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When Austin hits triple digits, your windows become either a shield—or a slow leak for heat. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: many window companies can sell you a pretty product without proving it can handle Central Texas sun year after year.

This guide flips the script. Below are five technical, homeowner-friendly questions that reveal whether a contractor is offering real heat performance—or just a national brochure with the wrong numbers highlighted. Use these questions in estimates, in showrooms, and on the phone. The best contractors will welcome them. The rest will dodge.

The SHGC vs. U-Factor Trap: Why “Great Insulation” Can Still Feel Hot

Most homeowners are taught to ask about U-factor—how well a window resists heat flow. That matters in cold climates. But in Austin, the bigger enemy is solar heat gain: the sun blasting through glass and turning your living room into a greenhouse.

That’s why you should lead with this question:

Question #1: “What SHGC are you quoting for my exposures—and is it NFRC-rated?”

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) tells you how much solar radiation passes through the glass. Lower SHGC usually means less unwanted heat. The catch? Some sales reps quote center-of-glass performance or use marketing terms like “solar control” without giving an NFRC label value.

What to listen for:

• They ask about direction: west- and south-facing glass in Austin often needs more solar control than shaded north-facing windows.
• They provide NFRC numbers: SHGC and U-factor should be on the NFRC label, not “our internal testing.”
• They explain tradeoffs: very low SHGC can slightly reduce visible light—good contractors balance comfort and daylight.

If you want a deeper primer on performance ratings that actually work here, compare notes with this resource on energy-efficient windows for Texas homes.

Frame Heat Transfer: The “Solar Heat Bleed” Question Most Window Companies Avoid

Even with excellent glass, the frame can undermine everything. In direct sun, frames absorb heat, then conduct it inward. Homeowners feel it as a hot “radiating” edge near the window—especially on west walls at 5–7 p.m.

Question #2: “How does this frame handle solar heat bleed—and what’s the warping risk in 105°F sun?”

Use the phrase solar heat bleed intentionally. It forces a real conversation about frame material and reinforcement—not just color and style.

Key points a qualified installer should address:

• Vinyl formulations & reinforcement: quality vinyl can perform well, but cheap extrusions or poor reinforcement can increase bowing risk on large openings.
• Aluminum vs. thermally broken frames: aluminum is strong, but without a thermal break it can transfer heat rapidly.
• Dark frame colors: black and bronze frames can run hotter in direct sun; the right coatings and engineering matter.

If you love modern dark frames, don’t skip the performance side. This article on black windows without the heat gain breaks down what to look for in Austin.

The 100-Degree Seal Test: Spacer Systems, Fogging, and Real Longevity

Austin heat doesn’t just stress glass—it punishes the seal that holds insulated glass together. The daily cycle matters: morning cool, afternoon furnace, and sudden thunderstorms that drop temps fast. That expansion and contraction works the edges of the unit.

Question #3: “What spacer system is in the IGU, and how does it perform under extreme temperature swings?”

The spacer sits between panes in a double- or triple-pane unit. Basic aluminum spacers can conduct heat and stress seals. “Warm-edge” spacers often improve edge performance and can reduce condensation risk.

Follow-up prompts that separate pros from pitchmen:

• “Is it a warm-edge spacer? Which brand/type?”
• “What’s the seal failure/fogging warranty—and what isn’t covered?”
• “Do you have Austin-area installs older than 5 years with this exact glass package?”

For background on labels, ratings, and why they matter, the NFRC explains how certified window performance is measured: https://www.nfrc.org/.

Installation Specifics: Why “Foam and Caulk” Isn’t a Strategy in High-Heat Zones

In Austin, a window can be top-tier on paper and still fail in real life because of installation. Heat magnifies small mistakes: over-foaming can bow frames; the wrong sealant can crack; poor flashing can trap water and rot sheathing.

Question #4: “What’s your exact install method for high-heat movement—foam type, backer rod, and flashing details?”

Don’t accept “We foam and caulk.” That’s like a roofer saying, “We nail shingles.” You want the system.

A strong answer includes:

• Low-expansion window/door foam (not generic gap filler) to avoid frame distortion.
• Backer rod + high-performance sealant to create a flexible joint that survives expansion.
• Head flashing/drip cap and proper water management so bulk water exits safely.
• Fastening strategy appropriate for the frame type and opening condition.

Want to see what a locally focused window approach looks like? Austin Pro Siding outlines our process and options on the window replacement page, including considerations for our heat, storms, and older housing stock.

For industry-standard flashing guidance, the International Code Council is a reliable reference point: https://www.iccsafe.org/.

The “Local Experience” Check: Ask for 5+ Year References, Not Last Month’s Photos

Photos from last week don’t prove durability. In Austin, the real test is what happens after five summers, a few hail events, and thousands of HVAC cycles.

Question #5: “Can you share references from Austin installs that are 5–10 years old—with similar sun exposure?”

This is the question that many window companies struggle to answer because it requires consistency: same product line, same install method, same climate. If they can only show brand-new jobs, you’re taking a bigger gamble than you think.

What to ask those references:

• “Any seal failures or fogging?”
• “Any sticking sashes or warped frames on west-facing windows?”
• “Did the installer handle punch-list issues fast?”
• “Did your summer comfort or electric bill improve in a way you could feel?”

If you want unfiltered feedback before you invite anyone out, start with verified homeowner experiences on our reviews page.

Bring These Questions to Your Next Estimate (and Watch the Quality Gap Appear)

Austin heat is relentless—but choosing the right window isn’t guesswork when you know what to ask. Print these questions, save them to your phone, and use them to compare bids apples-to-apples.

If you’d like a no-pressure assessment from a local team that works across Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Leander, and more, you can schedule an appointment or reach us directly through our contact page. You can also confirm our service area here: Areas We Serve.

One last tip: if a contractor can’t answer these five questions clearly, imagine how hard it will be to get clarity after installation. Austin homes deserve better than a sales pitch.