What type of window frame material performs best in New Brunswick — vinyl, fiberglass, or wood-clad?

Fiberglass frames typically perform best in New Brunswick's harsh climate, offering superior durability against our extreme freeze-thaw cycles and temperature swings from -35°C winters to +30°C summers. However, the "best" choice depends on your budget, home style, and specific location within the province.

Fiberglass windows excel in NB because they expand and contract at nearly the same rate as glass, reducing seal failures that plague other materials during our frequent freeze-thaw cycles. They won't warp, rot, or require painting, and they maintain their structural integrity through decades of Maritime weather. Expect to pay $800-$1,500 per window installed, but they often last 30+ years with minimal maintenance. Brands like Inline Fiberglass and Thermotech perform exceptionally well in Atlantic Canada.

Vinyl windows dominate the NB market due to their affordability ($400-$800 installed) and decent performance. Quality vinyl frames handle our climate reasonably well, though cheaper versions can become brittle in extreme cold or warp during hot summers. The key is choosing thicker-walled vinyl (minimum 3mm) with multi-chambered frames for better insulation. Avoid bargain-basement vinyl — it rarely survives more than 15 years in our climate.

Wood-clad windows offer the best of both worlds for heritage homes or premium installations. The exterior aluminum or vinyl cladding protects against moisture and UV damage while maintaining wood's natural beauty inside. They're ideal for Loyalist-era homes in Saint John's Uptown or Victorian properties in Fredericton where heritage character matters. However, they're the most expensive option ($1,200-$2,500+ per window) and require periodic maintenance of interior wood surfaces.

For coastal areas like Saint John, Shediac, or Bathurst, consider the salt air factor. Fiberglass and quality vinyl resist corrosion better than wood-clad options with metal exterior cladding. If choosing wood-clad in coastal locations, ensure the exterior cladding is marine-grade aluminum or high-quality vinyl.

Energy efficiency is crucial given NB's new NBC 2020 Tier 2 requirements (effective May 1, 2025). All three materials can achieve excellent performance with proper glazing — look for triple-pane units with low-E coatings and argon fill. The frame material matters less than the overall window system design.

Your next step is getting quotes from local window dealers who understand NB's climate challenges. Ask specifically about warranty coverage for seal failures and frame performance in extreme temperatures — this separates quality manufacturers from budget options.