installation in Berkeley
Berkeley’s pre-1940 houses rarely have square door openings anymore. Foundation settlement in the clay-heavy flats soil and decades of seasonal swelling in the hills mean a new door here usually involves shimming, re-hanging, and often re-framing the rough opening, not just swapping slabs. Exterior doors on west-facing elevations take the worst of the winter storm track, and original doors on brown shingle homes frequently show rot at the bottom rail where fog drip collects. Our approach on every Berkeley door job is the same: measure, photograph, price in writing, then install to the Haven Standard with a documented photo record when it’s finished. Read the full scope on our Door Installation in Berkeley page.
Window Replacement in Berkeley
When a Berkeley homeowner calls about window replacement, the first thing we establish is whether the house is a contributing structure in a landmark district. If it is, the path is custom wood matching rather than standard vinyl, and we quote accordingly from the start. If it isn’t, the conversation moves to energy performance: most original single-panes here run a U-factor above 0.80, and the marine layer means the return on a low-E argon replacement is realized through reduced condensation as much as reduced heating bills. Details on costs and materials are on our Window Replacement in Berkeley page.
What happens when you call
- 1
A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
- 2
You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
- 3
A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
- 4
You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
BeforeAfterWindow Installation in Berkeley
Berkeley window installation splits into two distinct jobs: restoring or replicating original wood windows on landmark-era homes, and full-frame replacements on everything else. The marine layer drives both, but differently. In the flats, old double-hungs with failed glazing lose heat all winter and collect condensation every summer morning. In the hills, 1990s rebuilds are hitting their first full replacement cycle with aluminum frames that were never great thermal performers to begin with. Our Window Installation process starts with a measured survey you keep, and the written price comes from that document, not from a salesman’s estimate.
Single & Double Hung Windows
Signs you need it
Sashes that won’t stay raised, rattling glass in the wind, or visible daylight around the meeting rail mean the counterweight or spring system has failed and the window isn’t sealing.
What it costs in Berkeley
Single and double hung replacements here run $480-$1,700 per window depending on wood versus vinyl and whether the frame needs repair before the new unit goes in.
How we do it
We remove the old sash, inspect the jamb and weight pockets, repair rot with epoxy or new wood, install the new unit plumb and square, insulate the cavity, and trim out to match the original profile.
Casement Windows
Signs you need it
A crank that grinds or slips, a sash that drops when opened, or a seal that lets fog form between the panes means the operator mechanism or insulated glass unit has failed.
What it costs in Berkeley
Casement replacements in Berkeley come in at $620-$2,000 per window, with the upper end covering custom wood units sized to fit original Craftsman openings.
How we do it
We measure the existing frame and reveal, order the replacement to the sightline spec, remove the old unit, install the new one with new hardware, and set the reveal so the crank operates smoothly through its full arc.
What Window Installation Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung, vinyl | $480-$900 per window |
| Single or double hung, wood or wood-clad | $900-$1,700 per window |
| Casement, wood to match original profile | $1,200-$2,000 per window |
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Berkeley?
Yes for most replacements. Berkeley requires a building permit for window changes that alter opening size or structural framing, and landmark-district homes need additional design review first. We pull all permits and handle the documentation.
How long does window installation take in Berkeley?
Most Berkeley homes take one to three days for a full window package. Custom wood matching on landmark homes can add two to four weeks for fabrication before the install day. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written timeline.
Impact Windows & Doors in Berkeley
Impact windows and doors in Berkeley are specified most often for hillside homes inside the WUI fire zone, where current code can require fire-rated glazing on replacement work, and for west-facing elevations that take the full winter storm track. The marine layer matters less here than wind and ember exposure. Our Impact Windows & Doors work uses PGT and CGI product lines selected by wind-load and fire-rating requirements, not by inventory, and every install begins with a code review of the specific parcel.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Signs you need it
A hillside home built after 1991 with original aluminum windows, or any home where a recent fire-safety inspection flagged non-compliant glazing, should be evaluated for impact or fire-rated replacement.
What it costs in Berkeley
Impact-resistant windows in Berkeley run $950-$2,600 per window, with the upper end reflecting fire-rated glass and custom sizing on hillside homes.
How we do it
We pull the WUI fire-zone requirements for your parcel, specify the correct tempered or fire-rated glazing package with PGT or CGI, and install with full perimeter anchoring to the wind-load spec.
Hurricane Impact Windows
Signs you need it
West-facing windows on the Berkeley Hills that have never been upgraded since a post-1991 rebuild, or any opening with laminated glass that’s beginning to separate at the edges, warrant a hurricane-impact evaluation.
