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Window Styles that Combine Beauty and Function
When you invest in a window, you’re not only investing in the beautification of your home, but also in the health and comfort of you and your family and in energy savings. Therefore, it’s imperative that you choose windows that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well. The question is, with so many different designs, styles and window manufacturers available, which windows would be the best for your needs and preferences?
Let’s take a closer look at three window styles that offer superior performance with timeless beauty.
Part 1: Using Casement Windows in Small Spaces Casement windows are highly popular because of their simple and straightforward design. They have become a common choice for modern homes that typically have simple, minimalistic architectural designs. Casement windows are also very easy to operate, making them ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
Casement Windows for Modern and Small Spaces Another key characteristic of modern homes is that they are often smaller than the homes of the past. This means that the rooms are generally smaller in square footage. Therefore, many homeowners want to choose design elements that make their living spaces appear larger than they really are.
The simple design of casement windows makes them perfect for small areas. Casement windows usually have thin frames and large glass panels. When a casement window is open, it provides
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a wide view of the outside and can flood the room with natural light, thus tricking the eyes into “seeing” a room that is much larger than it really is.
The Energy Efficiency of Casement Windows: It’s in the Components You might be thinking that with large glass panels, casement windows would not fare well in terms of energy conservation. However, modern casement windows are usually fitted with low-e glass to prevent heat from passing through the glass panels. The framing material also contributes to the energy efficiency of a window.
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Let’s take, for example, Fibrex frames. Fibrex is a composite of pvc polymer and wood fibers. The material is highly durable and can withstand extreme temperature swings and severe weather. Another notable characteristic of Fibrex is that it can be made very thin without compromising strength and support. Thus, a bigger pane of glass -- one with a larger-than-standard surface area, can be used, making the window look bigger despite having standard measurements.
In the next post, we’ll take a look at how bay and bow windows can be used for extra seating and storage, so stay tuned!
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Part 2: Using Bay and Bow Windows for Seating and Storage
In your search for the perfect window design for your home, you will probably come across bay and bow windows. These types of windows protrude from the wall of the home, providing unique charm and elegance as well as extra space that can be used for seating or storage.
What Are Bay and Bow Windows? Bay and bow windows are similar in that both protrude from the wall, but they do have a distinct difference in their design. Bay windows are usually made of at least three glass panels or three separate in such a way that they form a protruding, polygonal
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window. windows positioned Sometimes, all the panels or windows are operable, but you can also find bay windows that have fixed middle window flanked by operable units on the sides.
On the other hand, bow windows are made up of 4 or 5 glass panels or windows that form a somewhat circular shape. FMore panels mean they are larger, overall, than bay windows. This makes them perfect for homes that require a larger view of the outdoors.
Bay and Bow Windows for Additional Floor Space
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One characteristic that bow and bay windows share is that they provide a bit more internal space. This space can be used for seating and/or extra storage. The storage space would be perfect for magazine collections, extra pillows or a chic cafe table. Above the storage, you can create a reading nook that would be perfect for relaxation.
Bay and bow windows are also great for small spaces as they not only make the room appear larger, they actually add an additional three to four square feet of floor space. Additionally, bay and bow windows are also available with low-e glass for better energy efficiency. Although bay and bow windows are most commonly found in traditional homes, they can also work well in more modern-style homes
In the next post, we’ll learn how picture windows can be used to open up your home. Stay tuned!
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Part 3: Using Picture Windows to Open Up Your Home
If your home has a perfect view of the beach, a meadow or a beautiful landscape, then you should use this to your advantage. Instead of hanging picture frames of a beautiful setting, why not take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding your home by installing a picture window instead?
Picture Windows for Picturesque Views Picture windows are aptly named because they look like a picture frame that is able to capture the beauty of your surroundings. These windows usually take up the majority of the wall, thereby creating a seamless bridge between the indoors and outdoors.
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Traditional homes usually don’t have this particular window design as it uses technology that wasn’t available in the past. With advanced technology, huge glass panels can be installed on a home or building without compromising comfort and energy efficiency. Through this, a single panel can cover up to a third of an entire standard-sized wall. And with three or four picture windows fitted side by side, the view of the surroundings can be stunning.
Picture Windows: Considerations and Advantages When considering picture windows, bear in mind that this window type is not operable, meaning you can’t open it. However, this also means that the window will not have any mechanical parts that you’ll need to maintain and repair should they break. Picture windows also prevent drafts and heat loss.
Another advantage of picture windows is that they allow more natural light through, so you’ll need to use less energy for artificial daylighting. With low-e glass, only visible light passes through the glass; harmful UV and infrared rays are blocked. This means unwanted outdoor air won’t seep into your living space, which boosts your energy efficiency and energy savings.
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With the right windows, you can enhance the beauty of your home while enjoying other benefits such as improved energy efficiency. And to make the most out of those benefits, you should choose the right manufacturer and window contractor. This way, you’ll have the ability to customize the window to fit your unique size and design requirements.
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RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF CAPE COD 3 Colonel Drive, Bourne, MA - 02532 US.
(508) 936-1171 www.myflawlesswindow.com