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When your home was first built, it probably had the best windows available at the time. However, no matter how high-quality, sturdy, and beautiful the original windows in your home are, they are bound to succumb to age and wear and tear. This is especially true if your old windows were created before technological advancements dominated the window manufacturing industry. When the time to replace your windows comes, style and design are among the primary factors you will need to decide on. Here, however, you’ll get a look at how each popular window style differs from one another and what they can bring to the table beyond good looks.
PART 1: WHAT MAKES WINDOW STYLES DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER?
Windows vary in so many ways but many homeowners tend to focus on window style. Understandably, the style of a replacement window should go well with the overall design of a home, just like how the old window did. But even if you are one to prioritize style over other aspects, it will still be in your best interest to look beyond the aesthetic benefits that a certain window style has to offer. After all, only homeowners who know and understand their options and needs well can successfully make the right decision and choice. Operation: Sliding or Swinging Part of choosing a replacement window is choosing between sliding or swinging models. Generally, the sliding category will include double hung and gliding windows, while swinging models feature casement and awning windows.
Sliding windows are easy to maintain and typically only require occasional cleaning of the glass and tracks, making them ideal for installation on upper floors. Swinging windows, on the other hand, commonly offer lower air leakage rates as they are shut more tightly against the frame when closed. They are recommended for areas where using a sliding window might be difficult, such as over counters in kitchens and in tight spaces like basements.
PART 1: WHAT MAKES WINDOW STYLES DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER?
Ventilation Control vs Outdoor Views and Natural Light When selecting replacement windows, you should also take into consideration if you’re looking for one that will allow good airflow into your home or if outdoor views and natural light are more important to you. You may not see the importance of this decision at first, but if you think about it rather carefully, you may end up realizing that you actually want a view and won’t need an open window at all times. Fixed windows, for instance, such as picture windows cannot be opened, but they open your home to ultimate views and abundant natural light. If, on the other hand, you favor ventilation control more, then operable windows are the way to go. Want to enjoy ventilation control, outdoor views, AND natural light? Consider talking to your window contractor about specialty windows. Bay windows may also be right up your alley as they combine the use of fixed and operable windows.
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What do double hung, casement, and gliding windows have to offer? Head on over to Part 2 of this ebook series to find out!
PART 2: GET TO KNOW THE GANG - DOUBLE HUNG, CASEMENT, AND GLIDING WINDOWS
Different homeowners have different needs and different window styles have different benefits to offer. Ensuring the success of a window replacement is a matter of matching your needs to the window style that addresses them. As such, getting to know your options is an important step in finding the right replacement window for you. Double Hung Windows With a traditional appeal that can match practically any home architectural style, double hung windows have two operable sashes that not only move up and down but can usually tilt in as well, making them easy to clean. Depending on your ventilation needs, you can open just the upper or lower sash or both, positioning the sashes in the middle to create an opening at the top and bottom of the window. Casement Windows These windows are hinged on the side, opening horizontally opposite the hinge. Because casement windows seal completely when shut, they are hailed as the second most energy-efficient windows, next to fixed or picture windows.
PART 2: GET TO KNOW THE GANG - DOUBLE HUNG, CASEMENT, AND GLIDING WINDOWS
Casement windows are operated with a crank, allowing you to open or close them with just one hand. They can also be opened at an angle, catching side breezes to more effectively direct airflow into a home. Casement windows can also accommodate screens, helping you improve insect protection in your home without sacrificing ventilation. Gliding Windows As the name suggests, these windows have sliding sashes (one or both, depending on configuration) that move horizontally along a set of tracks. When opened, gliding windows also allow for full top-to-bottom ventilation. And because their sashes do not project in or out, they are a good choice for rooms that face areas that have a lot of foot traffic, such as walkways, porches, and decks. Gliding windows are also great spacesavers as they won’t need additional space for operation.
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Looking for more replacement window options? Head on over to Part 3 of this ebook series to get to know bay, bow, and picture windows.
PART 3: GET TO KNOW THE GANG - BAY, BOW, AND PICTURE WINDOWS
Some windows are characterized by their outstanding function while some are easily noticed because of their beauty. However, there are also those that combine both, and this is what bay, bow, and picture windows proudly do. Bay Windows Typically composed of three panels, a bay window is angled out and away from the house, protruding from the external wall. The center window is usually a fixed window bigger than the other windows composing the set. The windows at the sides, called flankers, on the other hand, are usually operable windows such as double hungs or casements. Bay windows offer extended views and let in a significant amount of natural light. It can also provide additional space for seating, storage, or both. Because they combine both fixed and operable windows, their function is very versatile. The flankers can be opened to let fresh air in or just kept to enjoy views and natural light.
Bow Windows Just like bay windows, bow windows also project out from the home’s exterior wall. However, they are composed of at least four windows, each of which have the same sizes. They are also more symmetrical, resulting in a curved design. Because they are made up of more windows, bow windows offer better ventilation control and let in more natural light. As they have a curved appearance, bow windows can be made to wrap around the corner of a house, making for a more unique focal point.
PART 3: GET TO KNOW THE GANG - BAY, BOW, AND PICTURE WINDOWS
Picture Windows A fixed window, picture windows are characterized by huge expanses of glass, which has an important purpose: to frame beautiful, outside views. This is also the very reason why they are called picture windows. Best for homes with high or vaulted ceilings, picture windows can be designed to run from the ceiling to the floor. They can also be installed in a series, creating a glass wall that connects indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Knowing what various window styles have to offer will help you in finding the best replacement window for your home. To ensure the success of your replacement project, make sure you only work with a trusted contractor in your area.
Renewal by Andersen of Greater Philadelphia 761 5th Ave #3, King of Prussia, PA 19406 (610) 813-6777 (610) 563-2190 choosebetterwindows.com