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 Francisco, CA
Window installation in San Francisco runs $900-$2,800 per opening depending on whether the job is a standard insert into a square frame or a full-frame replacement that requires structural work on a load-bearing bay. Most San Francisco jobs involve wood-frame Victorians and Edwardians where the window is part of the wall assembly, not a separate unit, so pricing reflects structural reality more than product choice. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written price before any work starts.
Why San Francisco Homes Are Different
San Francisco’s residential stock was mostly built between the 1880s and 1915, which means original single-pane wood sash windows and cantilevered bay windows that carry structural load. The bay window is not a bump-out; it is the wall. Replacing one means addressing the framing, the support brackets, and often the floor cantilever beneath it. The SF Planning Department regulates most of this work through Articles 10 and 11 of the Planning Code, and in neighborhoods with historic district designation, standard vinyl or aluminum replacement windows are simply not approvable. A contractor either sources period-matching wood profiles or walks the homeowner through discretionary review, which adds months.
Then there is the marine layer. In the Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond, salt-laden fog saturates exposed wood end-grain on the street side of the sill year-round. We regularly pull sills in these neighborhoods that are fully rotted through on the exterior face while the interior paint looks fresh. That failure pattern is specific to San Francisco. It means the written scope for a window job here often includes sill replacement, threshold plate repair, and flashing work that would never appear on an inland Bay Area quote.
Our Main San Francisco Services
Most San Francisco homeowners contact us about two jobs: full door replacement and whole-window retrofits. Each has its own dedicated page.
Door Installation in San Francisco
Entry doors in San Francisco take a beating from salt fog and wind-driven rain, especially on west-facing exposures. We measure for slab replacement, pre-hung units, and full-frame door swaps, and we account for the settlement common in wood-frame flats built after 1906. The written survey you keep covers the rough opening, the threshold condition, and the reveal tolerances before any price is set. See Door Installation in San Francisco for the full breakdown.
Window Replacement in San Francisco
Window replacement in San Francisco is a permit-heavy job when it touches structurally integrated bays or falls inside a historic district. We document the existing sightlines, glass thickness, and frame dimensions so the replacement matches what the Planning Department will approve. See Window Replacement in San Francisco for pricing, sub-jobs, and the permits question answered in detail.
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 Francisco
Window installation in San Francisco starts around $900 for a simple single-hung insert in a square opening and climbs past $2,800 when the job is a full-frame replacement of a load-bearing bay in a Victorian or Edwardian. The structural work is the variable: a window in a 1910 Richmond district flat is rarely a simple swap. Our Window Installation process begins with a measured survey that becomes the written scope.
Single & Double Hung Windows
Signs you need it
Sashes that rattle in the wind, require a prop to stay open, or show visible separation at the meeting rail mean the weight-and-pulley system or the frame itself has failed.
What it costs in San Francisco
Single and double hung window installation in San Francisco typically runs $900-$1,900 per opening as an insert, and $1,500-$2,800 per opening as a full-frame replacement.
How we do it
We document the existing sash weight system, measure the pocket, and set the replacement within the original jamb unless the frame has rot that requires full removal.
Casement Windows
Signs you need it
A crank that slips, a sash that won’t seal against the frame, or visible corrosion on the operator hardware means the casement mechanism is done.
What it costs in San Francisco
Casement window installation in San Francisco generally runs $1,200-$2,200 per opening for inserts, and $1,800-$2,800 per opening for full-frame work on wood-sided flats.
How we do it
We check the reveal around all four sides of the sash, replace the operator and hinge hardware as a set, and flash the exterior to direct fog-driven moisture away from the rough opening.
What Window Installation Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung, insert | $900 - $1,900 per opening |
| Casement window, insert | $1,200 - $2,200 per opening |
| Full-frame replacement | $1,500 - $2,800 per opening |
Does window installation in San Francisco require a permit?
Usually, yes. Full-frame replacements and any work on bay windows require Planning Department review, and historic districts add discretionary review. We handle the drawings and the submittal as part of the written scope.
How long does window installation take in San Francisco?
A single insert takes one day on site when the rough opening is sound. A full-frame bay replacement runs two to three days plus permit review time, which varies by district. Call (509) 265-6387 for a schedule estimate.
