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 Palo Alto, CA
Window installation in Palo Alto runs into a cost reality most homeowners don’t see coming: the city’s Eichler stock, concentrated in Barron Park and Green Gables, was built with floor-to-ceiling single-pane aluminum frames that sit inside post-and-beam structural openings. Replacing them is not a swap-out job. It’s a measured, engineered retrofit that has to preserve the modernist sightline while meeting both California Title 24 and Palo Alto’s own municipal climate-action code. Same story with doors: the 1960s tract sliders that dominate southern Palo Alto fail on the same thermal and seal problems the Eichler glass walls do. If you’re pricing window or door work in Palo Alto, call (509) 265-6387 for a written estimate before any tool is lifted.
Why Palo Alto Homes Are Different
Palo Alto packs three distinct housing eras into a few square miles, and each one changes the window and door scope. Professorville and College Terrace hold early-1900s Craftsman and Victorian homes where the Historic Resources Board can require replacement windows to match original wood sash profiles and divided-lite patterns before a permit is issued. That review adds six to eight weeks to a timeline, and most window companies working Menlo Park or Mountain View have never even seen the layer. South of Oregon Expressway sits the Eichler tract: radiant-heated, ductless interiors wrapped in original aluminum frames with single-pane glass and sliding doors, all set into fixed post-and-beam openings. Then there’s the scattered modern infill, where the work is straightforward by comparison. Climate compounds the difference. Summer afternoons in Palo Alto routinely hit 90 °F while mornings draw cool, humid marine air off the Bay, so original Eichler glass collects visible condensation. Winter brings wind-driven rain that exposes failed door threshold seals and degraded glazing tape on those same aluminum frames.
Our Main Palo Alto Services
Most Palo Alto homeowners reach us through one of two doors: a full window replacement on an Eichler or older home, or a door installation where the existing opening is structural, historic, or both. Each has its own dedicated Palo Alto page.
Door Installation in Palo Alto
Door installation in Palo Alto almost always involves more than the door slab. In Eichler homes, the slider is set into a post-and-beam opening with fixed dimensions, and in Professorville the opening itself may be a historic feature subject to review. We measure the rough opening, the threshold, and the reveal before specifying any door, so the written quote matches the actual install. See the full scope on our Door Installation in Palo Alto page.
Window Replacement in Palo Alto
Window replacement in Palo Alto splits into two very different jobs: the Eichler glass wall, which needs a thermally upgraded assembly that preserves the original sightline, and the vintage wood-sash home, where double-hung replacements have to match profiles the city’s Historic Resources Board recognizes. We walk both paths with written, measured scopes and a photo record. Full details are on our Window Replacement in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
Window installation in Palo Alto means working inside an existing opening that was never designed for modern thermal performance, and the job starts with measuring what is actually there. In the Eichler neighborhoods of Barron Park and Green Gables, the glass infill sits within a post-and-beam structural system, so the replacement assembly has to match the original opening dimensions exactly while upgrading the glass package and frame. We specify from PGT, CWS, and ES Windows lines by performance tier, not margin, and every job begins with a measured survey the homeowner keeps. That document is the quote. See the full Window Installation scope.
Single & Double Hung Windows
Signs you need it
Sash windows that rattle in the wind, stick when you try to lift them, or show condensation between the panes have lost their seal and their weather-tightness.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Single and double hung window installation in Palo Alto typically runs $450-$1,900 per opening depending on the frame material and the glass package required for the existing rough opening.
How we do it
We remove the existing sash and track, measure the rough opening to the eighth of an inch, install the new frame and sash with shims and flashing, then seal and trim the exterior.
Horizontal Roller Windows
Signs you need it
Aluminum horizontal rollers that scrape along their track, let in drafts at the meeting rail, or collect water at the sill are the classic Eichler-era original.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Horizontal roller window installation in Palo Alto runs $500-$2,100 per window, with the higher end reflecting larger glass panels common to mid-century modernist homes.
How we do it
We pull the old frame, inspect the post-and-beam opening for any hidden rot or settlement, install a thermally broken aluminum or vinyl frame, and set the rollers for a clean glide.
What Window Installation Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung window | $450-$1,900 |
| Horizontal roller window | $500-$2,100 |
| Eichler glass-wall panel (per opening) | $800-$3,200 |
Does Palo Alto require a permit for window installation?
