Windows in Portland

Living in Portland means embracing the beauty of our lush, green landscape, but it also means enduring the long, gray season. From that first persistent drizzle in October until the sun finally returns in May, your home can start to feel dark and damp. Your windows are the most critical element in this battle, since they determine how much precious natural light gets in and how much of our infamous dampness stays out. Whether you live in a classic Portland Foursquare or a sleek modern home in South Waterfront, you need windows designed to maximize light and conquer moisture.

Mr. Remodel is your connection to the top-tier, licensed window contractors in the Portland metro. We partner with local pros who are masters of their craft. They are experts in the Energy Trust of Oregon rebate programs, they know how to properly flash and seal a window to survive nine months of rain, and they understand that in the Pacific Northwest, a window's most important job is to make your home a bright, dry, and cozy sanctuary.

Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted Portland window specialist.

Why Homeowners in Portland Use Mr. Remodel

1. Experts in Maximizing Light & Coziness

We don't just sell windows; we sell solutions to the Portland gray. The contractors in our network specialize in windows with slimmer frames and larger glass surfaces to capture every bit of available daylight during our long winters. They are experts in high-performance glass packages that keep the cold, damp air out and the cozy, warm air in.

2. Masters of Energy Trust of Oregon Rebates

Upgrading your windows is a smart energy decision, and the Energy Trust of Oregon provides significant cash incentives to help you do it. Our pros, working with utilities like Portland General Electric (PGE) and NW Natural, are experts on the program. They will guide you to the specific, energy-efficient windows that qualify for the best rebates, saving you money on your project and on your monthly bills.

3. Solving Old Portland Home Problems: Wood Rot & Foggy Glass

The charming old homes of Portland come with common issues. Decades of rain led to rotted wood sills and frames on original windows. The constant temperature swings cause seals on old double-pane windows to fail, resulting in foggy, condensed glass that ruins your view of the garden. The teams we recommend are skilled at surgically removing old windows, repairing any hidden rot, and installing new, perfectly sealed units.

Average Cost of Window Services in Portland

In the Pacific Northwest, window costs are driven by energy efficiency ratings and the material's ability to resist moisture.

Common Window Challenges in Portland

1. The Relentless Rain & Moisture

This is our number one enemy. Nine months of drizzle and downpours will find any flaw in a window's installation. Poorly sealed windows lead to water intrusion, which causes structural wood rot, peeling paint, and, most concerningly, the growth of mold and mildew inside your walls. We use advanced flashing techniques and high-performance sealants to create a completely waterproof barrier.

2. The Fight Against the Gray

During a Portland winter, maximizing natural light is critical for your well-being. Old windows with bulky frames and divided lites significantly cut down on the amount of glass, making rooms feel dark and gloomy. We recommend modern windows with strong, narrow frames that increase the glass area, flooding your home with more light and improving your mood.

3. Surprise Summer Heatwaves

While known for rain, Portland summers can bring intense heatwaves. Single-pane or old double-pane windows do nothing to stop solar heat, turning your home into a greenhouse and forcing your A/C to run constantly. We install windows with modern Low-E coatings that reflect solar heat outside, keeping your home dramatically cooler when the temperature spikes.

4. Preserving Historic Architectural Character

From the iconic Craftsman of Laurelhurst to the Tudors of Irvington, Portland's neighborhoods are defined by their beautiful historic homes. Replacing windows in these properties requires expertise and care. Our partners are skilled in sourcing and installing historically accurate wood windows that respect the home's original design while delivering modern performance.

Compare Fiberglass Windows vs. Wood Windows

This is the classic Portland debate: ultimate low-maintenance durability versus traditional, authentic beauty.

Option A: Fiberglass Windows

• Best For: Any homeowner who prioritizes durability, low maintenance, and maximizing light. Perfect for Mid-Century homes in the West Hills or bungalows in Sellwood.
• The Benefit: Fiberglass is completely inert to moisture; it will not rot, swell, or warp in our damp climate. Its incredible strength allows for very narrow frames, which means more glass and more light to combat the gray winters.
• The Trade-off: Higher initial cost than vinyl, but its longevity and sleek, modern look provide exceptional long-term value.

Option B: Wood Windows

• Best For: Owners of historic homes (Craftsman, Foursquare, Tudor) who need to maintain architectural authenticity, especially in neighborhoods like Ladd's Addition.
• The Benefit: Offers unmatched natural beauty and a warm, traditional feel. It's the only choice for a true period-correct renovation.
• The Trade-off: The most expensive option, and requires regular maintenance (painting and sealing) to protect it from the constant Portland moisture.

Expert Advice: For a worry-free, long-term solution that maximizes light and defeats our damp climate, Fiberglass Windows are the superior technical choice. If you live in a classic Portland home and value its historic character above all, authentic Wood Windows are a beautiful and necessary investment.

Serving the Portland Metro Area

From St. Johns to Happy Valley, we have a trusted professional for your project.

• Portland Neighborhoods: Sellwood, Laurelhurst, Irvington, Alberta Arts District, Hawthorne, Mount Tabor, Pearl District, St. Johns.
• Surrounding Cities: Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Tualatin, Oregon City, Wilsonville.

FAQ: Windows in Portland

Do I need a permit to replace windows in Portland?

For a simple, same-size window replacement, a permit from the Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) is typically not required. However, if you are altering the size of the opening or if your home is a designated historic resource, a permit is absolutely necessary.

How do I get a rebate from the Energy Trust of Oregon?

The Energy Trust of Oregon works with your utility (PGE or NW Natural) to offer cash incentives for installing high-performance, energy-efficient windows. A qualified contractor who is an Energy Trust trade ally can help you select qualifying windows and will often handle the rebate paperwork for you.

Why do my windows have condensation on them?

In our damp climate, a little condensation on the exterior of a new, high-efficiency window on a cool morning is normal; it means the window is insulating so well that the outer pane is cold. Condensation on the interior or between the panes is a sign of a problem, usually high indoor humidity or a failed window seal.

How do I check a contractor's license in Oregon?

This is essential. Never hire an unlicensed contractor. You must verify every contractor's license number and check their history on the official Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) website.

Can you install windows during the rainy season?

Yes, absolutely. This is a common concern in the Pacific Northwest, and professional installers are experts at working in our climate. A reputable crew will only remove one window at a time, ensuring the opening is exposed to the elements for a very minimal amount of time (often just a few minutes) before the new window is set and sealed. 

They use protective coverings for your floors and furniture and work efficiently to ensure your home stays dry. There's no need to wait for our brief summer; you can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.

Get Your Free Portland Window Quote

Don't spend another gray winter feeling like you live in a cave, or another summer sweating through a surprise heatwave. A bright, dry, and comfortable home is possible. Mr. Remodel is your direct link to Portland's most trusted, licensed window professionals.

Ready to let the light in? Request Your Free Quote Today.