That’s funny about the dog—mine used to hide in the bathtub every afternoon until we finally put up some exterior roller shades. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but it dropped the temp inside by a few degrees, which feels huge out here. I’ve looked into planting something for shade, but keeping anything alive past June seems like wishful thinking. As for aluminum frames, I get the appeal, but I swear they radiate heat like crazy into the rooms. Anyone else notice that, or am I just imagining things?
You’re not imagining it—aluminum frames are basically heat conductors. I swapped out a couple of old aluminum sliders a while back and the difference was wild. The rooms used to feel like ovens by late afternoon, even with blackout curtains. Fiberglass wasn’t cheap, but it doesn’t get nearly as hot to the touch. Totally hear you on the struggle to keep plants alive out here... I’ve got a graveyard of crispy shrubs to prove it. Those roller shades really do make a surprising impact though. Sometimes it’s the little tweaks that help the most.
“I’ve got a graveyard of crispy shrubs to prove it.”
That made me laugh—same here. Pretty sure my backyard is where succulents go to die. I swapped out a couple of those old-school aluminum windows last summer and honestly, the difference in afternoon temps was immediate. Fiberglass is pricey, for sure, but I haven’t had any warping or crazy heat transfer. One thing I didn’t expect: the noise reduction. Didn’t realize how much outside noise those old frames let in until they were gone. Roller shades help, but if you can swing the window upgrade, it’s worth it in the long run.
I hear you on the noise reduction—people always focus on the insulation factor, but that sound barrier is a game changer. I swapped out a couple of single-pane sliders in my own place a few years back (mid-80s ranch, so you can imagine the drafts). Went with fiberglass too, even though I winced at the quote. No regrets. The west-facing rooms used to feel like ovens by 3pm, and now it’s actually bearable to sit in there during the summer.
One thing I didn’t expect: my electric bill dropped more than I thought it would. Not by half or anything, but enough to notice. Only downside was the install took longer than they said—apparently, nothing in my house is quite square. Figures.
I do still keep roller shades up for that extra layer, but honestly, swapping those old windows made a bigger difference than any shade or film I tried before. If only it worked on those poor plants...
That’s really encouraging to hear about the drop in your electric bill—I keep hoping for that once I finally get around to replacing the originals in my place. I’ve been debating between fiberglass and vinyl, since everyone keeps telling me vinyl will warp in the heat out here. The prices on fiberglass made me do a double take, but if it means no more “oven” rooms, maybe it’s worth it. My biggest concern is whether it’ll help with dust too. Between the drafts and the fine sand that sneaks in, I feel like I’m always cleaning. Roller shades are a nice touch, but like you said, nothing beats just having decent windows. My plants are still struggling too... maybe there’s no winning with those west-facing windows.
I hear you about the sticker shock on fiberglass, but honestly, in this climate, it’s a long-term investment that pays off. Vinyl’s gotten better, but I’ve still seen it warp on west-facing exposures—especially those cheap builder-grade units. Fiberglass holds up, seals tighter, and really cuts down on dust sneaking in. Drafts are usually a sign the old frames are shot or the seals have failed, so new windows should help with the sand too. As for the plants, maybe try a sheer cellular shade? Gives them some protection without blocking all the light. West windows are just brutal out here, no matter what.
That’s interesting about the vinyl warping—I was hoping new stuff would be tougher. I’m leaning toward fiberglass too, but yikes, the price. Anyone tried those aluminum-clad wood windows? Wondering if they hold up any better against the sun and grit, or if that’s just trading one problem for another.
I’m leaning toward fiberglass too, but yikes, the price.
I get what you mean about the price tag on fiberglass—feels like every upgrade costs double out here. About the aluminum-clad wood, I’ve seen mixed results. The cladding does a solid job against sun and grit, but if any moisture sneaks in, the wood underneath can still rot over time. Not as big a deal in the desert, but it’s not zero-maintenance either. Honestly, energy-wise, the insulation’s better than straight aluminum, but you’re still trading one set of headaches for another. If you’re after efficiency, good seals and low-e glass make a bigger difference than the frame material in my experience.
Yeah, fiberglass hits the wallet hard—my bank account still hasn’t forgiven me for the last window swap. I hear you on the aluminum-clad wood too. My neighbor went that route and ended up chasing leaks around his sills after a few years. Anyone tried those composite frames? I’ve read they hold up in the heat, but I’m not sure if they’re just fancy plastic or actually worth the hype…
Anyone tried those composite frames? I’ve read they hold up in the heat, but I’m not sure if they’re just fancy plastic or actually worth the hype…
I’ve put in a few composite frames for clients out here, and honestly, they’re better than plain vinyl in the heat. They don’t get as brittle or warped, but yeah, they’re still mostly plastic at heart. If you’re after something that won’t fry or crack, composites are decent—just don’t expect them to feel like wood. Price-wise, they’re usually a bit less painful than fiberglass, at least.