Understand Frame Material Thermal Properties

Different frame materials expand and contract at different rates. Knowing how each material behaves helps you take accurate measurements in winter.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most sensitive to temperature changes. It can contract significantly during cold weather. A measurement taken while a vinyl frame is fully contracted may not reflect its typical size, increasing the risk of ordering a window that ends up too small once temperatures rise.

Aluminum

Aluminum reacts similarly to vinyl. It contracts in cold conditions and can shrink enough to affect measurement accuracy during Colorado winters. Proper timing is important when measuring aluminum frames in cold weather.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass contracts at almost the same rate as glass, so it stays more stable during cold conditions. This stability makes fiberglass one of the easiest materials to measure accurately in winter.

Wood

Wood expands and contracts based on temperature and moisture. Although it is more stable than vinyl, it is less stable than fiberglass. The amount of contraction varies by wood species and humidity levels.

Why Material Knowledge Matters

Knowing the frame material helps you decide whether to adjust your measurements or wait for the frame to warm up before measuring.

Wait for Appropriate Temperature Conditions

Accurate measurement requires the window frame to be warm enough that contraction is minimal.

Frames should ideally reach at least 40 F, and temperatures between 50 and 60 F provide the most reliable results.

Avoid Measuring Cold Frames

Frames below 40 F remain contracted and do not represent their normal size.

Account for Thermal Lag

Frames warm more slowly than the surrounding air. Even if your thermostat reads 68 F, frames may take hours to reach a safe measurement temperature.

Use Midday Light When Possible

South- and west-facing frames may warm up significantly under Colorado’s winter sun. Midday measurement often produces the most accurate results.

Avoid Measuring During Cold Fronts

Measuring during extremely cold periods should be avoided unless adjustments are applied for contraction.

Use Cold-Weather Measurement Tools

Cold temperatures affect both frames and measuring tools.

Digital Tools Reduce Error

Digital measuring devices with temperature-stability features often give more consistent readings than metal tape measures.



Tape Measures Can Shrink

Metal tape measures can contract slightly when cold. The variance is small but can combine with frame contraction to amplify measurement error.

Prepare Your Tools

• Keep tools at room temperature before use.
  
• Warm them indoors if they were stored in a cold vehicle.
  
• Check tool accuracy using a room-temperature reference before measuring.
  
  

Document Your Conditions

Record:

• ambient temperature
  
• approximate frame temperature
  
• frame material
  
  

Having this information allows installers and suppliers to interpret your measurements more accurately.

Compensate for Thermal Contraction

When measurement must be taken at temperatures below the ideal range, experienced installers use small adjustments to improve accuracy.

Vinyl and Aluminum

Installers may add a small amount, often around 1/8 inch, when temperatures are far below the recommended range.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass usually needs little or no adjustment. In very cold conditions, a small addition such as about 1/16 inch may be used.

Wood

Wood may require small adjustments depending on species, moisture, and temperature.

Document Every Adjustment

Record whether your measurements are taken as true cold-condition measurements or adjusted values. This avoids confusion later.

Related Resource

For homeowners preparing for installation day, see:
How to Prepare Your House for Door Installation: Complete Homeowner Checklist

Plan for Installation Timing

Winter measurements often align with later installations because of manufacturing lead times and weather considerations. By the time the new windows arrive, temperatures are usually warmer and the frames have returned to their average size.

Best Time to Measure in Winter

Late winter or early spring typically offers:

• warmer daytime frame temperatures
  
• fewer extreme cold cycles
  
• more predictable scheduling
  
  

Avoid rushed measurement during extreme cold unless adjustments are carefully applied.

Our Take

At Five Seasons Windows and Doors, we have completed many winter window projects across Colorado. Accurate winter measurement requires patience, temperature awareness, and detailed documentation. Measuring too quickly during a cold spell is the most common cause of sizing mistakes.

Colorado’s large temperature swings make material behavior especially important. We frequently work with the Marvin Signature Ultimate collection, and its material stability helps support accurate measurement across a wide range of conditions.

Well-informed homeowners make better decisions about timing and material selection. Winter measurement is completely achievable with the right techniques, and it can provide scheduling flexibility without sacrificing accuracy.

Final Takeaway

Accurate winter measurement requires:

• waiting until frame temperature rises above roughly 40 F
  
• understanding how vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood react to cold
  
• using tools correctly and allowing for cold-tool contraction
  
• documenting temperatures and any measurement adjustments
  
• avoiding extreme cold whenever possible
  
  

Professional window companies like Five Seasons Windows and Doors help homeowners navigate winter measurement challenges using temperature monitoring, material-specific approaches, and careful documentation. With the right process, winter measurements can be just as accurate as warm-weather measurements while offering greater scheduling flexibility in Colorado’s climate.

Get Started Today

Five Seasons Windows & Doors is Colorado’s top-rated local window company with 230+ 5-star reviews. We offer expert advice, no-pressure quotes, and flexible project options — including phased installs. Schedule your consult today.