What it costs in Berkeley
Hurricane impact windows land between $1,200 and $3,600 per opening in Berkeley, driven by the heavier frame and laminated glass spec plus hillside access conditions.
How we do it
We document the existing opening, specify the laminated glass and reinforced frame per wind-load calculations, install with stainless steel fasteners on schedule, and deliver a photo record of the completed anchoring.
What Impact Windows & Doors Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Impact-resistant window, standard size | $950-$2,600 per window |
| Hurricane impact window, laminated glass | $1,200-$3,600 per opening |
| Impact sliding door | $2,800-$6,500 per door |
Does Berkeley require impact windows?
Berkeley’s WUI zone enforces California Fire Code glazing requirements on replacement windows in fire-exposed hillside areas. The exact spec depends on your parcel’s hazard rating, which we check during the estimate.
Will impact windows change the look of my Berkeley house?
Modern impact units have narrower frames than older models, and our crews can match wood interior profiles on landmark-era homes. The glass is thicker but the sightline from inside stays close to original. Call (509) 265-6387 for a sample.
Energy-Efficient Windows in Berkeley
Energy-efficient windows in Berkeley solve a specific microclimate problem: morning fog condensation that soaks wood frames and fogs failed seals on north and west elevations. Homes in the flats lose heat through original single-panes with U-factors above 0.80, while 1990s hillside rebuilds sit behind aluminum frames that were mediocre insulators even when new. Our Energy-Efficient Windows selections use low-E coatings and argon gas fill specified to Berkeley’s heating-dominant climate, not a Florida cooling spec.
Low-E & Argon Gas Glass
Signs you need it
Condensation between panes in the morning, cold air falling off the glass in winter, or a heating bill that doesn’t match the house’s square footage means the current glazing isn’t holding.
What it costs in Berkeley
Low-E and argon gas windows in Berkeley cost $550-$1,900 per window depending on frame material and whether the opening needs full-frame versus insert replacement.
How we do it
We pull the existing unit, prep the opening to a clean substrate, install the new low-E argon glazing, insulate the perimeter with low-expansion foam, and trim out with an exterior seal rated for coastal humidity.
ENERGY STAR Replacement Windows
Signs you need it
Single-pane originals with no window film, failing caulk at the exterior trim, or rooms that feel 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house indicate the need for an ENERGY STAR-spec replacement.
What it costs in Berkeley
ENERGY STAR windows in Berkeley range from $550-$1,600 per window, with wood-clad units at the upper end and standard vinyl at the lower end.
How we do it
We measure the full opening, specify a U-factor and SHGC appropriate for Berkeley’s heating-dominant climate, install with an insulated cavity, and document the post-install thermal readings on the photo record.
What Energy-Efficient Windows Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Low-E argon double-hung, vinyl | $550-$900 per window |
| Low-E argon casement, wood-clad | $1,100-$1,900 per window |
| ENERGY STAR replacement, full-frame | $1,600-$2,400 per window |
What U-factor should I choose for Berkeley?
For Berkeley’s marine-influenced climate, a U-factor of 0.27 or lower delivers the most useful performance gain. Condensation resistance matters more here than in inland East Bay cities because of the persistent morning fog.
Will energy-efficient windows stop the fog on my glass?
They stop fog between the panes, which is a seal failure. Surface condensation on the outside of a new low-E window is normal on foggy mornings in the Berkeley flatlands and means the coating is working. Call (509) 265-6387 for exact specs.
Sliding & Patio Doors in Berkeley
Sliding and patio doors in Berkeley take a beating from two directions: salt-moist air attacking tracks and rollers in the flats, and afternoon sun baking west-facing elevations in the hills. Original aluminum sliders on 1950s and 1960s flats homes are typically at end of life, with worn tracks, failed rollers, and frames that no longer seal. Our Sliding & Patio Doors replacements come with a measured survey, a written price, and installation done to the Haven Standard.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
Signs you need it
A door that sticks mid-track, takes two hands to move, or lets drafts and daylight through the weatherstripping has failed rollers, a warped track, or both.
What it costs in Berkeley
Sliding glass door replacement in Berkeley runs $1,800-$5,500 per door, with wood-clad or multi-panel units at the upper end and standard vinyl sliders at the lower.
How we do it
We measure the existing opening, check the floor and header for settling, order the door to a square dimension, remove the old frame, install the new one with full perimeter flashing, and adjust the rollers for one-hand operation.
Impact French Patio Doors
Signs you need it
Hillside homes in Berkeley’s WUI zone with aging swinging patio doors, or any west-facing French door that bows in heavy winter wind, should be evaluated for an impact-rated replacement.