Impact Windows & Doors in San Francisco
Impact windows in San Francisco are not a storm-driven product; they are a noise, intrusion, and moisture product. Homes on busy corridors like Geary Boulevard or near the fog horns in the Outer Sunset buy impact-rated glass for the sound reduction and the laminated interlayer that holds the glass together if it breaks. Our Impact Windows & Doors work here is specified by exposure, not by hurricane code.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Signs you need it
Persistent street noise that penetrates closed windows, visible glass rattling from traffic vibration, or ground-floor windows within reach of a sidewalk signal the need for laminated impact glass.
What it costs in San Francisco
Impact-resistant window installation in San Francisco runs $1,400-$2,600 per opening for standard sizes, with the laminated glass unit itself roughly $220-$500 per window depending on square footage.
How we do it
We size the laminated unit to the existing jamb, shim the frame for a true reveal on all four sides, and seal the exterior perimeter with marine-grade flashing rated for salt-fog exposure.
Horizontal Roller & Sliding Impact Windows
Signs you need it
Sliding sashes that bind on the track, condensation between the panes, or frames that have dropped out of square from foundation settlement in Mission and Sunset flats are the typical failure signs.
What it costs in San Francisco
Horizontal roller impact windows in San Francisco run $1,300-$2,400 per opening installed, with full-frame work at the upper end and track replacement included in the written price.
How we do it
We remove the existing sash, check the track and sill for level, set the new impact-rated glazing, and adjust the rollers so the sash travels without binding against the frame.
What Impact Windows & Doors Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Impact-resistant window, installed | $1,400 - $2,600 per opening |
| Laminated glass unit, replacement | $220 - $500 per window |
| Horizontal roller impact window, installed | $1,300 - $2,400 per opening |
Are impact windows worth it in San Francisco if there are no hurricanes?
Yes, for noise reduction and security. The laminated interlayer cuts street noise by roughly half compared to single-pane sash, and it holds the glass together if a ground-floor window is struck. Call (509) 265-6387 for a written quote.
Will impact windows change the look of a Victorian in San Francisco?
They can, if the glass package is thick and the frame profile is modern. We specify narrower sightlines and period-appropriate frame profiles so the replacement passes Planning Department review without a visible departure from the original.
Energy-Efficient Windows in San Francisco
Energy-efficient windows in San Francisco are less about cooling load and more about the marine layer: moisture control, condensation resistance, and heat retention in foggy west-side neighborhoods. A home in the Outer Richmond with single-pane sash loses most of its indoor heat through the glass and frame, and the same salt fog that rots the sill also drives condensation onto interior surfaces. Our Energy-Efficient Windows specs are chosen for U-factor first, SHGC second, because San Francisco’s problem is keeping heat in, not out.
Low-E & Argon Gas Glass
Signs you need it
Condensation that forms on the interior glass surface, rooms that never hold heat, or window frames that are cold to the touch on foggy mornings mean the glazing has lost its insulating value.
What it costs in San Francisco
Low-E argon gas window installation in San Francisco runs $800-$1,800 per opening as an insert, and $1,500-$2,500 per opening when the frame is replaced.
How we do it
We measure the existing sash for a like-for-like glazing swap, replace the double-pane unit with low-E coated glass, and re-seal the perimeter with the argon fill specified for the exposure.
Insulated Laminated Glass
Signs you need it
Homes on noisy arterials that also fight condensation and heat loss need the dual benefit of laminated interlayer and insulating airspace, a combination single-pane sash never provided.
What it costs in San Francisco
Insulated laminated glass replacement in San Francisco runs $1,300-$2,300 per opening installed as a complete sash set, with the per-unit glass cost at $200-$450.
How we do it
We build the replacement sash with a laminated outer pane, an argon-filled airspace, and a low-E inner pane, then set it into the existing jamb with new weatherstripping and glazing bead.
What Energy-Efficient Windows Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Low-E argon glass, insert | $800 - $1,800 per opening |
| Insulated laminated glass, installed | $1,300 - $2,300 per opening |
| Laminated glass unit, material only | $200 - $450 per window |
What U-factor makes sense for San Francisco’s fog belt?
A U-factor of 0.30 or lower is worth paying for in the Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond. That rating addresses heat retention in a climate that never gets hot enough to justify the solar-control emphasis used inland.
Will energy-efficient windows stop the condensation on my San Francisco windows?
Mostly, yes. The interior glass surface stays warmer with a low-E insulated unit, which shifts the dew point enough to eliminate routine morning condensation. Call (509) 265-6387 for a measured assessment.
