Glass ratings that matter here
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): how much of the sun's heat passes through. Lower is better in our climate, especially on south and west walls.
- U-factor: how much heat moves through the whole window. Lower is better.
- Visible transmittance: how much daylight comes through. Higher keeps rooms bright.
- Air leakage: how tightly the window seals. Lower keeps humid air out.
Our typical Lowcountry glass package
For most Charleston homes we recommend double-pane insulated glass with a spectrally selective low-E coating, argon fill and warm-edge spacers. On hard west and south exposures, we may step up to a stronger solar control coating. Each opening's glass is chosen for the direction it faces.
Installation is half the efficiency
A great window installed with gaps around it still leaks. We insulate the gap with low-expansion foam, seal the interior and flash the exterior so air and water can't get behind the trim. On impact windows, the laminated glass adds extra UV and sound control too.
What you'll notice
- Rooms on the sunny side stay cooler in the afternoon
- Less glare on screens and TVs
- Less fading on floors and furniture
- Fewer drafts and less outside noise
- Lower cooling bills, especially when replacing single-pane or clear glass
Common questions
How much will new windows save on energy?
It depends on what you're replacing. Homes with single-pane or clear-glass windows see the biggest difference. We focus on comfort and cooling load rather than promising a specific percentage.
Is triple-pane worth it in Charleston?
Rarely. Our climate is cooling dominated, so a good double-pane unit with the right low-E coating is usually the better value.
Will low-E glass make my rooms dark?
Modern spectrally selective coatings block heat while letting most visible light through. We can show samples side by side.
Where we work
We install windows across Charleston and nearby communities, including Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Daniel Island and more.