Window replacement in Twin Falls, ID

Zircon Construction is a general contractor that manages window and patio door replacement for homeowners in Twin Falls and nearby towns. We measure every opening, help you choose the frame and glass, and give you a written price. Then we order the windows, schedule a vetted local install crew, check the work, and walk every window with you at the end.

What’s included in a window replacement project

• An in-home visit to look at each window and talk through goals
• Precise measurements of every opening
• Help choosing frame material, glass package, styles and colors
• Ordering and tracking the windows until they arrive
• Careful removal of old windows and disposal
• Installation with flashing, insulation and sealant around each unit
• Interior and exterior trim or capping as needed
• Sliding patio door replacement
• A check of any permit your address requires
• Cleanup and a final walkthrough to test every sash and lock

Window options in plain language

Twin Falls sits in building climate zone 5B, which means cold winters, hot summers and dry air. The city designs for a winter low of 2°F and a summer high of 95°F in its residential design criteria. Windows here have to keep heat in during winter and keep strong, high-elevation sun out in summer.

Retrofit vs. full-frame replacement

Retrofit (insert) windows go into the existing frame. The old sash comes out, and the new window fits inside. It’s faster, less messy and usually costs less, and the siding and interior trim stay put. You lose a little glass area.

Full-frame replacement removes the whole window down to the rough opening. It costs more and involves trim and sometimes siding work. It’s the right choice when the old frame is rotted or leaking, or when you want to change the size or style of the opening. We’ll tell you which one makes sense for each window.

Frame materials

• Vinyl. The most common choice. It’s affordable, insulates well and doesn’t need paint. Better vinyl windows have welded corners and reinforced frames that stay square through temperature swings.
• Fiberglass. Stronger and more stable than vinyl as it heats and cools, so it’s a good fit for big windows, dark colors and sunny walls. It usually costs more than vinyl.
• Clad wood. Wood inside with an aluminum or vinyl cladding outside. You get the warmth of wood indoors and a low-maintenance exterior. It’s usually the highest cost of the three.

Glass, Low-E and U-factor

Low-E glass has a thin coating that reflects heat. It helps keep winter heat in and summer heat out, and cuts the UV that fades floors and furniture. Double-pane glass with Low-E and argon gas fill is common; triple-pane is an option for more comfort and noise control.

The U-factor on the window’s NFRC label tells you how well it holds in heat. Lower is better. Under ENERGY STAR Version 7.0, windows in the Northern climate zone need a U-factor of 0.22 or lower, and patio doors 0.26 or lower. We’ll show you the label numbers for each option so you can compare. Our guide to choosing replacement windows for south-central Idaho’s climate goes into more detail.

Sliding patio doors

Old aluminum sliders are often the coldest spot in a house. A new vinyl or fiberglass slider with Low-E glass, better weatherstripping and a smooth-rolling track can make a big difference in comfort.

Signs you need new windows

• Drafts you can feel near closed windows, especially on windy days
• Fog or moisture between the panes, which means the seal has failed
• Frost or heavy condensation on the inside of the glass in winter
• Windows that stick, won’t lock or won’t stay open
• Rotted wood frames or sills, or water stains below windows
• Single-pane or old aluminum-frame windows
• Rooms that get too hot in the afternoon sun

How a window project runs with Zircon

Windows are a custom order, so the process has a few more steps than most jobs. We keep track of all of them for you.

1. Visit and measure. We look at each window, check the frames for rot, and measure.
2. Written estimate. You get a price for each window and door, with the product, glass package and install method listed.
3. Order and permits. Once you approve, we order the windows and give you an expected delivery window. The City of Twin Falls requires permits for new windows, so we confirm what your address needs and pull any required permit.
4. Install. A vetted install crew replaces the windows, usually a few at a time so your home isn’t left open. We check flashing, sealing and operation.
5. Walkthrough. We open, close and lock every window with you and make sure the site is clean.

1. Tell us about the project

   Call or send the estimate form. We'll ask a few questions and set a time to come look.

2. On-site visit and written estimate

   We measure, talk through options, and send you an itemized price in writing. No pressure, no surprise add-ons.

3. We schedule and manage the crews

   We book vetted local trade partners, order materials, handle permits, and check the work as it goes. You deal with one person.

4. Final walkthrough

   We walk the finished job with you and take care of anything on the punch list before we call it done.

What affects the price of window replacement

• Number and size of windows. Bigger and more windows cost more; picture windows and specialty shapes cost more still.
• Retrofit or full-frame. Full-frame takes more labor and trim work.
• Frame material. Vinyl is usually lowest, then fiberglass, then clad wood.
• Glass package. Triple-pane, special coatings or tempered glass add cost.
• Style. Sliders and single-hungs usually cost less than casements or bay windows.
• Access. Second-story windows and hard-to-reach spots may need extra setup.
• Repairs found during install. Rotted framing or sills are fixed through a written change order.

Serving Twin Falls and the Magic Valley

We manage window replacement in Twin Falls and around south-central Idaho, including Kimberly, Jerome, Filer and Buhl. See all the towns we cover on our service areas page.