Compare the highest-rated windows professionals in Barrow, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ASRC is the largest Alaska Native-owned corporation in the state and has immense presence and resources on the North Slope. Their Energy Services division handles a wide range of construction, maintenance, and retrofit projects, including specialized window installation and replacement designed for extreme Arctic conditions. They are a primary contractor for many residential and commercial properties in Utqiaġvik.
UIC Construction is a subsidiary of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, the village corporation for Barrow/Utqiaġvik. They are a locally-owned and deeply embedded contractor that manages a significant portion of the residential and commercial construction in the city. They handle all aspects of building, including full window and door installation, repair, and replacement, with a focus on durability against harsh weather.
While based in Fairbanks, Arctic Glass and Window is one of the most reputable and highly-reviewed specialized window and glass companies in Interior Alaska. They are known to undertake projects across a wide region and are a likely candidate for major window contracts in the North Slope Borough due to their specialization. They offer a full range of services from high-efficiency vinyl windows to custom commercial glazing.
The window service market in Barrow/Utqiaġvik is highly specialized and constrained. The extreme Arctic environment, with prolonged winters, high winds, and sub-zero temperatures, demands windows of exceptional quality and insulation value (often triple-paned, low-e coated, with thermally broken frames). There is no "big-box" store competition, and all materials must be shipped or flown in, leading to significantly higher costs. The competition level is low in terms of the number of providers but high in terms of the required expertise. The market is dominated by a few key local and regional players, primarily the construction arms of the major Native corporations (ASRC and UIC) who have the local workforce, logistical capability, and understanding of the unique building science required. Pricing is substantially above the national average; a standard window replacement project can easily run 50-100% more than in the contiguous U.S. due to logistics, specialized products, and the high cost of labor. Consumers prioritize extreme durability and energy efficiency over cost, making quality and warranty the primary purchasing factors.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Barrow regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about windows services in Barrow, Alaska.
Barrow's harsh climate demands windows with exceptionally high performance ratings. You should prioritize triple-pane windows with low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fills, featuring a U-factor of 0.20 or lower and a high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to capture passive solar heat during the long winter. Proper installation with robust, weatherproof sealing is critical to prevent heat loss, ice dam formation, and air infiltration from strong winds.
The optimal installation window is during the summer months (late June through August) when temperatures are above freezing, allowing for proper sealing and minimal exposure of your home's interior to the cold. A typical whole-home installation may take 2-5 days, but weather delays are common, so flexibility is key. Some contractors also work in spring or fall, but winter installations are highly disruptive and often avoided due to safety and performance concerns.
Yes, you must comply with the North Slope Borough building codes, which are designed for the Arctic environment and often exceed standard national energy codes. A permit is typically required for window replacement. It's crucial to hire a contractor familiar with these local regulations, which govern factors like structural load for wind, frost protection, and egress, ensuring your installation is both legal and optimized for durability.
Costs are significantly higher due to the extreme freight expenses for shipping specialized windows to the Arctic, a limited pool of local contractors, and the need for premium, climate-specific products. For standard, high-performance vinyl windows, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,200 to $2,500 per window installed, with total project costs easily reaching $15,000 to $40,000+ for a full home, depending on size and window specifications.
Prioritize contractors with proven experience in Arctic installations and ask for local references. Verify they are licensed, insured, and knowledgeable about North Slope Borough codes. A reputable provider will conduct a detailed in-home assessment, clearly explain how their products and methods are suited for permafrost foundations, high winds, and extreme temperature swings, and offer a strong warranty that covers both materials and labor against climate-specific failures.