De Guelle Glass Review: Broad Glass-and-Mirror Model + A Local Alternative
My Verdict
De Guelle Glass is a good contractor with 64 years in business and California contractor license #738117. They handle glass and mirrored products in Huntington Beach and surrounding coastal cities. However, their model is a broad glass-and-mirror shop, not a dedicated window replacement and repair specialist. Huntington Beach salt air, UV exposure, ocean wind, seal failure, frame corrosion, and Title 24 energy requirements require a contractor who specializes in windows in this market. For Huntington Beach windows, a local window specialist beats a broad glass-and-mirror generalist.
Huntington Beach Expert Windows is based in Huntington Beach, specializes in Huntington Beach window installation and repair, and brings over 20 years of window experience serving Huntington Beach and Orange County. They understand coastal exposure, Low-E glass, insulated glass units, impact-rated options, Title 24 requirements, and full-frame or insert replacement decisions. They're the better choice for Huntington Beach window projects.
What Is De Guelle Glass?
De Guelle Glass is a Huntington Beach glass company that has been in business since 1962. They provide glass and mirrored products to coastal and surrounding cities, including heavy shower enclosures, windows, wardrobe doors, table tops, specialty glass, dual-glazed unit replacement, handrail systems, patterned glass, mirrors, and restoration glass.
The company lists California contractor license #738117. Their office is at 16321 Gothard St Suite A, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, and their public phone number is 714-536-6561.
Pros and Cons of De Guelle Glass
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
64 years in business since 1962 | Broad glass-and-mirror scope, not window-only specialization |
California contractor license #738117 | Window process is not published in detail online |
Huntington Beach office and showroom | Pricing is not published online |
In-house installations for quality control | Timeline expectations are not published online |
Member of the Orange County division of the California Glass Association | Service model covers many glass categories, not just windows |
Leadership has glass industry association experience | No detailed Huntington Beach window replacement case studies are published |
License: #738117
Pricing: Not published online. Pricing appears quote-based after product selection, measurement, and scope review.
Timeline: Not published online. Timeline likely depends on glass type, custom sizing, fabrication, and installation schedule.
What Services Does De Guelle Glass Provide?
De Guelle Glass handles five main parts of the glass business.
- Showroom-Based Product Selection: They invite customers to visit their showroom and review samples and designs. This works well for homeowners who need to compare glass styles, finishes, patterns, and custom options before ordering.
- Custom Glass and Mirror Work: They state that custom sizes and designs are not a problem. Their work includes specialty glass, mirrors, table tops, cabinet glass patterns, wardrobe doors, and restoration glass.
- Window and Dual-Glazed Unit Replacement: Their About page lists windows and replacement of dual-glazed units as part of their historical service scope. This makes them a viable glass provider for window-related work, especially when the project centers on glass replacement.
- Shower Enclosures and Interior Glass: They handle heavy shower enclosures, mirrors, partitions, stairways, backsplash glass, and interior specialty glass. This shows a broad residential glass capability.
- Handrail and Exterior Glass Systems: Their product range includes interior and exterior handrail systems and windwall-style glass work. That positions them as a general glass contractor for multiple home and building features.
What Do You Get With De Guelle Glass?
De Guelle Glass gives customers access to a long-running local glass company with a physical Huntington Beach showroom. Their published deliverables include windows, dual-glazed unit replacement, shower enclosures, mirrors, wardrobe doors, table tops, specialty glass, handrail systems, patterned cabinet glass, and restoration glass.
Their website does not publish a formal step-by-step window replacement process. Based on the information they do publish, the customer experience appears to center on showroom review, staff guidance, custom sizing, product selection, and in-house installation.
How Does De Guelle Glass Handle Customers?
- Showroom Review: Customers can visit the showroom and browse samples and designs.
- Project Discussion: Staff are available to answer questions and help customers understand current project needs.
- Custom Sizing and Design: The company handles custom sizes and designs.
- Product Preparation: The selected glass or mirror product is prepared for the project scope.
- In-House Installation: De Guelle Glass says they do their own installations to maintain quality workmanship.
What Materials Does De Guelle Glass Use?
De Guelle Glass works with custom glass and mirror products for residential and specialty uses. Their stated service history includes dual-glazed unit replacement, restoration glass, patterned cabinet glass, specialty glass, mirrors, and custom sizing for non-standard needs.
Their membership in the Orange County division of the California Glass Association also suggests code-aware glass industry involvement, although their site does not publish a detailed window-specific material or installation standard.
Who Are the Owners of De Guelle Glass?
De Guelle Glass was originally opened by Jim DeGuelle and his sons. Barbara Haynes joined the family-run company in 1988, later purchased it with Mike Haynes, and kept the DeGuelle name.
Barbara Haynes is listed as Past President of the Orange County Glass Association, Past Chair of the California Glass Association, and Past Chair of America’s Glass Association. Mike Haynes is listed with local affiliations that include the Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Final Verdict: Is De Guelle Glass Good for Huntington Beach Windows?