What it costs in Berkeley
Impact French patio doors in Berkeley cost $3,200-$8,500 per unit, driven by the laminated glass, reinforced frames, and hardware rated for high wind loads.
How we do it
We specify the door through PGT or CGI to your parcel’s fire and wind requirements, install the full unit with a new sub-sill and threshold, set the astragal and multi-point lock, and document the finished seal.
What Sliding & Patio Doors Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Standard vinyl sliding glass door | $1,800-$3,500 per door |
| Wood-clad or multi-panel sliding door | $3,500-$5,500 per door |
| Impact French patio door | $3,200-$8,500 per unit |
Can you fix a sliding door without replacing the whole frame?
Yes, if the frame is square and rot-free. We can replace rollers, tracks, weatherstripping, and the latch set. If water has damaged the sub-sill or the header has settled, a full replacement is the more honest repair.
How long does a patio door replacement take in Berkeley?
Most sliding door replacements finish in one day. Impact French doors with custom sizing take two to three days including flashing and trim work. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written schedule.
Impact Garage Doors in Berkeley
Impact garage doors in Berkeley are a hillside fire-zone concern first and a storm concern second. After the 1991 Tunnel Fire, rebuilt homes in the hills got standard sectional doors; today, replacement triggers WUI code requirements for ember-resistant and fire-rated assemblies. Flatlands homes are less code-driven but still benefit from a door that won’t flex under the winter wind that funnels through the Berkeley Marina corridor. Our Impact Garage Doors work uses CWS and CGI specifications matched to the parcel, not the stockroom.
Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors
Signs you need it
A garage door that visibly flexes during high-wind events, or an old wood door with rusting hardware on a hillside home, should be evaluated for a hurricane-rated replacement before the next storm season.
What it costs in Berkeley
Hurricane-rated garage doors in Berkeley run $2,500-$6,500 installed, with insulated steel sections and reinforced track at the lower end and custom wood-look at the upper.
How we do it
We measure the opening, check the header and side jambs for load capacity, specify the door to the wind-load rating for your elevation, install with heavier track and reinforcing struts, and document the anchoring.
Wind-Load Code Compliance
Signs you need it
A house in Berkeley’s fire-exposed hills, a permit denial for a like-for-like garage door swap, or an insurance letter asking about wind-load ratings means the current door doesn’t meet current code.
What it costs in Berkeley
Wind-load code compliance garage door work in Berkeley comes in at $2,500-$6,500 per door when full replacement is required, with partial hardware upgrades running $600-$1,500.
How we do it
We review your parcel’s WUI and wind-load requirements, specify the correct door and anchoring package, pull the permit, install to the stamped engineering, and provide the compliance documentation for your insurance file.
What Impact Garage Doors Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Hurricane-rated sectional door, insulated | $2,500-$4,500 per door |
| Wind-load rated door, custom wood-look | $4,500-$6,500 per door |
| Wind-load hardware upgrade, track and struts | $600-$1,500 per door |
Does Berkeley require a permit for garage door replacement?
Yes, Berkeley requires a permit for garage door replacement, and in the WUI hills zone the permit review includes fire-code glazing and wind-load requirements that most off-the-shelf doors cannot meet without modification.
How long does an impact garage door install take?
Most impact garage door replacements finish in one day including track and opener remounting. Custom orders take two to four weeks for fabrication. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written quote.
Custom & Geometric Windows in Berkeley
Custom and geometric windows in Berkeley usually start with a landmark-district requirement: the replacement must match the original muntin pattern, profile depth, and sightline of a 1905 Craftsman or a 1920s Colonial Revival, and no one stocks that window. The marine-layer moisture problem is the same as everywhere in the flats, but the aesthetic constraint is unique to Berkeley’s preservation rules. Our Custom & Geometric Windows process begins with a physical measurement of the existing opening and a profile template, so the replacement reads as original.
Arched & Curved Windows
Signs you need it
A cracked or fogged arched window in a threshold, attic gable, or stair tower, or a preservation review that requires matching a curved top sash that no manufacturer catalogs anymore.
What it costs in Berkeley
Arched and curved windows in Berkeley run $850-$3,800 per window, with true-radius and custom muntin patterns at the upper end and fixed arched units at the lower.
How we do it
We template the exact curve radius and muntin pattern from the existing opening, order from ES Windows or Mr-Glass to the specification, install with the same glazing depth, and match the interior trim profile.
Oversized Openings
Signs you need it
Picture windows wider than eight feet, corner window assemblies in mid-century Berkeley homes, or any fixed glass that exceeds standard manufacturing limits and requires structural glazing.
