Have you ever looked at a window quote and wondered what “PG50” or “Residential Class” really means? If you’re a homeowner in Pittsburgh, choosing the wrong type could mean higher energy bills—or worse, damage from the next big storm.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what Performance Class and Performance Grade mean, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
We'll simplify these complex terms, break down their real-world impact, and show you how they connect to energy efficiency and cost.
Performance Class: What Type of Building Is Your Window Made For?
Performance Class describes how windows are used based on the type of building they're made for. There are four main classes:
- Residential (R): Used in typical family homes and smaller buildings.
- Light Commercial (LC): Good for apartments, condos, or small office buildings.
- Commercial (CW): Designed for medium-sized commercial buildings or large apartments.
- Architectural (AW): Used in tall buildings or places where windows must be extra strong.
For most Pittsburgh homes, "Residential (R)" windows are usually perfect.
Performance Grade: How Well Do Your Windows Handle Weather?
Performance Grade (PG) measures how well a window stands up to weather like wind, rain, and snow. It's a numerical value (e.g., PG 30, PG 50) representing the window's pressure capacity in pounds per square foot (psf). For instance, a window rated PG 30 can resist a design pressure of 30 psf. The higher the number means stronger windows.
Windows are tested for:
- Air leaks
- Water leaks
- Wind pressure resistance
A higher PG window can handle stronger storms. It's important to select a window with a PG that meets or exceeds local building code requirements, which are often based on regional wind load calculations.
Class vs Grade: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
Performance Class tells you what kind of building a window is designed for, while Performance Grade tells you how strong the window is.
People often confuse these terms, but remember: Class = type of building; Grade = strength.
Why Should You Care About Performance Grade?
Choosing the right Performance Grade helps protect your home and family. The benefits include:
- Safety: Stronger windows protect your family during Pittsburgh’s strong winds or storms.
- Comfort: Better windows stop drafts, keeping your home comfortable.
- Energy Savings: Properly rated windows help reduce heating and cooling costs.
How Do You Choose the Right Performance Grade For Your Home?
To pick the right PG, consider these Pittsburgh-specific factors:
- Local Weather: Pittsburgh winters are cold and snowy; summers can bring heavy storms.
- Building Codes: Local codes may specify a minimum PG rating.
- Home Location: Urban homes might need lower PG than homes on windy hillsides or rural areas.
- Home Orientation: Homes exposed to frequent wind or storms should choose higher PG ratings.
Do Higher Grades Always Mean Better Windows? (Not Always)
Not always. A higher PG rating means stronger, but also more expensive. If your Pittsburgh home doesn’t regularly experience extreme weather, choosing an excessively high rating may waste money. Pick a PG rating that fits your actual needs.
What Are Typical Window Ratings for Pittsburgh Homes?
Typical PG ratings for Pittsburgh homes are usually PG30 to PG50. Homes on hills or exposed locations might need closer to PG50. Lower areas or sheltered neighborhoods can typically use PG30 or PG35.
Do Performance Ratings Raise or Lower Your Window Costs?
Higher ratings usually cost more:
- Residential class (R) and lower PG ratings (PG30-35) are the most affordable.
- Higher PG (PG50 or more) or higher class (LC, CW, AW) can significantly increase costs.
Expect basic residential windows to cost less, while stronger, commercial-grade windows can cost more.
Interested in replacing your windows but would like to know the cost of the project before a consultant comes to your home? Try our free Window Pricing Estimator so you can plan your project like a pro.
Do Performance Ratings Affect Energy Efficiency?
Performance Grade isn't about energy efficiency directly, but higher-quality windows usually perform better overall. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated windows, as these have been tested for energy savings and often come with good Performance Grades.
Triple-pane glass is the most energy-efficient and is eligible for a federal tax credit! You can receive 30% back up to $600 on your window project with qualifying windows.
3 Questions To Ask Your Window Company About Window Ratings:
Make sure to ask:
- What PG rating do you recommend for Pittsburgh weather?
- Why did you select this specific Performance Class?
- Can you show me certifications or examples of these ratings?
Next Steps: Choose the Right Performance Rating for Your Pittsburgh Home
Choosing windows isn’t just about looks—it’s about making a smart investment in your home’s safety and comfort. If you’ve been unsure about technical labels like PG30 or Residential Class, you’re not alone.
Now that you understand how Performance Class and Grade work, your next step is to get personalized advice from a local expert. At Energy Swing Windows, we guide Pittsburgh homeowners through every step of the selection process—Use our window pricing calculator today.