Yes for most replacements, and the city’s climate-action compliance layer often means a Title 24 energy calculation is part of the permit set. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection.
Will the window price change once work starts?
No. The measured survey we hand you before the quote is the same document the install crew works from, so the written price is the final price.
Impact Windows & Doors in Palo Alto
Impact windows and doors in Palo Alto are a retrofit choice driven less by hurricane risk and more by the city’s wind-driven winter rain and the desire for a quieter, stronger envelope. An impact-rated assembly from PGT or CGI replaces the single-pane original with laminated glass that resists forced entry, cuts sound transmission, and meets current wind-load code. In Eichler homes the benefit is immediate: the same fixed post-and-beam opening gets a compliant, thermally stronger frame. See the full Impact Windows & Doors scope.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Signs you need it
Original single-pane glass that flexes under hand pressure, breaks into large shards on impact, or lets outdoor noise through at conversation level is a candidate for impact-rated replacement.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Impact-resistant windows in Palo Alto run $700-$2,800 per opening, with laminated glass packages and frame upgrades accounting for most of the range.
How we do it
We specify the glass to the existing opening size, install the laminated unit into a reinforced frame, and document the wind-load rating and fastening pattern in the photo record.
Single Hung Impact Windows
Signs you need it
A single hung window whose lower sash has loosened or shifted in its track, especially on a second-story wall facing the wind, is losing its structural integrity.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Single hung impact window installation in Palo Alto runs $650-$2,200 per window depending on the size and the required design pressure rating.
How we do it
We measure the rough opening, remove the old sash and balance system, set the impact-rated frame, and verify the latching hardware engages fully against the weatherstripping.
What Impact Windows & Doors Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Impact-resistant window | $700-$2,800 |
| Single hung impact window | $650-$2,200 |
| Impact sliding glass door | $2,500-$7,500 |
Are impact windows overkill for Palo Alto weather?
Not if you value noise reduction, break-in resistance, and a seal that holds against winter wind-driven rain. Many Palo Alto owners choose impact-rated glass for the same reason they choose a standing-seam roof: it outlives the standard option.
Do impact windows change the look of an Eichler?
They can if the frames are not specified carefully. We match the sightline width and frame profile to the original so the modernist lines hold. Call (509) 265-6387 for a measured quote.
Energy-Efficient Windows in Palo Alto
Energy-efficient windows in Palo Alto solve a real, visible problem: condensation on original Eichler single-pane glass on summer mornings, and heat loss through aluminum frames on winter nights. A Low-E package with argon gas fill brings the U-factor down and the SHGC into the range that satisfies both Title 24 and Palo Alto’s municipal energy code. On a radiant-heated Eichler, that change is felt within the first week because the glass stops acting as the room’s coldest surface. See the full Energy-Efficient Windows scope.
Low-E & Argon Gas Glass
Signs you need it
Glass that fogs on the interior in the morning, heats the room by noon in summer, or feels cold to the touch in winter is a single-pane candidate for Low-E replacement.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Low-E and argon gas glass replacement in Palo Alto runs $400-$1,700 per window, with the size of the existing Eichler opening driving the upper end.
How we do it
We replace the single-pane unit with a double-glazed, argon-filled Low-E unit, set it into an insulated frame, and verify the seal with a moisture-meter reading before finish.
ENERGY STAR Replacement Windows
Signs you need it
Rooms that overheat by mid-afternoon in summer or stay cold all winter despite the radiant floor running are the clearest signal the existing glass is not performing.
What it costs in Palo Alto
ENERGY STAR replacement windows in Palo Alto run $500-$2,000 per window, and the ENERGY STAR label is part of the compliance paperwork we include with the permit.
How we do it
We select a frame and glass combination that hits the California climate-zone requirements, install it with thermal breaks at the rough opening, and hand you the labeled documentation.
What Energy-Efficient Windows Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Low-E argon gas window | $400-$1,700 |
| ENERGY STAR replacement window | $500-$2,000 |
| Insulated laminated glass | $600-$2,200 |
Will energy-efficient windows stop the condensation on my Eichler glass?
Yes, in most cases. The condensation forms because the single pane is the coldest surface in the room. A double-glazed Low-E unit keeps the interior glass surface above the dew point during Palo Alto’s humid summer mornings.
Which window types qualify for Palo Alto’s energy-efficiency requirements?
