Windows & Doors

About the Service

Minnesota homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to windows and doors. With temperatures dropping below zero for weeks at a time and over 7,800 heating degree days annually, the performance of your windows directly impacts your comfort and energy costs.

At Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors, we specialize in window and door replacement for Central Minnesota homes. Whether you're dealing with condensation between panes, drafts around frames, or windows that no longer operate smoothly, our team provides professional installation backed by our commitment to quality craftsmanship.

We work with ENERGY STAR certified products designed specifically for northern climates. These windows feature triple-pane glass, low-E coatings, and insulating gas fills that keep your home comfortable even when temperatures plunge.

Energy Savings

In the St. Cloud area, heating accounts for the largest portion of home energy costs. Old or inefficient windows can account for 25-30% of your heating energy loss. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows makes a measurable difference.

• Save $101-$583 annually on energy costs according to ENERGY STAR data for cold climates
• Reduce drafts and cold spots near windows during Minnesota winters
• Lower your carbon footprint while improving home comfort
• Increase your home's resale value with modern, efficient windows

Schedule a free energy assessment with Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors. We'll evaluate your current windows, identify problem areas, and show you projected savings for your specific home.

Types of Windows

Double-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows remain the most popular choice for Central Minnesota homes. Both sashes move up and down, making them easy to clean from inside—a real advantage during our long winters when you can't easily access exterior windows. They provide excellent ventilation in summer and seal tightly against cold air infiltration in winter.

Bay/Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows add dimension and natural light to any room. In Minnesota, proper installation is critical—these windows have more surface area exposed to the elements and require expert flashing and insulation to prevent ice dam damage and air leaks. Our installation team follows manufacturer specifications precisely to ensure lasting performance.

Awning/Casement Windows

Casement and awning windows crank open outward, creating a tight seal when closed. This design makes them exceptionally energy-efficient—ideal for Minnesota's climate. They're perfect for hard-to-reach areas like above kitchen sinks or in basements, and they allow ventilation even during light rain.

Picture Windows

Picture windows provide unobstructed views and maximum natural light. Because they don't open, they offer the best energy efficiency of any window style. For Minnesota homes, we recommend pairing picture windows with operable windows nearby for ventilation. We install picture windows with triple-pane glass to minimize heat loss through these larger openings.

Slider Windows

Sliding windows work well in spaces where you can't have a window swinging inward or outward. They're common in contemporary homes and work particularly well for wide openings. Quality slider windows have multiple weatherstripping points and interlock when closed to prevent air infiltration—essential for Minnesota's harsh winters.

Window Condensation

Condensation on windows is a common concern for Minnesota homeowners, especially during our extreme temperature swings. Understanding the cause helps determine the solution.

Condensation on the inside of windows typically means high indoor humidity. This is common in winter when homes are sealed tight. Proper ventilation and humidity control usually resolves the issue.

Condensation between the panes indicates seal failure. The insulating gas has escaped, and the window no longer performs as designed. This significantly reduces energy efficiency and usually means it's time for replacement.

Condensation on the outside of windows is actually a sign your windows are working well. It means the outer pane is staying cold because the window is preventing heat transfer—exactly what you want in a Minnesota winter.

If you're seeing condensation between panes or persistent interior condensation, contact us for a free inspection. We'll assess whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your situation.

Fixing the Frame

Window frames take a beating in Minnesota. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice buildup, and moisture can cause wood frames to rot, vinyl to crack, and seals to fail. Before assuming you need full window replacement, we'll inspect your frames to determine the best course of action.

Minor issues like worn weatherstripping, failed caulking, or hardware problems can often be repaired. However, if frames show structural damage, rot, or significant warping, replacement is typically the better investment. Trying to install new glass in a compromised frame leads to air leaks, water infiltration, and premature failure.

Our free inspection includes a thorough frame assessment. We'll give you honest advice on whether repair makes sense or if replacement will serve you better in the long run.

Low-E Glass

Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a microscopically thin metallic coating that reflects heat. In Minnesota, this technology is essential—not optional.

During winter, low-E coatings reflect heat back into your home, keeping warmth from escaping through the glass. In summer, they reflect solar heat away, reducing cooling costs. The coating is invisible and doesn't affect the view.

For Central Minnesota's climate, we recommend Low-E coatings optimized for heating climates (high solar heat gain coefficient) combined with triple-pane glass and argon or krypton gas fill. This combination provides the best performance for our long, cold winters while still allowing passive solar heating on sunny winter days.

What to Look For

When shopping for windows in Minnesota, U-factor is the most important number to understand. U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping—lower numbers mean better insulation.

For our climate, look for:
- U-factor of 0.20 or lower (ENERGY STAR Northern Zone requirement is 0.25 or below)
- Triple-pane glass for best performance
- Low-E coating optimized for heating climates
- Argon or krypton gas fill between panes

The difference matters. A window with a U-factor of 0.18 compared to 0.30 can mean noticeably warmer interior glass surfaces, fewer drafts, and measurable energy savings over Minnesota's 6-month heating season.

Not sure what your current windows' specs are? We'll measure and assess them during your free consultation.

Door Installation Options

Entry doors and patio doors face the same Minnesota climate challenges as windows. A quality exterior door needs to provide security, energy efficiency, and durability through temperature extremes.

Entry Doors

We install fiberglass, steel, and wood entry doors from trusted manufacturers. For Minnesota homes, we typically recommend fiberglass—it won't warp, crack, or rot like wood, and it insulates better than steel. A well-installed fiberglass entry door can achieve R-values of 6 or higher, compared to R-2 for a typical wood door.

Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors and French doors connect your indoor and outdoor living spaces. In Minnesota, proper installation is critical to prevent air infiltration at the threshold and frame. We use doors designed for northern climates with multi-point locking systems, thermal breaks, and weatherstripping engineered for extreme temperatures.

Storm Doors

Adding a storm door to your entry provides an extra layer of insulation and protects your primary door from the elements. This is particularly valuable for wood doors or south-facing entries that take direct sun and weather exposure.

Specialists in Door Replacement & Home Window Replacement in the St. Cloud Area

For professional home window replacement and door replacement, St. Cloud area residents count on Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors. At Zablocki, we understand just how important secure windows and doors are to your home and your peace of mind. In addition to door replacement and window replacement, St. Cloud homes and businesses call Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors for gutter installation, roof cleaning, roof snow removal, roof repair and more. Call us today for more information!