What Are the Best Types of Windows to Install?
If you're planning window replacement in Minnesota, "best" means a window that can take -20°F January nights, humid summers, and decades of freeze-thaw cycles without drafts, fogging, or rot. The right answer depends on three things: the brand, the frame material, and most often overlooked, the window installation itself.
At Lakeside Exteriors, we install replacement windows from four of the top window brands for Minnesota homes: Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia. Here's how to choose the best windows for your home, and why the installer matters as much as the window.
The Best Window Brands for Minnesota Homes
Pella Windows
Pella offers one of the widest ranges in the industry, from value-focused vinyl to premium wood. Lines like Pella Lifestyle and Reserve are popular for older Twin Cities homes because they handle traditional divided-light looks well, a big plus in Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St Louis Park neighborhoods.
Best for: homeowners who want lots of style, color, and between-the-glass blind options at multiple price points.
Andersen Windows
Andersen is built right here in Bayport, Minnesota. The 100, 200, 400, and A-Series give you options from durable composite to classic wood-clad. The Andersen 400 Series is one of the most trusted replacement windows in the Upper Midwest.
Best for: homeowners who want a proven, Minnesota-made window with strong energy performance and a broad product line.
Marvin Windows
Marvin is headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota, and manufactures most of its wood-clad windows in-state. The Elevate (fiberglass exterior, wood interior) and Essential (all-fiberglass) collections are especially strong in cold climates because fiberglass expands and contracts very little through Minnesota's temperature swings.
Best for: lake homes in Brainerd or Wayzata, custom remodels, and anyone who wants the warmth of wood inside with a tough, low-maintenance exterior.
ProVia Windows
ProVia is known for premium vinyl windows with features like argon-filled insulated glass, foam-filled frame cavities, and dual weatherstripping. ProVia's Endure and Aeris lines deliver excellent energy efficiency for the price.
Best for: homeowners who want high energy efficiency and low maintenance with strong value.
Best Window Frame Materials for Cold Climates
Frame material | Pros | Watch-outs | Brands we install |
Vinyl | Affordable, energy-efficient, no painting | Fewer dark colors; quality varies widely | ProVia, Pella |
Fiberglass | Extremely stable in freeze-thaw, strong, long-lasting | Higher cost than vinyl | Marvin, Pella |
Composite (Fibrex) | Wood-like strength, low maintenance | Limited to Andersen lines | Andersen |
Wood-clad | Classic interior beauty, aluminum or fiberglass protection outside | Higher cost; interior finishing | Andersen, Marvin, Pella |
For most Minnesota homes, fiberglass, composite, or high-quality vinyl gives the best mix of energy efficiency and durability. Wood-clad is the best choice when interior appearance is a priority.
Best Window Styles to Install
Casement windows – Crank outward and seal tightly against the frame. The most energy-efficient operating style and a top pick for Minnesota winters.
Double-hung windows – Both sashes move and tilt in for easy cleaning. Ideal for traditional and historic homes.
Sliding windows – Simple, affordable, and great for wide openings and basements.
Picture windows – Fixed glass with no moving parts. Maximum views and energy efficiency — perfect for lake homes.
Awning windows – Hinged at the top so you can vent during rain. Great over sinks and in bathrooms.
Bay and bow windows – Add space, light, and curb appeal to living rooms and dining rooms.
Energy-Efficient Window Features to Look For
Double- or triple-pane glass — triple-pane is worth considering on north-facing walls and lake homes
Low-E coatings to reflect heat back into your home in winter
Argon or krypton gas fills between panes
ENERGY STAR® certification for the Northern climate zone
Low U-factor (lower = better insulation)
Warm-edge spacers to reduce condensation and frost on the glass
Why Window Installation Matters More Than the Brand
Even the best replacement windows will leak air and water if they're installed poorly. Most window problems, drafts, condensation, rotted sills, ice buildup — trace back to installation, not the product.
That's why Lakeside Exteriors focuses on full-frame window replacement. Instead of inserting a new window into an old, possibly rotted frame, we remove the window down to the rough opening, inspect for damage, then properly flash, insulate, and air-seal the new unit. The result is a tighter, longer-lasting installation built for Minnesota weather.
How Lakeside Exteriors Compares to Other Minnesota Window Companies
Twin Cities homeowners have a lot of choices for window installation. Here's how the main options generally work:
Type of company | Examples in Minnesota | What you get |
Single-brand replacement company | Renewal by Andersen, Pella of the Twin Cities, Marvin Replacement | One brand only. You're shown that manufacturer's products, whether or not they're the best fit for your home or budget. |
Andersen-only specialists | Great Plains Windows & Doors, Lakeland Doors & Windows | Deep knowledge of one brand, but limited choice. |
Multi-brand dealers / exterior contractors | Window Concepts, Krech Exteriors, Beissel Window & Siding, Lindus Construction | Usually two or three brands. |
Lakeside Exteriors | Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia | Four top brands, honest side-by-side comparisons, and full-frame installation. |
Why Homeowners Choose Lakeside Exteriors
Four top window brands under one roof. Many Minnesota window companies sell just one brand. We install Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia, so our recommendation is based on your home, your style, and your budget — not on which brand we're required to sell.
Certified installers. Lakeside Exteriors is a Pella Certified Installer and an Andersen Certified Installer.
Full-frame replacement focus. We fix problems at the rough opening instead of covering them up.
One contractor for your whole exterior. We also handle siding, roofing, doors, and storm damage repair, so your windows, trim, and siding are flashed and finished together.
Local to the Twin Cities and the Brainerd Lakes Area. From Minnetonka, Shorewood, Hopkins, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata to Crosslake, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Baxter, and Brainerd — we know Minnesota homes and lake cabins.
Free, no-pressure estimates. We'll walk you through each brand, window style, and price point so you can compare options clearly.
How Much Does Window Replacement Cost in Minnesota?
Window replacement cost depends on the number of windows, the brand, the frame material, window size and style, and whether you choose full-frame or insert installation. Industry guides put a typical full-house window replacement in the Minnetonka area roughly in the $25,000 to $150,000+ range. The best way to know your cost is a free in-home estimate with real measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best window brand for Minnesota?
There isn't one single best brand. Marvin and Andersen are Minnesota-made and excel in cold climates, Pella offers the widest style options, and ProVia delivers high-efficiency vinyl at a strong value. The best choice depends on your home and budget, which is why we offer all four.
What type of window is most energy-efficient?
Fixed picture windows and casement windows are the most energy-efficient styles. Pair them with double- or triple-pane Low-E glass and a properly sealed installation.
Is full-frame or insert window replacement better?
Full-frame replacement costs more, but it lets your installer inspect and repair the rough opening, add proper insulation and flashing, and often increase glass area. For older Minnesota homes, it's usually the better long-term investment.
When is the best time to install windows in Minnesota?
Spring through fall is most popular, but experienced installers can replace windows year-round by working one opening at a time to limit heat loss.
Get a Free Window Replacement Estimate
Ready to find the best windows for your home? Lakeside Exteriors installs Pella, Andersen, Marvin, and ProVia replacement windows throughout the Twin Cities metro and Brainerd Lakes Area.
Call (651) 431-1877 or request your free window installation estimate today.
Lakeside Exteriors · 4737 CR-101 N, Suite 241, Minnetonka, MN 55345
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