Free in-home measure and quote - PGT, CGI and CWS impact lines compared on your actual openings, style by style
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Before
AfterWindows & Doors in San Rafael, CA
Window installation in San Rafael runs roughly $850 to $2,400 per opening depending on whether the job is replacing a 1960s Terra Linda aluminum slider or retrofitting a Craftsman double-hung in Gerstle Park with custom millwork. The city’s split housing stock, inland heat, and fire-hazard zoning in hillside neighborhoods mean the product choice and the permit path change block by block. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written price before any work starts.
Why San Rafael Homes Are Different
San Rafael packs three distinct housing eras into a single city, and each one fails differently. The planned Terra Linda tracts from the 1950s and 60s still hold rows of original single-pane aluminum sliders, their rollers worn flat and their frames oxidized to a dull chalk. The West End and Gerstle Park mix Craftsman bungalows with early-1900s wood-frame houses where double-hungs have been painted shut for decades and the sashes have lost their counterweight ropes. The Canal district adds aging multi-family stock where deferred maintenance meets salt air from the tidal slough, and aluminum frames corrode faster there than anywhere else in Marin.
The second variable is heat. San Rafael’s inland valley position makes it one of the county’s heat traps, with summer afternoons routinely 90 to 100°F while Sausalito sits 25°F cooler. That differential changes the glazing math. A low-SHGC coating that would be optional in Mill Valley becomes the difference between a bedroom that cools down at 9 p.m. and one that doesn’t cool down at all.
The third variable is fire code. Large swaths of the Dominican, Gerstle Park, Sun Valley, and upper Terra Linda neighborhoods sit inside California-designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Window and door replacements on those parcels now trigger WUI code requirements for fire-rated glazing and ember-resistant frames. That is not a product upgrade conversation. It is a permit requirement, and we handle it as one.
Our Main San Rafael Services
Two services dominate the calls we take from San Rafael homeowners: full door replacements and whole-window retrofits. Both have dedicated pages with local pricing and scope detail.
Door Installation in San Rafael
Entry doors in San Rafael take a beating from sun exposure on west-facing facades and salt air near the Canal. A replacement often involves more than the slab; the rough opening, threshold, and weatherstripping need evaluation together. We measure the existing reveal, check the jamb for rot, and write the scope so the new door seals against the specific exposure it faces. See Door Installation in San Rafael for full pricing and the sub-jobs we cover.
Window Replacement in San Rafael
Window replacement in San Rafael splits into two distinct tracks: retrofit inserts for the aluminum-frame tracts and full-frame tear-outs for older wood houses where the sill and casing have failed. The permit path differs by neighborhood, especially in the fire hazard zones above the valley floor. We document existing frame readings and sightline measurements before quoting. See Window Replacement in San Rafael for the details.
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 San Rafael
Window installation in San Rafael usually means replacing original single-pane aluminum sliders in Terra Linda or double-hungs that have lost their seal in the West End. The climate drives the glass spec: low-SHGC glazing on south and west exposures keeps July heat from turning a living room into a solar oven. We follow the same measured survey process on every opening, and the written quote you keep matches the invoice at the end. For an overview of our installation method, see Window Installation.
Single & Double Hung Windows
Signs you need it
You need a replacement when the sash won’t stay open without a prop, the glass fogs between panes, or the frame shows visible rot at the sill corners.
What it costs in San Rafael
Single and double hung replacement windows in San Rafael typically run $400 to $1,200 per window for retrofit installation.
How we do it
We remove the interior stops, pull the old sash, set the new unit into the existing opening, insulate the perimeter, and reinstall trim.
Horizontal Roller Windows
Signs you need it
A roller window needs attention when it grinds on its track, the rollers no longer contact the sill, or the aluminum frame shows white corrosion bloom.
What it costs in San Rafael
Horizontal roller window replacement in San Rafael typically runs $400 to $1,100 per window depending on frame size and whether the track is salvageable.
How we do it
We remove the sliding panel, inspect the existing track for pitting, replace worn rollers, reset the frame, and install new weatherstripping before testing the glide.
Casement Windows
Signs you need it
A casement fails when the crank mechanism strips, the sash sags on its hinges, or the frame no longer compresses the gasket evenly.
What it costs in San Rafael
Casement window installation in San Rafael generally runs $500 to $1,100 per window for standard sizes.
How we do it
We measure the reveal, remove the old hardware and sash, set the new unit, shim it square, and test the crank throw before final flashing.
Awning & Hopper Windows
Signs you need it
You need a replacement when the hinge rivets loosen, the glass has condensation between panes, or the frame shows corrosion from repeated wetting.
