From coast to coast, from the Gulf to the Great Lakes, Americans live at the extremes of weather. Consequently, construction materials of our homes and offices vary almost as dramatically as the climate. In the Deep South, where humidity and hurricanes lead to wood rot, builders use brick. California homes rely on redwood and stucco, while combinations of bricks and hardwoods rule the wildly shifting climes of New England and the Midwest.

That's why no single recommendation for custom replacement windows and doors to applies to everyone throughout the land. A door company in Seattle, Boston or Miami may recommend fiberglass or metal storm doors, while a window company in Palm Springs or Phoenix will advocate energy-efficient, tinted windows to repel summer heat.

Although many states and cities enjoy varying microclimates (like San Francisco), it's simple to find a match of construction materials best suited for your windows and doors. Whether you're repairing worn or damaged parts, or making complete replacements, ask a consultant at a local door or window company door or window company about products that can protect your home and at the same time reduce energy costs.

For colder climates, you'll most likely require windows with a U-value and insulated glass that retains radiant internal heat while repelling cold air. Insulated fiberglass, composite, and steel doors have become popular in cold regions since they retain heat, hold up better than conventional wood doors and are easier to maintain. Adding a custom storm door can spare you grief come freezing temperatures, brutal winds, teeming rain and snowstorms.

In warm or hot climates, select windows with a low-e coating that reflects scorching heat and sunlight. The Department of Energy recommends efficient double-paned windows carrying the Energy Star label. Speak with your window company about the solar heat gain coefficient which measures the amount of heat that can enter your home from outside. Reflective coatings and new glazing can make a difference. Whether you live in cold or hot climates, Energy Star windows can mean substantial savings in heating costs by winter and cooling costs in the summer.

In moderate to warm climates, external screen doors made of plastic, fiberglass or aluminum allow cool morning and evening air to circulate into your home, saving energy costs during days when it's temperate outside.

And don't skimp on weather stripping! Check yours annually to ensure that your home is airtight. If window company won't seat properly, tighten hinges, replace glazing or moldings and upgrade weather stripping before extreme temperatures arrive.