At LAS Shutters + Windows, we’ve designed and built windows in the Gulf South for over 60 years. In that time, we’ve learned what makes or breaks (or rots) a window in our climate. If you’re replacing old windows or installing new ones, this is what you must know about the best windows for hot, humid climates.
How to find the best windows for hot, humid climates
When you’re researching windows, you’ll generally come across a lot of different terms and pieces that make up a window. You can learn more about these in our Windows 101 Guide. One of your biggest choices, though, will come down to the frame.
The major types of window frames are:
- Wooden
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
We lay out the main differences between wood vs. vinyl windows in an earlier post, but one thing is clear. Vinyl windows outperform every other type of frame in a hot, humid climate. Here’s why.
Pros and cons of wood windows
Wood windows serve as great insulators in some climates. They also add warmth and aesthetic appeal to a home.
Homeowners in cooler, less humid states like Minnesota or South Dakota can install wood windows and call it a day. Unfortunately, a hot and humid climate like the one we have in southeast Louisiana requires longer-lasting and more durable materials.
Because of the potential for wood to rot in hot and humid climates, wood windows are not well suited for any area that has a higher amount of humidity or heat during the summers. There’s nothing quite like swollen wood fixtures in the summertime that jam or improperly insulate your home. Over time, these frames can rot leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
If your area doesn’t experience much humidity (but still lots of heat), the risks are just as great. Hot and arid environments can dry out wooden window frames and lead to cracks.
Why we choose vinyl windows for hot, humid climates
In southeast Louisiana, we receive over 216 sunny days a year and have an average of 76% humidity. Monthly averages in the summer hover in the 90s or higher. For over 60 years, we’ve installed windows in this region. Aluminum frames are often low quality and break over time. Wood frames are loads of maintenance, with risks for rotting.
Instead, we know that high-quality vinyl frames are the best option for our southern climate, as well as other hot, humid climates. To start, vinyl windows don’t rot like wood. They won’t fade, chip, dent, or swell like wood does. They have minimal maintenance.
However, they also look great and stay looking great. Vinyl window frames can mimic the aesthetically appealing qualities of wood, without the upkeep of wooden frames. Further, when vinyl windows are properly manufactured and installed, they meet and exceed the strictest building codes in the world. There’s a reason we choose vinyl windows in a state like Louisiana that is subject to a brush with a hurricane every 2.3 years.
High-performance vinyl windows also add immense value to your home in terms of comfort, resilience, and energy savings. During hot weather, they effectively keep the heat outside and restrict condensation in and around your window units. These types of windows not only maintain a temperate environment on a daily basis; they also reduce your long-term heating and cooling costs.
Learn more about our Weathergard windows at LAS
At LAS, we’re proud to design, build, and install the highest-quality vinyl windows for homeowners across the Gulf South.
Further, our vinyl windows are manufactured with a protective coating within the window assembly. In addition to reducing heat transfer, this e-glass technology significantly reduces UV and other solar radiation in your home that would otherwise cause your interior furnishings to fade over time.
Ready to learn more about the best windows for hot, humid climates? Our team of experts at LAS Shutters + Windows are here to help. We can answer any questions you have. Give us a call today to learn more and get a free quote for your project!
Originally posted March 15, 2013.
