Aside from the aesthetic appeal, homeowners need to consider the performance and durability of the window replacement they choose for their home based on their climate region. Different climates have different window needs. Talking with a professional contractor in your area can help you select the right window replacement that’s best that region. As well, we broke down the best and worst window replacement choice by region.
Pacific Northwest
Residents in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington states, generally have a Mediterranean climate; mild, cool and humid and sometimes arid.
- Best window replacements – Vinyl, wood and fiberglass windows are the perfect complement to Pacific Northwest region, providing views without compromising their energy-efficiency. Look for window replacements with a U-values of 0.3 or lower and higher solar heat gain coefficient (SGHC).
- Worst window replacements – Avoid wood window replacements made from pine, as they are a soft material that are susceptible to rotting in humid, moist and rainy climates.
Southwest
Residents in Southern California, Arizona, Texas and other Southwestern states, generally have a temperate climate: very hot summer and cool and mild winter.
- Best window replacements – Windows with insulation protection are a #1 choice for the Southwest region. Window replacement with a SHGC below 0.3 is the best protection from intense heat emitting through your home’s windows.
- Worst window replacements – Avoid single-pane windows as they offer very little solar heat resistance.
Midwest
Residents in Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and other Midwestern states, face severe weather conditions including, heavy rain and wind, tornadoes, hot and humid summers, and below freezing winter.
- Best window replacements – The southern to central Midwest parts should look for window replacements with SGHC and U-value of 0.3 or lower. While the northernmost parts of the Midwest should look for windows with a higher SHGC. Casement windows are also preferable for this region as they perform better to sharp winds.
- Worst window replacements – Avoid aluminum windows, single-pane windows, and double-pane windows without insulative gas filling or low-emissivity coating as they offer little thermal performance.
Northeast
Residents in Maine, Michigan, New York and other Northeastern states, face bitter cold and frequent storm during the winter and hot and humid temperature during the summer.
- Best window replacements – Wood window replacement that are two-paned filled with gas in between and have low-E coating are the best choice for Northeast regions. As well, look for windows with SGHC and U-value of 0.3 or lower.
- Worst window replacements – Avoid replacing historical hardwood windows with new modern ones, as the old wood windows are more insulative and better crafted than factory-produces modern windows.
Southeast
Residents in Florida, Mississippi, North & South Virginia and other Southeastern states, have a humid subtropical climate. Sunny winters and rainy summers with the occasions of hurricanes are common weather pattern in this region.
- Best window replacements – Aluminum window replacements and vinyl window replacements that are double-paned and gas filled are preferable for Southeastern regions as they provide structural pressure to wind and rain.
- Worst window replacements – Avoid window replacements with no solar-heat-blocking low E-coating as they provide poor air-infiltration resistance.
Source: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/home-systems/windows-for-different-geographic-regions/index.html
By: Paul Doh