What it costs in San Rafael
Awning and hopper windows in San Rafael typically cost $350 to $850 per opening, with basement and utility sizes on the lower end.
How we do it
We cut the old frame out cleanly, install the new unit with new sealing tape, check the open/close arc, and verify drainage at the sill.
What Window Installation Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Single & Double Hung | $400 - $1,200 per window |
| Horizontal Roller | $400 - $1,100 per window |
| Casement | $500 - $1,100 per window |
How long does window installation take in San Rafael?
Most single-opening replacements finish in a day. A full-house retrofit in Terra Linda with 10 to 14 windows typically runs two to three working days including trim and stucco touch-up.
Will window installation trigger WUI code requirements in San Rafael?
If the property sits in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, yes. Fire-rated glazing and ember-resistant frames become mandatory, and we handle the permit scope and inspection path as part of the written quote.
Impact Windows & Doors in San Rafael
Impact windows and doors in San Rafael are driven less by hurricane risk than by the fire-hazard code map. Hillside parcels in Dominican, Sun Valley, and upper Terra Linda now commonly require impact-rated or fire-rated glazing on replacement openings, and the two standards overlap in product selection. We specify impact-rated lines from PGT and CGI where the parcel sits in a WUI zone, with the written quote listing the exact tested pressure rating for each opening. See Impact Windows & Doors for the full scope.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Signs you need it
You need impact-rated glass when the parcel sits in a designated fire hazard zone, when the current windows are single-pane aluminum, or when the home faces open hillside exposure.
What it costs in San Rafael
Impact-resistant windows in San Rafael typically run $800 to $2,400 per window depending on frame material and tested pressure rating.
How we do it
We verify the parcel’s WUI status, select a frame and glazing package that meets the required pressure class, and install with the manufacturer’s specified anchoring schedule.
Horizontal Roller & Sliding Impact Windows
Signs you need it
A sliding impact unit is indicated when the existing roller window leaks air, the track has pitted, or the home’s replacement plan requires a WUI-listed product on that elevation.
What it costs in San Rafael
Horizontal roller and sliding impact windows in San Rafael generally cost $900 to $2,100 per window for standard two-lite configurations.
How we do it
We measure the opening, order the tested sliding assembly, set the frame, replace the track rollers, and verify the interlock engages fully before final trim.
What Impact Windows & Doors Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Impact-Resistant Windows | $800 - $2,400 per window |
| Horizontal Roller & Sliding Impact | $900 - $2,100 per window |
| Impact Entry Doors | $1,500 - $4,000 per door |
Are impact windows required in San Rafael?
Only in designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Homes in the flatland neighborhoods are typically not required to install impact-rated glazing unless a specific elevation faces open space that triggers review.
Do impact windows reduce heat in San Rafael summers?
Yes. Most impact-rated glass packages include a low-emissivity coating, and the laminated interlayer cuts solar transmission. The difference is measurable on west-facing walls in Terra Linda.
Energy-Efficient Windows in San Rafael
Energy-efficient windows in San Rafael matter more than they do in coastal Marin because the valley traps heat. A double-pane unit with a low-SHGC coating on a west-facing Gerstle Park bungalow can cut late-afternoon heat gain in a way no amount of shade tree can match. We spec glass by orientation and exposure, with U-factor and SHGC values written on the quote for every opening. See Energy-Efficient Windows for the full product range.
Low-E & Argon Gas Glass
Signs you need it
You need low-E glass when your existing single-pane windows radiate heat into the room by 4 p.m., when the AC runs continually on summer afternoons, or when furniture shows fading.
What it costs in San Rafael
Low-E and argon gas replacement windows in San Rafael typically run $450 to $1,100 per window for standard retrofit sizes.
How we do it
We measure the solar orientation of each opening, select a low-E coating and gas fill to match the exposure, and install with a full perimeter seal.
UV-Blocking & Fade Protection
Signs you need it
Fading on hardwood floors, upholstery, or artwork within eight feet of a window is the direct evidence that the current glazing is passing too much UV radiation.
What it costs in San Rafael
UV-blocking window packages in San Rafael generally cost $500 to $1,200 per window depending on glass thickness and laminate layers.
How we do it
We specify a laminated or coated glass package that blocks the UV band, then install the unit with new glazing tape and verify the seal under full sun.
What Energy-Efficient Windows Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Low-E & Argon Gas Glass | $450 - $1,100 per window |
| UV-Blocking & Fade Protection | $500 - $1,200 per window |
| ENERGY STAR Replacement | $500 - $1,300 per window |
What U-factor should I choose for San Rafael?
