Windows in Washington, DC

If you live in DC, you know the feeling: It’s mid-August, the humidity is at 98%, and stepping outside feels like walking into a sauna. You’re running your A/C full blast to survive "The Swamp," but the cool air is rushing right out of your 100-year-old single-pane windows.

Living here means navigating a unique mix of challenges: the deafening roar of sirens and motorcades on K Street, the freezing drafts that whip off the Potomac in January, and the strict eyes of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).

At Mr. Remodel, we understand that replacing windows in Washington DC isn't just a construction project; it's often a compliance project. Whether you’re restoring a Federal-style rowhouse in Capitol Hill or updating a detached bungalow in Brookland, we have contractors who install windows that respect DC’s history while blocking out the noise and the weather.

Why Homeowners in DC Use Mr. Remodel

1. Historic Preservation Experts

If you own a home in a designated historic district like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, or Capitol Hill, you can’t just install any window you want. The HPRB demands that street-facing windows match the original material, light pattern, and profile. 

We are experts in navigating the Department of Buildings (DOB) permit process. We know exactly when to use architectural-grade wood-clad windows to satisfy the board, and when we can save you money with high-end composites in the rear/alley.

2. Maximizing Pepco & DCSEU Rebates

Energy efficiency in DC pays off. Pepco and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) often offer rebates for Home Performance upgrades. To qualify, windows typically need to meet strict Energy Star Northern Zone requirements. We install windows with U-Factors as low as 0.27, ensuring you not only lower your monthly Pepco bill but also maximize your eligibility for local efficiency incentives.

3. Lead-Safe Certification for Pre-1978 Homes

Over 70% of DC’s housing stock was built before 1978, meaning lead paint is a near certainty in original window sashes. Unlike "chuck-in-a-truck" installers, we are EPA Lead-Safe Certified. We use specialized dust containment systems to ensure that when we remove those old weighted sashes, your family (and your pets) are safe from toxic dust.

Average Cost of Windows in Washington, DC

In DC, costs vary wildly depending on whether your home faces a historic street. A common strategy is mixed materials. This means premium wood for the front facade and cost-effective vinyl for the back.

Common Window Challenges in DC

1. Summer Swell

The Problem: In July, the relative humidity in DC creates a moisture surplus. Original wooden sashes in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan absorb this moisture and swell, sealing the window shut. You literally cannot open them to get fresh air.

The Expert Solution: For historic fronts, we use cellular PVC or clad-wood replacements. These materials have the thermal look of wood but do not expand or contract with humidity, ensuring your windows open smoothly every single time.

2. Noise Pollution

The Problem: Whether it’s sirens on 16th Street or the flight path noise over the Palisades from DCA, DC is a loud city. Single-pane glass blocks almost zero sound.

The Expert Solution: We recommend Dissimilar Glass Packages (one pane is thicker than the other). This disrupts sound waves effectively. For extreme noise, we can install laminated glass, which acts like a noise-canceling headphone for your living room.

3. Rotting Sills and Busted Brick

The Problem: Many rowhouses have had windows replaced cheaply in the 80s using cement mortar instead of lime mortar. This traps water and causes the historic brick to crack and the wood sills to rot from the inside out.

The Expert Solution: We perform full-frame replacements when necessary, removing the rotten wood completely. We also use appropriate sealants that flex with your home’s brick facade during the freeze-thaw cycles of DC winters.

Compare: Historic Wood vs. Premium Vinyl

For many DC homeowners, the choice comes down to "Curb Appeal & Compliance" vs. "Budget."

Option A: Historic Wood-Clad Windows (The "Compliance" Choice)

• Best For: Front facades in Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Logan Circle.

• Pros:

• HPRB Approved: Meets strict historic guidelines.
• Aesthetics: The only way to get the deep shadows and profiles of the original 1900s joinery.
• Value: Preserves the historic resale value of the property.
• Cons: Significantly higher cost; requires more maintenance if not aluminum-clad.

Option B: Premium Vinyl Windows (The "Efficiency" Choice)

• Best For: Rear elevations, alleys, and neighborhoods like Petworth or Takoma.

• Pros:

• Cost: ~50% cheaper than wood.
• Efficiency: Excellent thermal ratings (low U-Factor).
• Maintenance: Never needs painting; just wash with soap and water.
• Cons: Strict "No" from the historic board for street-facing walls; thinner frame profile looks less "authentic."

Expert Advice: Don't guess with the HPRB. If you live in a historic district, we recommend a hybrid approach: Invest in Wood-Clad for the street-facing windows to stay legal and beautiful, and use high-efficiency Vinyl for the rear and sides to save thousands.

Service Areas

We serve the entire District and the immediate metro area:

DC Neighborhoods:

• Capitol Hill / Eastern Market
• Georgetown
• Dupont Circle
• Adams Morgan
• Petworth
• Brookland
• Navy Yard / The Wharf
• Chevy Chase DC

Surrounding Suburbs:

• Bethesda, MD
• Silver Spring, MD
• Arlington, VA (Clarendon/Rosslyn)
• Alexandria, VA (Old Town)
• Takoma Park, MD

FAQ: Window Replacement in Washington, DC

1. Do I need a permit to replace windows in DC?

Yes, in most cases. If you are in a Historic District, you absolutely need a permit and HPRB review. Even outside historic zones, if you are changing the size of the opening ("structural alteration"), a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) is required. We handle this paperwork for you.

2. Can I put vinyl windows on the front of my house?

If you live in a Historic District, the answer is almost always no. The board requires materials that match the original (usually wood). If you are in a non-historic zone (like parts of Ward 4 or 5), you generally can use vinyl.

3. How do you handle parking for the installation trucks?

We know DC parking is a nightmare. We apply for Emergency No Parking (ENP) signs through the city to reserve space for our trucks and dumpsters, so you don't have to worry about fighting your neighbors for a spot.

4. Will new windows help with the noise from the bus/metro?

Yes. Upgrading from single-pane to double-pane glass can reduce exterior noise by up to 50%. For homes near heavy traffic corridors like Connecticut Ave or New York Ave, we recommend laminated glass for maximum silence.

5. Are your windows Energy Star certified for DC?

Yes. DC is in the North-Central climate zone. We install windows with the appropriate U-Factor (insulation) and SHGC (solar heat gain) ratings to keep you warm in January and cool in August.

Stop Heating the Neighborhood

Don't let another humid summer or freezing winter drive your utility bills through the roof. Whether you need to satisfy the historic board or just want to sleep without hearing the bus stop outside, we have the local expertise to get it done right.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll handle the permits, the parking, and the preservation.