How Temperature Affects Your Home’s Windows & Doors

If you’re considering a window or door replacement project for your New England home, selecting the right materials is crucial to your home’s energy efficiency. For example, wood windows and doors offer a classic charm, but they require extra maintenance and are prone to temperature-related issues. In comparison, vinyl, composite, and fiberglass options provide superior insulation, durability, and resistance to temperature fluctuations. By choosing the right materials and ensuring proper installation, you can create a comfortable, energy-efficient, and visually appealing home that withstands the challenges of New England’s ever-changing climate.

Here are some guidelines to help you select the right replacement windows and doors for your home:

Winter Temperatures

In the harsh winters of New England, the frigid temperatures can significantly impact your home’s windows and exterior doors. Understanding how different materials react to cold weather is crucial in maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Windows

• Wood windows – While wood is a classic and aesthetically pleasing option, it is prone to contracting and expanding due to temperature fluctuations. This can lead to warping, drafts, and diminished energy efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as sealing and painting, is essential to protect wood windows in New England’s climate.
• Vinyl windows – Vinyl windows offer excellent insulative properties and are highly resistant to temperature changes. They are also less prone to warping and require minimal maintenance.
• Composite windows – Combining the best of both worlds, composite windows feature a blend of materials like wood fibers and PVC. They offer enhanced durability, energy efficiency, and resistance to temperature fluctuations, making them an ideal choice for New England homes.

Exterior Doors

• Wood doors – Wood doors add a touch of elegance but are susceptible to warping, rotting, and expansion in extreme cold.
• Vinyl and fiberglass doors – Vinyl and fiberglass doors provide excellent insulation and durability. They are resistant to temperature changes and adept at keeping cold air outside while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance.
• Steel doors – Steel doors are known for their strength, security, and thermal efficiency. While steel can conduct heat and cold, a properly insulated steel door with weatherstripping can minimize heat loss and drafts.

Summer Temperatures

With the intense heat and humidity that summer brings, it is crucial to understand how different materials used in replacement windows and doors can fare under such conditions.

Windows

• Wood windows – Wooden windows offer an elegant look but can expand in hot weather, causing the frames to warp or crack. Moreover, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can lead to fading and discoloration of the wood, necessitating frequent maintenance and refinishing.
• Vinyl windows – Vinyl replacement windows have gained popularity due to their durability and ease of maintenance. They are designed to withstand temperature extremes, including stifling heat, and their thermal stability helps prevent warping, cracking, and fading.
• Composite windows – Composite windows offer excellent resistance to heat. They are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring minimal expansion and contraction, thereby reducing the risk of air leaks while maintaining thermal performance.

Doors

• Wood doors – Wood exterior doors provide charm and character, but they can be especially susceptible to heat-related issues—similar to wooden windows. High temperatures and humidity can cause wooden doors to swell or warp, leading to difficulties in opening and closing them. Regular maintenance, including sealing and painting, is crucial to minimize these effects.
• Vinyl and fiberglass doors – Vinyl and fiberglass doors are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and resistance to weathering. They are not only energy efficient but also highly resistant to warping, cracking, and fading caused by hot temperatures.
• Steel doors – Steel exterior doors are known for their strength and security. However, they can conduct heat, so proper insulation and weatherstripping are needed to minimize the impact of high temperatures. Steel doors are less susceptible to warping, cracking, and fading, but a protective finish is needed to prevent rusting caused by humidity and rain.

New England’s Window & Door Installation Leader

If you’re ready to move forward with a window or door replacement project—or both—at your New England home, the only name you need to know is NEWPRO. We’ve been providing home remodeling services since 1945 and offer high-performance products that are engineered for the local climate. We install:

• Three lines of composite windows that are engineered to improve your home’s energy efficiency no matter the temperature outside
• Fiberglass and steel entry doors that are available in an array of colors and styles and can be customized to fit your vision

Additionally, our installations are performed flawlessly by our factory-trained technicians, and we stand behind our products and installations with generous warranties.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact NEWPRO today if you’d like additional information about the energy-efficient replacement windows and doors we offer to New England homeowners.