Celeste Home Improvements
Mid-Century Window Replacement

Celeste·Projects·Windows

Mid-Century Window Replacement

Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Type

Windows

Location

Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Duration

8 days

Year

2025

Overview

The project.

Full replacement of 24 original single-pane aluminum windows in a 1958 mid-century home. Low-E dual-pane units specified to preserve the home's architectural character while dramatically reducing solar heat gain.

Objectives

Replace all 24 windows with thermally broken, low-E dual-pane units.

Preserve the home's mid-century architectural character — slim sightlines, horizontal emphasis.

Achieve ENERGY STAR certification for the Southern California climate zone.

Ensure Title 24 compliance for all replacement units.

Before / After

Mid-Century Window Replacement — after
Mid-Century Window Replacement — before
Before
After

Drag the handle to compare before and after.

Condition Assessment

Condition at assessment.

The home retained its original 1958 single-pane aluminum windows — architecturally significant but thermally poor. Seal failure was present in several units. The south and west-facing windows were contributing substantially to cooling loads; the homeowner reported the west-facing living room as unusable in the afternoon. Hardware failure on three sliding units.

Single-pane glazing

High

Original single-pane aluminum windows — no thermal break, no low-E coating. Primary driver of cooling load.

Hardware failure

Medium

Three sliding units with failed hardware — not operable.

Frame corrosion

Low

Surface corrosion on several frames — cosmetic but indicative of age.

Air infiltration

Medium

Measurable air infiltration at multiple units — weatherstripping failed.

Design Decisions

Why we did what we did.

Thermally broken aluminum to preserve character.

The original windows were aluminum — a material that defines the home's mid-century character. We specified modern thermally broken aluminum frames that maintain the slim sightlines and horizontal emphasis of the originals while eliminating the conductive heat transfer of the single-pane units.

Differentiated SHGC by orientation.

South and west-facing windows received a lower SHGC specification than north and east-facing units. This reduces afternoon heat gain on the most exposed elevations without sacrificing visible light transmission on the cooler exposures.

Insert replacement to preserve original openings.

The original window openings were precisely sized for the mid-century design. We used insert replacement — new units within the existing frames — to preserve the opening dimensions and avoid disturbing the original stucco and trim.

Products Specified

What we used.

Window System

Thermally Broken Aluminum — Dual Pane

Low-E coating · ENERGY STAR certified · NFRC rated

Glazing — South/West

Low-E Dual Pane — Low SHGC

SHGC 0.22 · U-factor 0.28 · VT 0.40

Glazing — North/East

Low-E Dual Pane — Standard SHGC

SHGC 0.35 · U-factor 0.28 · VT 0.55

Weatherproofing

Flashing & Sealant System

Self-adhering flashing tape · Silicone sealant · Backer rod at all perimeters

Construction Documentation

In progress.

Window installation in progress — south elevation.
Window installation in progress — south elevation.

Timeline

How it unfolded.

Day 1

Measurement & Verification

Precise field measurement of all 24 openings. Verification of insert replacement feasibility at each unit.

Days 2–4

South & West Elevations

Removal and replacement of 14 south and west-facing units. Flashing and weatherproofing at each opening.

Days 5–7

North & East Elevations

Removal and replacement of 10 north and east-facing units.

Day 8

Hardware, Adjustment & Inspection

Hardware installation and adjustment on all units. Final inspection and documentation.

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