Any window with a U-factor and SHGC that meet the California Title 24 climate zone values, which for Palo Alto is the North/Central Coast zone. We include the compliance certificate with every install.
Sliding & Patio Doors in Palo Alto
Sliding and patio doors in Palo Alto are the most weather-exposed opening on the Eichler floor plan, and 1960s originals are notorious for failed threshold seals and degraded glazing tape on the aluminum frames. Winter’s wind-driven rain finds those failures first, and by the time water is visible at the interior floor, the damage is already into the subfloor. Replacing the slider means addressing the entire opening: threshold, track, glazing, and the post-and-beam interface. See the full Sliding & Patio Doors scope.
Patio Doors
Signs you need it
Water staining at the interior threshold, a door that lifts off its track or drags, or condensation between the panes of the fixed panel means the original seal has failed.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Patio door replacement in Palo Alto runs $1,500-$5,000, with larger Eichler sliders and multi-panel configurations pushing to the top of that range.
How we do it
We remove the old slider, inspect the threshold and subfloor for water damage, install a thermally broken frame with a new sill pan, and set the panels for a smooth, sealed glide.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
Signs you need it
A slider that is visibly out of square in its opening, has a bowed or pitted track, or lets daylight through the weatherstripping at the meeting stile is past adjustment.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Sliding glass door replacement in Palo Alto runs $1,200-$4,500, with the final number set by the opening width and whether the rough opening needs reframing.
How we do it
We measure the existing opening and the post-and-beam clearances, order the door to those dimensions, and replace the frame, head, and threshold as a single weather-sealed unit.
What Sliding & Patio Doors Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Patio door | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Sliding glass door replacement | $1,200-$4,500 |
| Impact sliding glass door | $2,500-$7,500 |
How long does a slider replacement take in Palo Alto?
Most single-slider replacements in Palo Alto take one day for the removal and set, with trim and finishing done the same visit. If we find subfloor rot at the threshold, the repair adds a second day.
Can you match the original Eichler slider look?
Yes. We specify narrow sightline frames in the same color and profile as the original, so the replacement reads as the same door while performing as a modern, sealed assembly. Call (509) 265-6387 to schedule a measured survey.
Impact Garage Doors in Palo Alto
Impact garage doors in Palo Alto are usually specified for one of two reasons: wind-load code compliance on new construction, or an owner who wants the sturdiest door quiet enough for a garage-adjacent living space. A hurricane-rated garage door from CGI or PGT brings a reinforced track, heavier-gauge sections, and a design pressure rating that exceeds what Palo Alto’s winter storms demand. The practical benefit is a door that does not rack, bow, or rattle when the wind hits it. See the full Impact Garage Doors scope.
Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors
Signs you need it
A garage door that visibly flexes inward during strong winter gusts, has cracked or dented panels, or fails to maintain its seal at the jambs is underbuilt for its opening.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Hurricane-rated garage door replacement in Palo Alto runs $1,800-$6,000 depending on the door width, the required design pressure, and the track configuration.
How we do it
We reinforce the existing opening, install the impact-rated door with heavier track and hardware, and document the wind-load rating on the final photo record.
Wind-Load Code Compliance
Signs you need it
New construction, an addition, or a renovation in Palo Alto where the building department has flagged the garage door as non-compliant with current wind-load requirements.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Wind-load code compliance for garage doors in Palo Alto runs $1,500-$5,000, covering the engineering, the rated door, and the verification paperwork for the permit.
How we do it
We review the specified design pressure, install a door tested to that rating, and include the compliance certificate with the permit sign-off so the inspection passes first time.
What Impact Garage Doors Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Hurricane-rated garage door | $1,800-$6,000 |
| Wind-load compliant garage door | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Energy-efficient insulated garage door | $1,200-$4,000 |
Does Palo Alto require impact-rated garage doors?
Not by city mandate for existing homes, but new construction and some additions do require wind-load compliance. We can tell you in one site visit which requirement applies to your opening.
Will an impact garage door be noisier?
The opposite. Impact-rated doors ride on heavier track with better balancing, so they track quieter than a lightweight builder-grade door. That matters when the garage shares a wall with a bedroom.
Custom & Geometric Windows in Palo Alto
Custom and geometric windows in Palo Alto tend to appear in two places: the shaped openings on mid-century modern homes and the architectural windows on newer infill projects where the design calls for something a stock catalog cannot supply. Arched, angled, circular, oversized. These are not stock SKUs; they are specified, engineered, and fabricated to a measured opening. In Palo Alto the stakes are higher because the same custom glass may face historic district review or Title 24 scrutiny. See the full Custom & Geometric Windows scope.