For San Rafael’s valley climate, a U-factor of 0.30 or lower on fixed and operable windows is a sensible target. The bigger lever here is SHGC; keep it at 0.25 or below on south and west exposures.
Will energy-efficient windows pay for themselves in San Rafael?
On a Terra Linda ranch with original single-pane sliders, yes, typically through reduced cooling load and the elimination of failed seals. We document the glass specs so you can calculate the return against your PG&E bills.
Sliding & Patio Doors in San Rafael
Sliding and patio doors in San Rafael fail most often in the original Terra Linda stock, where aluminum tracks have worn through and rollers have flattened over 60 years of use. Salt air near the Canal accelerates that corrosion, and the same door that lasts 30 years in Novato might last 15 here if it faces the slough. We replace the frame, the track, and the glazing as one assembly. See Sliding & Patio Doors for the full list of configurations.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
Signs you need it
A sliding door needs replacement when the panel shudders in the track, the lock no longer aligns, or the frame profile shows visible corrosion at the bottom rail.
What it costs in San Rafael
Sliding glass door replacement in San Rafael typically runs $1,200 to $3,000 per door depending on width and glass package.
How we do it
We pull the old panel, inspect the rough opening for rot or corrosion, install a new track and frame assembly, and test the glide with the full panel weight in place.
Impact Sliding Glass Doors
Signs you need it
Impact-rated sliding doors are indicated where the opening faces open hillside, where the parcel sits in a WUI zone, or where the current door is single-glazed and unrated.
What it costs in San Rafael
Impact sliding glass doors in San Rafael generally cost $2,000 to $5,000 per door for tested assemblies in standard widths.
How we do it
We verify the required pressure rating for the elevation, order the tested door assembly, set the frame, and install with the specified anchor schedule and interlock check.
What Sliding & Patio Doors Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Sliding Glass Door Replacement | $1,200 - $3,000 per door |
| Impact Sliding Glass Doors | $2,000 - $5,000 per door |
| Screen Door Installation | $150 - $400 per door |
How long does a patio door replacement take in San Rafael?
Most sliding door replacements finish in one day. Impact-rated assemblies with a fire-rated frame may require a second day for stucco or trim work around the rough opening.
Can you match an existing patio door frame in a San Rafael bungalow?
Yes. For older wood-frame houses in Gerstle Park or the West End, we can spec a fiberglass or wood-clad frame that matches the sightline of the original without repeating its decay problems.
Impact Garage Doors in San Rafael
Impact garage doors in San Rafael follow the same fire-zone map as windows. Any garage on a Dominican or upper Terra Linda parcel inside a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone is part of the WUI envelope, and replacing the vehicle door triggers ember-resistance requirements. We spec impact-rated garage doors from CWS and PGT with wind-load ratings documented on the quote and the permit package. See Impact Garage Doors for the full technical scope.
Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors
Signs you need it
You need a hurricane-rated door when the garage sits on a WUI parcel, when the current door is a single-skin steel panel with no bracing, or when the tracks show rust and loose anchors.
What it costs in San Rafael
Hurricane-rated garage doors in San Rafael typically run $1,800 to $4,500 per door including track and anchors.
How we do it
We measure the opening, spec a wind-load-tested door panel with reinforcing struts, replace the track assembly, and anchor the frame to the surrounding structure per code.
Garage Door Replacement
Signs you need it
A standard garage door needs replacement when the panels dent, the springs have been replaced more than once, or the door binds on the track during operation.
What it costs in San Rafael
Garage door replacement in San Rafael generally runs $1,200 to $3,500 per door depending on insulation value and panel construction.
How we do it
We remove the old door and track, install the new panel system, set the spring tension correctly, and verify the auto-reverse safety function before leaving.
What Impact Garage Doors Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors | $1,800 - $4,500 per door |
| Garage Door Replacement | $1,200 - $3,500 per door |
| Wind-Load Code Compliance | $400 - $1,200 per door |
Are impact garage doors required for all San Rafael homes?
No. Only parcels inside the High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones carry that requirement. Flatland homes in the Canal or downtown are typically exempt unless a specific elevation triggers review.
Do impact garage doors insulate better than standard doors?
Generally yes. Most impact-rated panels carry a higher R-value than a single-skin steel door, and the added mass cuts heat transfer into an attached garage on San Rafael summer afternoons.
