Best Window Materials for Minnesota's Climate: Expert Guide
Minnesota’s climate isn’t for the faint of heart. With subzero winters, sweltering summers, and high humidity in between, your home’s windows must be able to withstand it all.
Choosing the right window materials is more than a cosmetic decision. The right material can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance needs, and hold up to intense freeze-thaw cycles. Whether you’re replacing old windows or building new, understanding which materials perform best in this environment is critical for long-term comfort and performance.
At Roofers of Minnesota, we know what works in this state. With decades of experience in exterior renovations, we’ve seen how different window materials respond to the state’s extreme temperature swings. Not all materials are created equal, and selecting the wrong one can lead to drafty rooms, rotting frames, or higher energy bills.
In this article, we’ll break down how different window materials perform in Minnesota’s climate. We’ll compare window installation options like fiberglass and vinyl, evaluate the pros and cons of wood-clad designs, assess aluminum’s behavior in the cold, and explore how composite materials like Fibrex handle thermal stress. If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s windows, this guide will help you make an informed decision backed by local experience and real-world performance!
Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows: Which Performs Better in Extreme Temperatures?
When comparing fiberglass and vinyl windows for Minnesota’s climate, performance in extreme temperatures is a key consideration. Fiberglass is engineered to be structurally stronger than vinyl, with a high resistance to warping and contraction. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for the freeze-thaw cycles common in Minnesota. Because fiberglass expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as glass, it minimizes stress on window seals and reduces the risk of air leakage or seal failure over time.
Vinyl windows, while generally more affordable, tend to expand more than fiberglass during high heat and can become brittle in prolonged cold. This makes them slightly more prone to deformation or cracking under thermal stress. However, advances in multi-chambered vinyl frames and insulated cores have made modern vinyl windows more efficient than older models, offering reasonable performance at a lower price point.
Homeowners seeking long-term durability and stability often lean toward fiberglass for its structural integrity and resistance to thermal movement. While vinyl remains a budget-friendly option, fiberglass’s dimensional stability makes it a preferred material for window installation in climates with wide temperature fluctuations like Minnesota.
Wood-Clad Windows in Humid Conditions: Pros and Cons
Wood-clad windows offer the classic aesthetic appeal of wood interiors with the exterior protection of metal or vinyl cladding. In humid regions like Minnesota, this combination helps protect the wood frame from external moisture exposure while still allowing the beauty of natural wood to enhance a home’s interior. The cladding acts as a shield against rain, snow, and high humidity, which are common in the region’s spring and summer months.
However, these windows aren’t without drawbacks. If water manages to infiltrate behind the cladding — often due to failed seals or improper installation — it can lead to rot, mold, or warping. In a high-humidity climate, consistent inspection and proper flashing are essential to ensure water doesn’t compromise the integrity of the wood beneath the protective layer.
Despite these risks, many Minnesota homeowners favor wood-clad windows for their energy efficiency and traditional look. When paired with professional installation and proper sealing, wood-clad designs can be an excellent choice, especially for those using full-service exterior services to manage moisture control and ventilation around the window system.
How Well Does Aluminum Hold Up in Cold Weather?
Aluminum windows have long been valued for their slim frames and strength, but their performance in cold climates like Minnesota can be a concern. Aluminum is a highly conductive material, which means it readily transfers cold temperatures from the outside to the inside. Without proper thermal breaks, this can lead to significant heat loss, condensation buildup, and even frost formation on the window frame during deep winter months.
Modern aluminum windows often include a thermal barrier — typically a polyurethane insert — to help interrupt heat flow and improve insulation. While this makes them more viable in colder climates than older aluminum styles, they still lag behind fiberglass and composite materials in terms of insulation performance. Additionally, aluminum's rigidity can cause issues with condensation management if frames get colder than the surrounding air and reach dew point temperatures.
For homeowners in Minnesota, aluminum may be best reserved for specific applications like commercial or modern architectural designs where aesthetics or frame strength outweigh insulation priorities. If used, proper sealing and integration with insulated glazing are necessary to mitigate cold-weather performance issues.
What Maintenance Is Required for Each Window Material?
Maintenance requirements for window materials vary significantly, and this can influence long-term satisfaction and ownership costs. Vinyl windows are among the lowest maintenance options available. They don’t need painting or staining, and they resist moisture and pests well. A seasonal cleaning with mild soap and water typically keeps them in good shape. However, over time, sun exposure can cause fading, and damaged vinyl frames can be difficult to repair.
Fiberglass windows also offer low maintenance, but are structurally more robust. They can be painted (unlike most vinyl) and resist warping, swelling, or cracking, even with drastic weather changes. Routine cleaning and an occasional check for paint or finish wear are generally all that’s needed. Their long-term durability reduces the likelihood of frame replacement or repair, which makes them ideal for demanding climates.
Wood and wood-clad windows require more frequent attention. The interior wood should be sealed or painted and inspected annually for moisture intrusion, rot, or insect damage. Cladding reduces maintenance on the exterior, but any compromise in the cladding can expose the wood to damage.
Aluminum, meanwhile, requires less cleaning but should be monitored for condensation-related issues and occasional repainting in older models. Regular maintenance aligned with each material’s vulnerabilities can extend the window system’s service life and reduce total ownership cost.
Can Fibrex and Other Composite Windows Handle Temperature Fluctuations?
Composite window materials like Fibrex — a blend of reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer — are engineered to perform well in regions with dramatic temperature swings, such as Minnesota. These materials combine the structural stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. Fibrex in particular expands and contracts very little compared to other materials, minimizing stress on the seals and frames during temperature shifts.
One of the major benefits of Fibrex and similar composites is their ability to retain rigidity in both sub-zero and high-heat conditions. This reduces the potential for air leakage, warping, or frame distortion — problems commonly seen in pure vinyl or aluminum frames under stress. In addition, composite materials tend to resist moisture intrusion, mold growth, and pest damage, adding to their appeal in humid, wet, or snowy climates.
Because composites are manufactured with uniform density and low thermal conductivity, they offer enhanced energy efficiency and structural integrity. They represent a strong, long-lasting option for homeowners in Minnesota who want minimal upkeep and dependable performance year-round, particularly with support from reputable providers like Roofers of Minnesota.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Windows for Minnesota’s Climate
Choosing the right window material isn’t just about style — it’s about performance, energy savings, and long-term durability. With Minnesota’s unpredictable weather, from polar vortex winters to humid summer storms, each material must be carefully selected to match the demands of the local climate.
At Roofers of Minnesota, we’ve worked with every type of window and understand how each material performs under the region’s harshest conditions. Our team takes a climate-specific approach to window replacement and installation, helping homeowners select products that resist warping, reduce energy loss, and withstand years of weather exposure.
Don’t settle for windows that can’t keep up with Minnesota’s climate! Call Roofers of Minnesota at 612-205-4791 or stop by our office at 18349 70th Ave North, Maple Grove, MN 55311 to speak with our team. We’re ready to walk you through all the material options, answer your questions, and guide you through a seamless window installation process.