Which Replacement Windows Are Best for Second Floor Rooms in San Diego Homes?

Many of the homeowners we work with live in homes that are more than one story. We regularly install replacement windows in two-story single-family homes, condos, townhomes, or even in homes that are part of small apartment complexes. If you are considering replacing the windows in your San Diego home and want to know if there is anything you should keep in mind when it comes to your second-story windows, read on!

Replacement Window Styles to Consider for Second Story Rooms

You can put just about any style of window in a second-story room, but there are egress requirements to consider for bedrooms. (You can read more about that here.) Basically, the California building code requires that bedrooms have a means of escape in case of an emergency, like a fire in the home. Sliding windows, single- and double-hung windows, and casement windows are common choices for second-story bedrooms. Picture windows, however, are not an option because they have no way of opening to provide an escape route.

Another consideration for the window styles you choose for your upstairs rooms is ease of cleaning. If you want to avoid having to clean the exterior glass using ladders or telescoping poles, you might want to consider selecting double-hung windows with tilt-in sashes. These windows allow you to tilt the windows inward so you can access the exterior glass from inside the room. This makes cleaning your upstairs windows much easier!

Consider Upgrading the Glass Package in Your Upstairs Windows

All the replacement windows we sell in San Diego come standard with glass packages that do a great job of blocking solar heat and UV rays, but for second-story windows, you may want to consider upgrading the glass package with one that provides even more protection. The reason for this is that second-story windows tend to get more direct sun exposure than first-story windows, due to the fact that the sun may not be blocked by trees or adjacent homes during the day.

If you have second-story rooms that tend to heat up more than the rest of your home on hot days, those rooms could likely benefit from an upgraded glass package. For example, if you’re considering the Anlin brand of replacement windows for your San Diego home, you could get the SunShield glass package on just your upstairs windows. This package includes glass with a slight blue/gray tint to it that does a great job of reflecting the sun’s heat and providing glare control. It also offers greater protection from UV rays when compared to the standard glass package.

Certainly, you could go with the standard glass package for your second-story windows, but if you want that extra protection from the sun, be sure to ask about upgrading.

Ready to get started? Have some questions about replacement windows? Contact our office. We can schedule an in-home appointment with one of our helpful and friendly team members who can answer your all your questions and walk you through the entire process.