Sliding & Patio Doors in San Francisco
Sliding and patio doors in San Francisco fight two enemies: salt fog on the exterior track and settlement in the floor system. A 1908 Edwardian flat in the Mission has had 115 years to settle, and the door opening that was square in 1908 is rarely square now. Our Sliding & Patio Doors work starts with a floor-level check and a written scope that accounts for the real rough opening, not the nominal one.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
Signs you need it
A door that requires two hands to move, visible gaps at the weatherstripping, or condensation inside the glass means the rollers, track, or glazing have failed.
What it costs in San Francisco
Sliding glass door replacement in San Francisco runs $1,800-$3,000 per door installed, including track replacement when the existing aluminum rail is pitted or bent.
How we do it
We pull the existing panel, inspect the track for level and corrosion, set the new door on adjustable rollers, and re-seal the threshold against fog-driven moisture.
Screen Door Installation
Signs you need it
A torn or sagging screen, a frame that no longer seats in the track, or missing hardware on an old sliding screen means the screen panel needs full replacement.
What it costs in San Francisco
Screen door installation in San Francisco runs $150-$400 per door, with custom sizes at the upper end when the opening is out of square.
How we do it
We build the screen frame to the measured opening, install new mesh with the spline fully seated, and set the panel in the existing track with replacement rollers and keepers.
What Sliding & Patio Doors Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Sliding glass door replacement | $1,800 - $3,000 per door |
| Screen door installation | $150 - $400 per door |
| Patio door, full-frame with hardware | $1,800 - $3,000 per door |
How long does a sliding door replacement take in San Francisco?
A straightforward panel swap takes one day on site. A full-frame patio door with header work runs two days, plus any permit submittal. The written scope includes the timeline before work begins.
Can you fix a patio door in San Francisco without replacing the whole thing?
Sometimes, yes. If the glass unit is intact and the frame is square, roller replacement and track service can restore function for under $400 in many cases. Call (509) 265-6387 with the door’s age and we’ll tell you straight.
Impact Garage Doors in San Francisco
Impact garage doors in San Francisco protect two things: the car and the ground floor behind the door. A garage on a Bernal Heights slope or a Marina district flat faces wind-driven rain and the occasional airborne debris from street trees, and a standard hollow-core door transmits every impact straight into the frame. Our Impact Garage Doors are specified for wind load on the elevation and the door’s exposure to the street.
Garage Door Replacement
Signs you need it
Panels that dent from routine impact, visible rust at the bottom rail, or a door that binds on uneven track from years of salt-fog corrosion mean the door has reached end of life.
What it costs in San Francisco
Garage door replacement in San Francisco runs $2,000-$4,000 installed, with wind-load rated doors at the upper end of that range.
How we do it
We measure the full opening, the track clearance, and the wind exposure, then set the new door with upgraded hinges and a bottom seal rated for standing moisture.
Wind-Load Code Compliance
Signs you need it
A door that flexes inward visibly during winter storms or a permit requirement from a renovation on an exposed elevation means the existing door does not meet current wind-load standards.
What it costs in San Francisco
Wind-load code compliance work in San Francisco adds $500-$1,200 to a garage door replacement when reinforcement struts and upgraded track are required.
How we do it
We verify the design wind pressure for the specific elevation, add reinforcement struts where the manufacturer specifies, and document the installed assembly for the permit record.
What Impact Garage Doors Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Garage door replacement, installed | $2,000 - $4,000 per door |
| Impact-rated garage door, installed | $2,500 - $4,000 per door |
| Wind-load code compliance upgrade | $500 - $1,200 per door |
Do San Francisco garages need impact-rated doors?
Not by code in most of the city, but a wind-load rated door makes a measurable difference on west-facing slopes like Forest Knolls or Miraloma Park. The extra cost is in the reinforcement, not the panel itself.
How long does an impact garage door last in San Francisco’s salt fog?
Fifteen to twenty years with the right maintenance, less if the bottom rail sits in standing moisture. We specify corrosion-resistant hardware on every fog-belt installation because standard hardware fails in half that time.
Custom & Geometric Windows in San Francisco
Custom and geometric windows are where San Francisco’s Victorian and Edwardian stock forces a choice no other Bay Area city faces. The original sash, the curved glass in a turret, the angled sidelights flanking a 1910 entryway: none of these are stock sizes anymore. Our Custom & Geometric Windows work is built to the measured opening, not ordered from a catalog, because the catalog stopped printing those sizes sixty years ago.
