The cost of extreme weather in the United States is exploding. In 2024 alone, the country saw 27 separate weather and climate disasters exceeding $1 billion each—totaling more than $182 billion, according to NOAA. And the five-year average annual cost of these events has nearly doubled compared with long-term historical trends.
As storms intensify, temperatures swing more dramatically and moisture events become more frequent, builders face mounting pressure to ensure homes can withstand the climate realities already reshaping regions nationwide. To make matters more challenging, some of the fastest growing areas are also the most susceptible to extreme weather.
One of the most vulnerable points in the building envelope—especially under conditions of wind, heat and moisture—is the installation of windows and doors. These openings must deliver structural resilience, material stability and long-term performance against air and water intrusion. Manufacturers like Andersen Windows & Doors are responding to these trends with accelerated innovation in materials, system design and extreme-weather testing, according to Ben Goebel, Director of Research, Development and Innovation at Andersen.
“We take a holistic approach to design, extending beyond individual materials, to consider how the entire system functions together—from the frame and sash to the glass and weatherstripping,” Goebel says. “This approach leads to long-term durability, energy efficiency and consistent performance, regardless of the climate.”
Builders across the country already know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to window and door performance. Goebel laid out how every region brings its own set of challenges:
- Southwest: High temperatures and intense solar radiation increase thermal stress, particularly on darker-colored materials.
- Southeast: Persistent heat and humidity can accelerate corrosion and affect porous materials.
- Northeast and Midwest: Dramatic seasonal swings—from freezing winters to hot summers—can distort materials and create opportunities for air or water leaks.
These challenges don’t just influence product choice—they also shape how builders install products to maintain durability over time. Proper integration with flashing systems, accurate shimming, and precise sealing all become more critical as weather extremes intensify moisture intrusion, pressure loads, and thermal cycling.
As extreme weather becomes more common, building codes continue to evolve. Goebel notes that window and door designs—including glass packages—must continuously advance to meet new code and performance standards.
“The next frontier will be balancing energy-saving requirements and the need for strength to create larger glass areas while maintaining competitive pricing,” Goebel says. “Our customers look to Andersen for products designed to meet these higher standards without compromising on aesthetics or affordability.”
As more regions adopt storm-resistance, wildfire-resistance, and high-wind standards, selecting the right high-performance window or door becomes a critical decision early in the planning process.
Goebel says builders are increasingly selecting windows and doors with:
- Advanced composite or fiberglass frames to minimize expansion, contraction and warping.
- Enhanced weatherstripping systems for long-term protection against wind-driven rain and air infiltration.
- Optimized glass packages designed to meet stringent energy and performance codes.
- Warrantied systems from trusted manufacturers who have proven performance in similar climate zones.
They are also integrating installation practices—such as improved flashing, exterior drainage planes, and multi-layer sealing—that anticipate more severe weather.
For builders in weather-sensitive regions, Goebel recommends evaluating the frame materials used and the product’s track record.
“In addition to your experience with the materials, consider warranty coverage to make sure the company stands behind the windows and doors, protecting against issues such as seal failure, rotting, and hardware operation. This is part and parcel of factoring in the manufacturer’s reputation,” Goebel says.
Product quality has become even more important as homes incorporate larger openings and slimmer profiles. A system that performs flawlessly under normal conditions may experience accelerated degradation under heat spikes, coastal humidity, or freeze-thaw stress if the materials or design are not engineered for that environment.
That’s why top manufacturers have invested heavily in understanding how materials behave under repeated environmental stresses. For example, Andersen combines proprietary composites, fiberglass, engineered wood, aluminum and steel to resist warping, corrosion and moisture absorption.
While frames remain essential, Goebel says one rapidly advancing area is weatherstripping technology—the often-overlooked component that can determine long-term resistance to air and water leakage. Andersen’s R&D team continually tests new materials and designs to ensure weatherstripping remains durable even after years of exposure.
At Andersen’s Bayport, Minnesota facility, the team produces tests that simulate high wind pressures, harsh UV exposure and thermal cycling far beyond what any region currently experiences. This approach helps ensure windows and doors are not only ready for today’s codes, but also for the climate conditions builders will be facing in the decades ahead.
“At our RD&I facility, we don’t just design for today’s weather or today’s codes — we design for tomorrow’s,” Goebel says.
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