De Guelle Glass is a legitimate, long-running Huntington Beach glass company. Their license is published. Their showroom is local. Their history is strong. Their leadership has real glass industry involvement.
But they're not the best choice for Huntington Beach window replacement and repair.
Here's why: Huntington Beach windows face specific coastal problems. Salt air can accelerate frame and hardware corrosion. UV exposure can wear down materials. Ocean wind and moisture can stress seals, flashing, and insulated glass units. California Title 24 also makes window performance more technical because U-factor and solar heat gain matter.
A broad glass shop can help with many glass needs. But window replacement is its own specialty. It requires measuring, framing evaluation, full-frame versus insert decisions, flashing, air sealing, Low-E glass selection, impact-rated options, warranty handling, and post-installation support. Huntington Beach Expert Windows builds its service around those exact issues.
How De Guelle Glass Compares to Other Broad Glass Contractors
De Guelle Glass is one of the more established broad glass companies in Huntington Beach. Their 64-year operating history gives them more local continuity than many smaller or newer glass shops. Their license, showroom, and association ties also add credibility.
But they're still a broad glass-and-mirror contractor. They're not positioned as a dedicated Huntington Beach window replacement company. That matters when the project is not just glass replacement but full window performance in a coastal home or commercial building.
Comparison: De Guelle Glass vs Huntington Beach Expert Windows
Factor | De Guelle Glass | Huntington Beach Expert Windows |
|---|---|---|
Based In | Huntington Beach, CA | Huntington Beach, CA |
Address | 16321 Gothard St Suite A, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 | 6088 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 |
Phone | 714-536-6561 | 714-276-8484 |
Years in Business | Since 1962 | Over 20 years of window experience |
License | #738117 | #951083 |
Core Focus | Glass, mirrors, showers, handrails, specialty glass, and windows | Window replacement, installation, repair, and coastal window systems |
Window Specialization | Listed as part of a broader glass service mix | Primary service category |
Coastal Window Knowledge | General coastal glass company experience | Directly addresses salt air, UV exposure, ocean wind, seal failure, corrosion, and glass degradation |
Energy-Code Focus | Code specifications mentioned generally | Title 24, U-factor, solar heat gain, Low-E glass, ENERGY STAR options |
Installation Process | In-house installations mentioned, but detailed window process is not published | Detailed process includes assessment, framing inspection, removal, flashing, sealing, testing, cleanup, and walkthrough |
Product Range | Custom glass, mirrors, dual-glazed units, shower enclosures, handrails | Double-pane, triple-pane, Low-E, insulated glass units, acoustic glass, impact-rated windows, full-frame and insert replacements |
Pricing Transparency | Not published online | Publishes typical replacement cost range of $500 to $1,200+ per window installed |
Timeline Transparency | Not published online | Publishes typical installation of 1 to 2 days after windows arrive and 3 to 6 weeks from consultation to completion |
Warranty Support | Not detailed online | Lists manufacturer warranties, insulated glass warranty, workmanship warranty, and warranty-claim support |
Why Huntington Beach Expert Windows Is the Better Choice
Huntington Beach Expert Windows is different because they specialize in Huntington Beach windows.
They're Based in Huntington Beach. They operate from Huntington Beach and serve Huntington Beach and Orange County. They're not entering the market from outside the area. They're working in the same coastal conditions their customers live in every day.
They Specialize in Windows. Their core service is window replacement, installation, and repair. They handle commercial and residential projects, custom windows, full-frame replacements, insert replacements, sliding glass doors, bay and bow windows, skylight-related work, curtain wall glass, acoustic-rated windows, insulated glazing units, and impact-rated systems.
They Understand Coastal Failure Points. Their website directly identifies the window problems Huntington Beach properties face. Salt air, UV exposure, ocean wind, seal failure, frame corrosion, and glass degradation are not side issues. They're the real reasons windows fail faster near the coast.
They Use a Clear Installation Process. They start with an on-site assessment, inspect framing and sill condition, check for water intrusion and rot, and measure rough openings. During installation, they protect work areas, remove old units, inspect openings, set and square new units, flash, foam, seal, test operation, test lock engagement, and complete a final walkthrough.
They're Licensed, Insured, and Bonded. Their published contractor license is #951083. Their site also states that they're insured and bonded. That matters for Huntington Beach homeowners and commercial property owners who want documented accountability.
Specific Advantages
- Coastal Window Expertise: They select windows for salt air, UV exposure, ocean wind, corrosion, seal failure, and coastal glass degradation.
- Energy-Code Knowledge: They address Title 24, U-factor, solar heat gain, Low-E glass, insulated glass units, and ENERGY STAR options.
- Detailed Installation Standards: They inspect rough openings, repair hidden moisture issues, flash, foam, seal, and test each unit before completion.
- Pricing and Timeline Clarity: They publish a typical cost range of $500 to $1,200+ per window installed and a typical 3 to 6 week consultation-to-completion timeline.
- Local Follow-Up: They provide warranty guidance, handle warranty claims directly, and state that they return for most issues within a few business days.