Geometric & Shaped Windows
Signs you need it
An original shaped window with a cracked pane, a rotted curved sash, or a failed seal on a triangular transom means the unit must be custom-fabricated to match the opening.
What it costs in San Francisco
Geometric and shaped window replacement in San Francisco runs $1,500-$3,500 per opening fabricated, with curved glass and true divided lites at the upper end.
How we do it
We template the exact opening, fabricate the new sash to match the original sightline, and set the unit with glazing points and putty in the traditional profile.
Arched & Curved Windows
Signs you need it
A springline crack in the arch, separation at the curved joints, or interior water staining below the arch indicates the curved sash and frame have failed together.
What it costs in San Francisco
Arched and curved window fabrication and installation in San Francisco runs $2,000-$4,000 per opening, reflecting the template work and the curved glass unit cost.
How we do it
We take a full-size template of the curved opening, fabricate the new sash with laminated glass radius-bent to match, and install the unit with an exterior flashing detail that sheds fog moisture.
What Custom & Geometric Windows Costs in San Francisco
| Item | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Geometric or shaped window, fabricated and installed | $1,500 - $3,500 per opening |
| Arched or curved window, fabricated and installed | $2,000 - $4,000 per opening |
| Custom oversized opening, full-frame | $2,500 - $4,000 per opening |
Can you match the original windows in a San Francisco landmark building?
Yes. We template the existing profiles and fabricate to match sightline, muntin pattern, and glass thickness. If the Planning Department requires documentation, the measured survey and the written scope become part of the submittal.
How long does a custom window take in San Francisco?
Fabrication runs six to ten weeks for curved or shaped glass, plus one to two days on site for installation. The written price is set at templating, before fabrication begins.
Brands We Service in San Francisco
We spec from eight manufacturer lines and carry parts locally for ViewLux, PGT, and CWS products. Turnaround on service parts that are not in the local stock runs five to ten business days. See our brands for the full line list.
Pricing for Windows & Doors in San Francisco, CA
| Service | Typical range in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Single or double hung window, insert | $900 - $1,900 |
| Casement window, insert | $1,200 - $2,200 |
| Full-frame window replacement | $1,500 - $2,800 |
| Impact-resistant window, installed | $1,400 - $2,600 |
| Laminated glass unit, material | $220 - $500 |
| Low-E argon glass, insert | $800 - $1,800 |
| Insulated laminated glass, installed | $1,300 - $2,300 |
| Sliding glass door replacement | $1,800 - $3,000 |
| Screen door installation | $150 - $400 |
| Garage door replacement, installed | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Custom geometric window, fabricated | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Arched or curved window, fabricated | $2,000 - $4,000 |
What pushes price up in San Francisco is structural reality: a load-bearing bay, a rotted sill in a fog-belt neighborhood, or a historic district review that requires period-matching profiles. The written price we hand you before any work starts is the same figure on the final invoice, because the measured survey and the quote are one document.
Neighborhoods We Serve in San Francisco
We serve the full city, with most of our work concentrated in the neighborhoods where the original housing stock is oldest and the framing is wood. Our crews run routes through the west side and the central corridor daily.
- Outer Sunset
- Outer Richmond
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
- Bernal Heights
Response time for most San Francisco appointments is two to five business days for the measured survey, with same-week scheduling available when the job is time-sensitive.
Service Area - Cities Near San Francisco
We also work the full peninsula and East Bay shoreline. Homeowners in Daly City, CA, South San Francisco, CA, Alameda, CA, and Berkeley, CA get the same written price, measured survey, and documented photo record as our San Francisco jobs.
Serving San Francisco, CA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the San Francisco 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 Francisco
For most jobs, the measured survey happens within two to five business days of the first call. The work schedule depends on permit review when required, and we coordinate that as part of the written scope, not as a separate step you chase.
No, but the exceptions are narrow. Inserts into existing sound frames in non-historic areas can sometimes proceed without one. Full-frame work, bay windows, and anything in a historic district almost always require Planning Department review, which we handle.
Yes. We prepare the drawings, the product specs, and the written scope in the format the HOA or the Planning Department requires. The documentation you receive is the same documentation they review, so there is no gap between what we promised and what gets approved.
Call (509) 265-6387 for a written estimate on any window or door job in San Francisco. The price is on the page before the first tool is lifted.
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 Francisco Customers Say
"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."Patio door had dropped and would not lock. They adjusted it rather than selling me a new one, and charged accordingly."
- Simone T.