What it costs in Berkeley
Oversized window openings in Berkeley cost $850-$2,600 per window or more depending on the structural requirements, with tempered glass and custom framing included.
How we do it
We survey the opening for load path and deflection, specify the structural glazing and framing package, coordinate the fabrication, and install with a documented engineering sign-off for the permit file.
What Custom & Geometric Windows Costs in Berkeley
| Item | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Arched fixed window, custom radius | $850-$1,800 per window |
| Curved or multi-muntin sash, wood | $1,800-$3,800 per window |
| Oversized structural glazing | $850-$2,600 per window |
Can you match the exact muntin pattern on my Berkeley Craftsman?
Yes. We template the original sash, including bar width and profile depth, and have the replacement fabricated to that spec. The finished window matches the original sightline closely enough to satisfy most landmark design reviews.
How long do custom windows take in Berkeley?
Custom fabrication runs three to six weeks after the survey is approved. Installation takes one day per window in most landmark-era homes. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written timeline.
Brands We Service in Berkeley
We specify from eight manufacturer lines, with PGT, CGI, CWS, and ES Windows the most common in Berkeley because they cover the full range from WUI fire-rated glazing to custom wood profiles. Parts for standard replacements are available in our local Bay Area stock program, and custom orders from ES Windows or Mr-Glass ship within three to six weeks. See our brands for the full breakdown by performance tier and price.
Pricing for Windows & Doors in Berkeley, CA
| Service | Typical range in Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung window, vinyl | $480-$900 per window |
| Single or double hung window, wood or wood-clad | $900-$1,700 per window |
| Casement window, wood to match original profile | $1,200-$2,000 per window |
| Impact-resistant window | $950-$2,600 per window |
| Hurricane impact window, laminated glass | $1,200-$3,600 per opening |
| Low-E argon window, vinyl | $550-$900 per window |
| ENERGY STAR replacement, full-frame | $1,600-$2,400 per window |
| Sliding glass door, vinyl | $1,800-$3,500 per door |
| Impact French patio door | $3,200-$8,500 per unit |
| Hurricane-rated garage door | $2,500-$6,500 per door |
| Arched or curved custom window | $850-$3,800 per window |
Prices in Berkeley push higher on three things: landmark-district design review, hillside access that slows delivery and staging, and WUI fire-code upgrades that convert a simple swap into a rated-glazing replacement. Whatever the scope, the written price you receive before work starts is the final invoice, per Haven Clause 1.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Berkeley
We work across the full span of Berkeley’s residential terrain, from the fog-heavy flatlands to the fire-exposed upper hills. Every neighborhood gets the same measured-survey-first process and the same written-price guarantee.
- Elmwood
- Northbrae
- Claremont
- Berkeley Hills
- West Berkeley
Scheduling for Berkeley jobs is coordinated from our San Francisco Bay Area office, with local crews dispatched across the area. Most estimates in Berkeley are scheduled within one to two business days of your call.
Service Area - Cities Near Berkeley
Beyond Berkeley, our crews cover the close-in East Bay communities with the same pricing and documentation standard. We work regularly in Oakland, CA on similar Craftsman-era housing stock, in Alameda, CA where the marine layer runs even heavier, in Richmond, CA on mid-century replacements, and in San Pablo, CA on hillside fire-zone work.
Serving Berkeley, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Berkeley area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
FAQs About Windows & Doors in Berkeley
Most Berkeley estimates are scheduled within one to two business days. The measured survey takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the number of openings, and you keep the written document whether or not you proceed. Call (509) 265-6387 to schedule.
No. Landmark-district design review applies to contributing structures in designated districts, not to every Berkeley home. We check your parcel’s status during the initial call and tell you, in writing, whether custom matching applies before any work is quoted.
Yes. We pull all required Berkeley building permits and WUI fire-zone reviews, submit the documentation, schedule inspections, and provide the final sign-off record. The permit work is included in the written scope, not billed separately as a surprise.
What happens when you call
- 1A real person answersNo phone trees - talk to a local windows & doors pro.
- 2You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched. No surprises.
- 3We come out and measureLicensed & insured, at a time that suits you - the visit and the quote are both free.
- 4You get the price in writingLine-itemed, yours to keep, and nothing starts until you say go.
What Berkeley Customers Say
"The survey measurements and the quote were the same piece of paper. Nothing changed on install day, which is not what happened with the two other companies we had out."
- Annette R."Replaced eight windows. They showed me the U-factor on the units they were actually fitting rather than the brochure numbers."
- Kofi B."They photographed the rotten sill they found under the old frame before replacing it, and the extra cost was agreed in writing before they carried on."
- Rosalind C.