Best and Worst Window Materials for Different Regions

Different climates can influence the suitability of various materials for your home. When it comes to windows, one type of material may be ideal for some regions but the worst choice for others. So what’s the best window material for your home?

The following is a quick list of the best and worst window materials for different regions shared by HGTV.

Pacific Northwest

Best

• Moisture-resistant window materials like vinyl, wood-resin composite, and fiberglass
• Windows with U-values of 0.3 or lower for better insulation
• Windows with higher solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC

Worst

• Wood windows

Southwest

Best

• Windows with SHGC lower than 0.3
• Glass windows with a spectrally selective coating that allows light to pass through while resisting heat

Worst

• Cheap, single-pane windows with very little resistance to solar heat

Midwest

Best

• Windows with 0.3 or lower SHGC and U-values for those in the southern and central Midwest, but higher SHGC for those in the northernmost areas
• Casement windows for those in windy areas

Worst

• Aluminum window frames
• Single-pane windows

Northeast

Best

• Wood windows
• Windows with SHGC and U-values of 0.3 or lower
• Double-pane windows with a gas barrier and low-E coating

Worst

• Replacing a hardwood window in good condition with a factory-made modern one

Southeast

Best

• Double-pane, gas-filled vinyl windows

Worst

• Any window without a low-E coating

Coastal Southeast

Best

• Aluminum windows because they are resistant to impact, structural pressure, and air and water leakage

Worst

• Vinyl and wood windows