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Denver’s mile-high elevation creates unique considerations for replacement windows, from air pressure changes to intense sunlight and temperature swings. Here’s what to consider when choosing windows for your home:
- Elevation and air pressure: Changes in elevation between manufacturing and installation can put stress on insulated glass and window seals. Properly configured glass units help account for these pressure differences.
- Sunlight and energy efficiency: Low-E glass helps reduce solar heat gain and high-altitude UV exposure, while insulated glass packages and warm-edge spacers help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
- Choosing the right windows: Look for windows suited to your home’s elevation, sun exposure and seasonal weather. Compare glass specifications, energy ratings, professional installation and warranty coverage before buying.
Living in Denver is a little different than in lower-altitude locales. Whether that means adjusting oven temperatures or putting on some extra sunscreen, you’re likely used to the small adaptations needed. Some of the components that make up your home need those adjustments, too, and that’s important to remember when it’s time to replace them.
Denver’s elevation creates different considerations for window glass than homes in lower elevations. Even just transporting them to Denver can present unique challenges: elevation differences between where windows are manufactured and where they’re installed can affect the pressure inside sealed glass units, which means the argon gas sealed between double- or triple-pane windows is at risk.
That being said, elevation isn’t the only difference for Denver homeowners. Strong sunlight, temperature swings and seasonal weather patterns should also be considered when you’re picking out replacement windows. Let’s walk through what windows at high altitudes should contain for your Denver home.
What Denver’s Elevation Means for Your Windows
Let’s break down what happens when elevation changes, so you can understand why it affects windows. According to the NOAA, as elevation increases, the number of molecules in air decreases, making the air less dense than at lower elevations.
Many modern windows are made with double- or triple-pane glass for good performance and lasting energy efficiency. There’s a gas filling between the panes, usually argon or krypton, for added efficiency. These gases are affected by changes in elevation, too. As air pressure drops with higher elevations, they have more room to expand, which can add pressure on seals between panes or even crack glass. Different manufacturers have different ways of anticipating pressure changes, and use a variety of pressure-equalization methods.
At a glance, here are some window features that can help combat common Denver concerns:
| Condition | What to look for |
| Factory-to-site elevation change | Pressure-equalization methods |
| Sun exposure | Low-E window coatings |
| Temperature changes | Insulated vinyl frames |
How Do High-Altitude Windows Handle Pressure Changes?
Manufacturers can help windows weather pressure changes by constructing them with specific features made to counteract them. Measures like built-in capillary tubes or factory-equalized construction are common in windows built for high altitudes, and help keep windows in good shape both en route and when installed.
What Are Capillary Tubes in Windows?
Capillary tubes are small passages placed in some insulated glass configurations that equalize pressure between the window and outside environments. By reducing pressure differences, they can limit stress on glass and seals during elevation changes. Capillary tubes don’t all work the same way since different manufacturers use different pressure-equalization methods depending on the design and intended installation location.
Can Argon-Filled Windows Be Used at High Altitudes?
Argon is an odorless, colorless gas that is denser than air. It’s used by many window companies, including Window World, between panes as an insulating agent.
Between panes, argon slows heat transfer and reduces condensation risks for lasting energy efficiency. Pressure changes encountered on the road between the manufacturing facility and Denver can create pressure differences inside insulated glass units. Manufacturers can account for these differences through specialized glass-unit designs or pressure adjustments suited to the installation location. Argon gas is used successfully in many homes across Denver and the Front Range.
How Glass Can Help Manage Denver’s Intense Sun
Glass makes more of a difference in window performance than you might think. With the amount of sunlight and subsequent UV exposure Denver gets at our elevation, that can make a huge difference for homeowners. Here are some of the features in Window World windows that keep homes comfortable.
Controlling Heat Transfer
Denver’s elevation means higher UV exposure, and with that comes radiant heat, or heat transferred from infrared energy (in this case, from the sun). Low-E glass counteracts that source of heat.
Low-E glass is a microscopic metallic coating applied to window panes that provides numerous energy efficiency benefits. It helps reduce radiant heat transfer and UV exposure while allowing natural light into your home. You also won’t lose heat from the inside during the winter.
Reducing UV Exposure and Protecting Interiors
Sunlight fades flooring, wallpaper, window treatments and furniture near your windows. Low-E glass reduces UV exposure, and is a great way to preserve fabrics and surfaces indoors without losing out on valuable natural light and beautiful Denver views.
What Windows Need to Withstand Denver’s Temperature Shifts
Denver homeowners know how cold our winters can be. Your windows need to be able to stand up to winter and shifting temperatures year-round. Here are some features you should look for with window upgrades:
- Insulated glass packages: Cold nights and sunny afternoons create changing heating and cooling demands. Insulated glass packages, like triple-pane windows, answer that need. Combine this with Low-E glass for a premium glass package built to keep your home comfortable, no matter the weather outside.
- Warm-edge spacers: Glass edges can become colder than the center of the frame. Warm-edge spacer systems are placed between double- and triple-pane glass to reduce heat transfer around the perimeter of glass panes.
- Professional installation: It’s simple but effective for a reason. Professional installation can be the difference between years of comfort and needing urgent repairs much sooner due to improper installation. For something this critical, it’s far better to leave window installation to the pros.
How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Denver Home
Shopping around for the right windows for your Denver home, but not sure where to start? Here are some quick pointers to think about, either while researching or while getting estimates.
- Your home’s actual elevation: Confirm that the glass unit in question is suitable for your home’s location.
- Sun exposure: Consider which windows receive the most direct afternoon sun and compare appropriate options.
- Temperature and comfort: Evaluate insulated glass, warm-edge spacers, vinyl framing and energy ratings between your options.
- Insulated glass construction: Find out how different manufacturers account for pressure changes and whether the quoted package includes insulating gas.
- Installation and warranty: Ask sales reps how professional installation is handled, and what product issues are covered under warranty.
When in doubt, don’t be swayed by marketing claims of high-altitude suitability without investigating the products themselves. Choose your windows based on the actual specifications and the expertise of the team that installs them.
Find Windows That Fit Your Mile-High Home
Buying replacement windows in Denver means accounting for a lot of different factors, high altitude and sun exposure among them. Window World of Denver offers energy-efficient window options and professional installation that help you make the most of your home. Explore your options and schedule a free, no-obligation estimate to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Denver homes need special high-altitude windows?
Not necessarily. What’s right for your home may depend on your location and a number of other variables. We’d suggest checking your location to determine your specific elevation.
Do all windows in Denver need capillary tubes?
No, capillary tubes are not necessary. They can be helpful in reducing issues with pressure changes, but they aren’t the only way to prevent problems. Many manufacturers use different methods of handling pressure changes during transit.
Can argon-filled windows be used at high altitude?
Yes, many homes in Denver use argon gas in windows with no trouble. Some windows with argon gas are factory-equalized, meaning they are sealed in conditions designed to mimic their target location. Other manufacturers use different methods to ensure the best transit possible, and professional installers handle windows with care to ensure they are set up for success long-term at your home.
Will Low-E windows stop furniture from fading?
Not completely, but it does slow fading. Low-E coatings on windows can keep UV and ultrared light from entering your home, but they don’t stop it entirely. Some fading will occur, but much more slowly than without low-E glass.