Window Replacement in South Portland, Maine

Windows in South Portland range from original wood sashes in Ferry Village and Knightville houses to aluminum and early vinyl units in 1960s and 1970s homes that are now fogged, drafty or hard to operate. About 45 percent of the city's housing predates 1960 and roughly 60 percent predates 1980, so many homes still have windows that leak air and let wind-driven rain past worn seals. Bedroom windows too small or too stiff to open are also an egress concern.

In any home built before 1978, the federal EPA lead renovation rule applies when painted window parts are disturbed, requiring lead-safe work practices and cleanup. For older houses, wood or clad units from Andersen, Marvin, Pella or Integrity can keep the original trim and look; vinyl replacement windows are a practical fit for ranches, splits and later homes. Double-hung units suit most of the city's houses, while casements work well over kitchen sinks and in spots that catch strong wind from the bay, because the sash presses tighter against its seal as the wind blows. On a house built in 1940 or earlier, a building permit for exterior window work may be subject to the city's delay of up to 90 days.

South Portland has about 12,800 housing units, and the American Community Survey estimates a median year built of 1968, two decades newer than Portland across the harbor. About 25 percent of homes predate 1940 and about 45 percent predate 1960. Roughly 16 percent went up between 1960 and 1979, and close to 19 percent date from 2000 or later, a larger share of newer construction than on the peninsula. Owners occupy about 58 percent of occupied homes, and single-family detached houses make up a little over half the stock, with apartments, condominiums and two-family houses filling out the rest. Seasonal homes are rare, only about 100 units. The older waterfront villages hold the city's early wood-frame houses, while the neighborhoods farther inland are largely post-war and later.

South Portland split from Cape Elizabeth in 1895 and incorporated as a city in 1898. Ferry Village is its oldest neighborhood, and Knightville, Mill Creek, Willard, Meetinghouse Hill, Pleasantdale, Ligonia, Redbank and Cash Corner each have their own feel. During World War II its shipyards built 236 Liberty ships. The shoreline holds Fort Preble, established in 1808, Spring Point Ledge Light from 1897, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse known as Bug Light, and Willard Beach. Inland, the city is home to the Maine Mall, Rigby Yard and the oil terminals along the harbor.

Building permits in South Portland come from Code Enforcement, part of the Department of Planning and Development, which issues permits and conducts inspections for building, electrical and plumbing work. Applications can go through the city's online portal or by email. The city enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, based on the 2021 International Residential Code, and a permitted project must make a substantial start within 180 days. Since 2019, a building permit for exterior work on a designated historic property or any structure built in 1940 or earlier may be delayed up to 90 days. Shoreland zoning applies along the harbor and bay.

A new window is only as good as the way it is set into the wall. Replacement windows go in either as inserts inside the existing frame or as full-frame units after the old frame comes out; the right choice depends on the condition of the frame, the trim you want to keep, and the siding around it. The site lists vinyl replacement windows and wood or clad units from Andersen, Marvin, Pella and Integrity, in double-hung, casement, picture, bay, sliding and awning styles.

• Each opening is measured and checked for rot in the sill, jambs and framing.
• Old sashes or whole frames come out; damaged wood is repaired before the new unit goes in.
• Units are set level, plumb and square, shimmed, and fastened as the manufacturer requires.
• Low-expansion foam and backer rod seal the gap without bowing the frame.
• Flashing, exterior trim or capping and interior casing are finished so the opening sheds water.

• Fog or condensation between the panes of insulated glass
• Sashes that stick, will not stay up, or let in drafts
• Soft or rotted sills and frames
• Single-pane glass or storm windows you take on and off every year
• Frost or ice on the inside of the glass in winter

• Number of windows, their sizes, and any custom shapes
• Vinyl versus wood or clad units, and the brand and series
• Insert versus full-frame replacement
• Glass package and grille options
• Interior and exterior trim work, and whether siding is open around the opening

Every job is priced from a free on-site visit. Typical ranges for the trade are on our window replacement page, and the details of this service are on the window replacement overview.

Back to the South Portland exterior services overview, or see every town on our Cumberland County service areas page.