Code, noise, wind, materials, glass and schedule: the decisions behind the windows on a new New York building.
Windows on a new building in New York City are chosen under more constraints than almost anywhere else in the country. The energy code is strict, the streets are loud, the wind loads at height are real, the lots are tight, and the schedule is usually tighter. This guide sets out what developers, architects and general contractors need to decide when they buy new construction windows in NYC, in the order the decisions normally come up.
Three materials cover almost all new construction in the city.
Thermally broken aluminum is the default for mid-rise and high-rise buildings, condominiums and anything with large openings. It is strong enough for big lites and high design pressures, it does not burn, and slim profiles suit modern elevations. Systems we supply include Cortizo, Reynaers, Alutech and our own Everest line. See aluminum windows.
uPVC is the economical choice for rental and affordable multifamily buildings up to mid-rise. Modern multi-chamber profiles reach low U-factors at a lower cost than aluminum, and tilt-and-turn operation suits apartments. See uPVC windows.
Clad wood from Pella or Marvin is used on townhouses, houses and buildings in historic districts, where the look of the window matters to the approval.
The glass does most of the thermal and acoustic work. A typical NYC new-construction unit is a one-inch insulated glass unit with a low-E coating selected for the orientation, argon fill and a warm-edge spacer. From there the make-up is adjusted: laminated glass on one or both lites for sound and security, tempered glass where safety glazing is required, triple glazing for passive-house and high-performance projects, and tinted or reflective coatings where solar control or privacy is wanted.
Windows and glazing are commonly one of the larger facade costs on a new building, and the number moves a great deal with three choices: frame material, the share of fixed to operable units, and the glass make-up. Fixed lites cost less than operable ones, so a design that ventilates each room with one modest operable sash beside a large fixed lite is cheaper and performs better than one with many opening sashes. Get a priced takeoff at design development, while those choices can still be changed, and a firm quote from approved shop drawings.
Mostly thermally broken aluminum windows on mid-rise and high-rise buildings, uPVC tilt-and-turn windows on rental and affordable housing, and clad wood on townhouses and in historic districts, all with low-E insulated glass.
Yes. The NYC Energy Conservation Code sets maximum U-factor and solar heat gain values, and the products must have ratings to show compliance.
It depends on the system and finish. Imported aluminum systems take longer than domestic products. The lead time should be confirmed at the quote and the order placed to suit the facade schedule.
Yes. We supply to general contractors and developers with or without installation.
In apartment buildings they are required where young children live. Limit stops and tilt-and-turn hardware are normally specified so the windows comply from day one.
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About this page. Written by Alex GC Inc. d/b/a Alex Glass Construction and reviewed before publication by Aleksandr Chernovolenko, Managing Partner, with our design and estimating lead and a field foreman. Our foremen hold the NYC DOB Site Safety Training supervisor card and our crews the 40-hour worker card; we are certified to fabricate, install and service Alutech and Everest aluminum systems. Facts are drawn from our own projects, manufacturer test data and the applicable codes; where we are giving an opinion, we say so. Last reviewed September 2026. Credentials
Send the window schedule, elevations or the architect’s specification section. We will price the package, with or without installation, and tell you the lead time.