Geometric & Shaped Windows
Signs you need it
An existing shaped window with a cracked pane, a failed seal, or a frame that no longer sits square in its opening cannot be fixed with an off-the-shelf replacement.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Geometric and shaped window replacement in Palo Alto runs $800-$3,500 per window, with the price set by the template pattern, the glass type, and the frame complexity.
How we do it
We take a digital template of the opening, fabricate the matching unit, and install it with the same glazing and sealing details as a standard window, then document the fit.
Arched & Curved Windows
Signs you need it
An arched window in a Craftsman or Victorian exterior that has rotted at the radius, lost its glazing bead, or shows stress cracks at the crown is not repairable in place.
What it costs in Palo Alto
Arched and curved window installation in Palo Alto runs $900-$4,000, with the curve radius and the wood or aluminum frame material setting the final price.
How we do it
We profile the curve, have the sash and frame fabricated to match, and install the unit with a full exterior flashing detail so the radius never catches water.
What Custom & Geometric Windows Costs in Palo Alto
| Item | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Geometric or shaped window | $800-$3,500 |
| Arched or curved window | $900-$4,000 |
| Oversized custom opening | $1,200-$5,500 |
Can you match the original divided-lite pattern on a historic Palo Alto window?
Yes. We template the exact lite configuration and have the sash fabricated to match, which is the same documentation the Historic Resources Board wants to see. Call (509) 265-6387 for a measured quote.
How long does a custom window take in Palo Alto?
Fabrication typically runs three to six weeks after the template is approved. Permitting in historic districts adds six to eight weeks on top of that, so we start the paperwork first.
Brands We Service in Palo Alto
We specify and install from eight manufacturer lines, including PGT, CWS, and ES Windows for impact and energy-rated glass, and Therma-Tru for entry doors. Common replacement parts for these brands are stocked at our Bay Area warehouse, so service calls in Palo Alto don’t wait on a ground shipment. See our brands for the full line sheet.
Pricing for Windows & Doors in Palo Alto, CA
| Service | Typical range in Palo Alto |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung window | $450-$1,900 |
| Horizontal roller window | $500-$2,100 |
| Impact-resistant window | $700-$2,800 |
| Energy-efficient Low-E window | $400-$1,700 |
| Patio door | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Impact sliding glass door | $2,500-$7,500 |
| Hurricane-rated garage door | $1,800-$6,000 |
| Geometric or shaped window | $800-$3,500 |
| Arched or curved window | $900-$4,000 |
| Custom oversized opening | $1,200-$5,500 |
What pushes a Palo Alto job toward the top of these ranges is usually the opening itself: an Eichler post-and-beam retrofit costs more than a stock rough opening, and a historic district review adds both time and the cost of matching divided-lite profiles. The written price you receive after our measured survey is the price on the final invoice, under the Haven Standard’s no-surprises clause.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Palo Alto
We work across Palo Alto’s residential neighborhoods, from the historic districts to the mid-century tracts and the modern infill. Our crews move through the city on a routed schedule, and most service calls are scheduled within a few days of the survey.
- Barron Park
- Green Gables
- Professorville
- College Terrace
- Midtown
Service Area - Cities Near Palo Alto
In addition to Palo Alto, our Bay Area crews cover Menlo Park, CA, Los Altos, CA, Redwood City, CA, and Mountain View, CA. If you are just outside the Palo Alto line, call (509) 265-6387 and we will confirm coverage on the call.
Serving Palo Alto, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
Most Palo Alto service calls are scheduled within two to four business days of the call. We route from our Bay Area office, so the tech’s drive is short and the window is specific. Call (509) 265-6387 to set a time.
Some do, particularly in the newer infill developments and certain condo associations where exterior appearance is controlled. We can work with the HOA’s written standard and include it in the measured survey, so the quote matches what the board has already approved.
In Professorville and College Terrace, yes, if the door is on a street-facing elevation and the home is a contributing structure. The review is the same six-to-eight-week window as window replacement, and we file the paperwork with the initial permit set.
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 Palo Alto Customers Say
"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."Front door install went smoothly. Written warranty, clear price, no pressure to upgrade anything."
- Nils H.