Custom & Geometric Windows in San Rafael
Custom and geometric windows in San Rafael show up most often in the West End and Gerstle Park, where Craftsman-era houses carry arched, circular, or trapezoidal openings that stock replacement windows cannot fit. Terra Linda’s curvilinear streets, by contrast, gave builders license to drop a fixed picture unit into an odd gable, and those openings often need custom-cut glass when the original fails. We measure every axis of the opening and order the glass to the actual shape, not a template. See Custom & Geometric Windows for the range of shapes we build.
Arched & Curved Windows
Signs you need it
You need an arched window replacement when the glass has cracked at the spring point, the frame shows water staining below the curve, or the existing unit is single-pane and failing.
What it costs in San Rafael
Arched and curved window replacement in San Rafael typically runs $900 to $2,200 per window depending on the radius and frame material.
How we do it
We take a full-dimension template of the curved opening, order the glass and sash to that exact arc, and install with new flashing at the head and sill.
Oversized Openings
Signs you need it
An oversized opening needs attention when the existing picture unit shows seal failure at the edges, the glass bows visibly, or the frame has settled out of square.
What it costs in San Rafael
Oversized window replacement in San Rafael generally costs $1,500 to $4,000 per window for fixed glass assemblies over 40 square feet.
How we do it
We measure the opening in three axes, check the rough framing for squareness, order the glass and frame as a unit, and set it with mechanical anchors rated for the panel weight.
What Custom & Geometric Windows Costs in San Rafael
| Item | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Arched & Curved Windows | $900 - $2,200 per window |
| Oversized Openings | $1,500 - $4,000 per window |
| Geometric & Shaped Windows | $800 - $2,400 per window |
How long do custom windows take in San Rafael?
Most custom shapes take three to five weeks from template to install. The lead time is set by the glass fabricator, not by our schedule, and the quote states it in writing before you commit.
Can you replace a geometric window without changing the house’s character?
Yes. In Gerstle Park and the West End, we match the original sightline and muntin profile as closely as the current code allows, and we document the comparison before you approve the order.
Brands We Service in San Rafael
We install and service window and door systems from ViewLux, PGT, CGI, and CWS, among the eight lines we carry. Parts and glass are sourced through our Bay Area supply chain with typical lead times of two to five weeks for custom orders. See our brands for the full specification list.
Pricing for Windows & Doors in San Rafael, CA
| Service | Typical range in San Rafael |
|---|---|
| Single & Double Hung Windows | $400 - $1,200 per window |
| Horizontal Roller Windows | $400 - $1,100 per window |
| Casement Windows | $500 - $1,100 per window |
| Impact-Resistant Windows | $800 - $2,400 per window |
| Low-E & Argon Gas Glass | $450 - $1,100 per window |
| Sliding Glass Door Replacement | $1,200 - $3,000 per door |
| Impact Sliding Glass Doors | $2,000 - $5,000 per door |
| Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors | $1,800 - $4,500 per door |
| Arched & Curved Windows | $900 - $2,200 per window |
| Oversized Openings | $1,500 - $4,000 per window |
The two things that push prices up in San Rafael are WUI-zone compliance on hillside parcels and full-frame tear-outs on older wood houses where the rough opening needs rebuilding. On every job, the written price you receive before work starts is the price you pay at the end, no change orders.
Neighborhoods We Serve in San Rafael
Our crews work across San Rafael regularly, from the flatland streets of the Canal to the hillside lots above Dominican. The drive time between neighborhoods is short, and we typically schedule San Rafael jobs within one to three weeks of the measured survey.
- Terra Linda
- Gerstle Park
- West End
- Dominican
- Sun Valley
Service Area - Cities Near San Rafael
We also cover the surrounding North Bay and East Bay communities, including Richmond, CA, San Pablo, CA, Novato, CA, and Hercules, CA. Scheduling and dispatch are coordinated from our San Francisco Bay Area office.
Serving San Rafael, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the San Rafael 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 San Rafael
It depends on the parcel and the scope. Like-for-like replacement in a flatland neighborhood often does not require a permit, but WUI-zone parcels and any job that changes the rough opening size do. We determine the permit path during the measured survey and include it in the written quote.
Most San Rafael homeowners book the measured survey one to two weeks out, with installation following two to four weeks after product arrival. Custom shapes and impact-rated assemblies add fabrication lead time, so hillside WUI projects often need six to eight weeks total.
Yes. We can spec a modern horizontal roller or fixed unit that matches the original sightline proportions and frame color of the 1960s aluminum sliders, while upgrading the glass to a sealed double-pane unit that meets current energy code. The written quote states the exact sightline dimensions so you can verify the match before ordering.
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 San Rafael Customers Say
"Patio door had dropped and would not lock. They adjusted it rather than selling me a new one, and charged accordingly."
- Simone T."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.