Although you can pick any type of window for your San Diego home, it’s worth considering which window best suits your environment.
Choosing materials unsuitable for the climate will result in the windows deteriorating faster and ultimately resulting in the need to replace them far sooner than if you chose something that can stand up to the weather conditions.
However, you don’t need to fret about which window to choose. We’ve got you covered.
Let’s get into it.
What Weather Does San Diego Have?
San Diego has a somewhat interesting climate. It has both coastal and desert climate conditions, meaning temperatures can get reasonably high but not ultra hot like it does further inland. This is thanks to the cool Pacific ocean breeze that blows ashore.
While the ocean provides respite from the heat, you must be wary of saltwater air and a humid environment. Not to mention high winds that can kick off every now and then.
What is the Best Type of Window for San Diego’s Climate?
Now we know what type of weather we’re dealing with, we must choose the right window to withstand the conditions. Here we’re going to look at three components that make up the window:
- The frame;
- The window pane;
- The style of window.
The Best Type of Window Frame for San Diego’s Climate
Window frames are available in four different materials, each with benefits and disadvantages,
Wood
Wood is a beautiful, classic-looking material that can be painted or stained to match almost any style and taste. It’s sturdy, a good insulator, and doesn’t encourage condensation.
On the other hand, it can rot, warp, become infested with insects, and requires regular maintenance such as staining.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, an excellent insulator, and low-maintenance material that doesn’t bend or warp.
However, its lack of flexibility makes it harder to install and customize, plus the cost is higher than other materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl is ultra-energy efficient, UV-resistant, and requires no maintenance. It’s also lightweight, cheap, and lasts up to 20 years.
Vinyl cannot be painted, so it’s the least customizable material, and since vinyl is a type of plastic, it’s hard to recycle.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, durable material that’s cost-efficient and customizable.
But it’s a poor insulator and is the least efficient option for keeping condensation at bay. It can also corrode if you live in a saltwater area.
Window Frame Winner for San Diego
For San Diego, you need something that doesn’t rot or corrode, which rules out wood and aluminum. Fiberglass is a good option, but it’s costly, so in our opinion, we say that vinyl window frames are the best option for San Diego’s climate.
Now let’s take a look at the different types of window panes available.
Dual or Triple Glass Pane
Dual or double-glazing is the standard choice for most homes. It offers good insulation and sound blocking and is cost-effective.
However, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or noise, triple glass can offer enhanced energy-saving and sound-blocking capabilities but is more expensive.
Krypton Gas
Krypton gas is odorless and invisible, which is denser than both argon gas and air. If efficiency is your chief concern, this is the best option, although it is more expensive than argon gas.
Argon Gas
Argon gas is also invisible and odorless that is denser than air but lighter than krypton gas. This type of gas is typically found in dual-pane windows. The gas boosts the thermal efficiency of the window.
Low E-Glazing
Low-E provides an ultra-thin, invisible layer to the pane of glass and works to reduce heat transfer inside the home by reflecting it back outside. When it’s hot outside, you will find your home’s temperature stays more constant if you have Low-E applied to your windows.
Window Pane Winner for San Diego
For San Diego and its enjoyable temperatures, it’s probably not necessary for triple glass or krypton gas unless you live somewhere exceptionally noisy.
Therefore, we recommend choosing dual panes with argon glass along with one or two coats of Low-E coating to keep the fierce sun at bay.
Finally, let’s check out the different styles of windows on offer:
- Bay windows: These are three paned windows that protrude out from the wall and provide a wide viewing angle.
- Bow windows: A bow window looks much like a bay window but has more window panes (four or five).
- Multi-pane windows: These either consist of many small panes of glass held together with a frame or a single pane of glass with a grid insert to give the illusion of many small panes.
- Awning windows: These open up and out and are good for areas with high rainfall or homes with limited space
- Picture window: These windows are fixed into place and cannot be opened but they provide a clear, unobstructed view of the outside.
- Casement windows: These are attached to the side via hinges and swing outwards or inwards to open.
- Double or single-hung windows: These are windows that open by sliding the bottom pane upwards or vice versa. Double-hung is the most common type of window.
Window Pane Winner for San Diego
We say that double or single casement windows are your best bet for San Diego. They can be opened fully to take advantage of that cool ocean breeze and offer better sound dampening and energy efficiency than hung windows.
Conclusion
So there you have it. We say that a vinyl frame, casement window with dual panes, argon gas, and Low-E coating is the best choice for the San Diego climate.
It’s cost-effective, energy efficient, and will withstand high temperatures, saltwater, and humid environments. With this type of window your investment will stand the test of time and continue to look great for years to come.