Window Installation and Replacement in Des Moines
Drafty, foggy or hard-to-open windows cost you comfort all winter. We install replacement and new construction windows in casement, double-hung, sliding, bay, garden and egress styles, from Alside and Marvin.
Windows, Start to Finish
You can feel a bad window before you see one: a cold draft by the couch in January, frost on the inside of the glass, a sash that will not stay up, or fog trapped between the panes that never wipes off. The U.S. Department of Energy says windows can account for 30 to 40 percent of a home's winter heat loss. In a Des Moines winter, that shows up on the heating bill and in rooms nobody wants to sit in.
Flow Right installs windows from Alside and Marvin in double-hung, casement, sliding, bay and garden styles, plus egress windows for basements. We measure every opening, remove the old units, check the framing for rot, and set the new windows level and square. Then we seal the gaps around the frame, flash each opening so water drains out, and finish the outside trim so it ties into your siding.
You are left with windows that open easily, lock tight and keep the cold where it belongs. Because we also do siding, soffit and gutters, we handle the exterior trim and details that window-only installers often leave to someone else. Luke comes out, goes room by room with you and gives a free estimate. For the numbers side, read our window replacement cost guide.
What comes with a window install
- Every opening measured before ordering
- Old window and sash removal
- Framing checked for rot and repaired
- Windows set level, square and sealed
- Flashing and sealing around each opening
- Exterior trim finished to match your siding
Window styles and where they fit
Double-hung windows have two sashes that slide up and down and tilt in for cleaning, and they suit most bedrooms and traditional homes. Casement windows crank open on a hinge and press tight against the frame when closed, which makes them a good pick for windy walls or spots over a kitchen counter. Sliding windows glide sideways and work well in wide, short openings. Bay and garden windows push out from the wall to add light and a little shelf space. Egress windows give a basement bedroom a safe way out.
What to look for in an Iowa window
Polk County is in the ENERGY STAR Northern climate zone and building climate zone 5A. For the Northern zone, ENERGY STAR's current window criteria call for a U-factor of 0.22 or lower, or slightly higher when paired with more solar heat gain. A lower U-factor means less heat escaping. Window makers say triple-pane glass is often the simplest way to reach those numbers, though some double-pane units qualify too. Check the NFRC label on any window you consider. Our double vs. triple pane guide goes deeper.
Insert, full-frame and new construction
An insert or pocket replacement window fits inside the existing frame, which keeps interior trim in place and makes for a quicker job. A full-frame replacement takes the old window out down to the rough opening, which lets us fix rot and air leaks hidden around the frame. New construction windows have a nailing fin that fastens to the wall sheathing and gets lapped with house wrap and flashing tape. They are the right choice on additions and when the siding is already off. Luke will tell you which approach your openings need.
Permits, tax credits and straight answers
The City of Des Moines minor repair policy exempts a window replacement from a permit only when every condition is met, including that the rough opening does not change size. Egress cuts, bigger openings and work in the suburbs follow their own rules, so check with your city before work starts. On tax credits, the federal 25C credit ended for windows placed in service after December 31, 2025, so we will not promise you one. Our 2026 window and door tax credit guide explains what changed.
Windows Questions
Not seeing yours? Call or text (515) 901-3646 and ask Luke.
Luke, Jaxx & Larry
A family business, third generation. Luke runs every estimate himself and Jaxx works the jobs with him. Larry, the shop dog, mostly supervises.
What U-factor should replacement windows have in Polk County?
Polk County is in the ENERGY STAR Northern zone, where the current window criteria call for a U-factor of 0.22 or lower, or 0.23 to 0.26 when paired with a higher solar heat gain rating. You will find both numbers on the NFRC label. Lower is better for keeping heat in during an Iowa winter.
Are casement or double-hung windows a better choice for Iowa winters?
Both can perform well. Casement windows press against the frame when locked, which makes for a tight seal and suits windy walls. Double-hung windows tilt in for easy cleaning and fit traditional homes. How a window handles cold depends more on its rated U-factor and the install than the style. Luke can help you mix styles room by room.
Why are my windows foggy between the panes?
Fog or moisture trapped between the panes means the seal on the insulated glass has failed. It cannot be wiped away from either side. The fix is replacing the sash or glass unit, or the whole window if the frame is also worn. Condensation on the room side in winter is different and usually comes from high indoor humidity.
Do new windows still qualify for the 25C tax credit in 2026?
No. The IRS says the federal 25C energy credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Windows installed in 2026 do not qualify. Windows placed in service by the end of 2025 may still be claimed on a 2025 return. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.
Who installs replacement windows in Des Moines?
Flow Right does. We install Alside and Marvin windows across Des Moines and Central Iowa from our shop in Mitchellville, and we finish the exterior trim ourselves. Read our page on window replacement in Des Moines, or call or text (515) 901-3646 for a free estimate.
How a Job Runs
Call or Text
Overflowing gutters, tired siding, a drafty window or an addition you have been planning. Tell us what is going on.
Free Estimate
Luke comes out, looks at the house, measures, and walks you through your options in plain words.
A Clear Plan
You get a written estimate and a straight recommendation. No pressure and no runaround.
Install Day
Our crew does the work and keeps the job site clean while we are there.
Walkthrough
We walk the finished job with you and make sure everything is right before we leave.
Windows Near You
Our shop is in Mitchellville. Pick your town, or call and ask if we cover it.
Windows pages for your town
Specific windows jobs
More services
Doors
Entry, patio and storm doors installed square, sealed and trimmed to keep Iowa winters out.
DetailsFraming & Decks
Room additions, garages, decks, 3-season rooms and basement buildouts, framed and finished.
DetailsRoofing
Roof edge work, drip edge and fascia that make your roof and gutters work together.
DetailsNeed Windows?
Call or text Luke, or send a few details. Estimates are free, and you get a straight answer on what the house needs.