Types of Windows for Your House and How to Choose the Right Kind
Tired of your old, traditional windows? Do you want something new that breathes life into your home? Gone are the days when windows were only considered as standard requirements of a typical home.
Windows exert great influence on the overall look and feel of your home. They also set the stage for your interior design.
So, what are the different types of windows that every homeowner should know about? And how do you choose the right kind? Here’s everything you need to know!
Types of Windows for Your House
Windows vary in terms of functionality, design, and material. Some are suitable for broad views, while some are ideal for maximum airflow. Here are seven common window styles to consider:
Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows
Double and single-hung windows comprise two sashes, a top and a bottom one. A double-hung window has operable top and bottom sashes, while a single hinge window has an operable bottom sash and a fixed top sash.
Double-hung windows offer better airflow in and out of the house. On the other hand, single-hung windows are more energy-efficient since they allow less heat to escape out of your home.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are ideal if you’re looking to add an outdoor touch to your house. They are large and won’t open or close.
You can have them installed in your house if you have other ventilation systems. Picture windows allow ample sunlight to enter your spaces and offer broad views.
Casement Windows
An ideal place to install casement windows is over your kitchen sinks. Casement windows open out from hinges on the right or left side of the window.
They offer more airflow in rooms than other types of windows in your home. When you close and lock them, they can trap in heat and help you save heating costs.
Awning Windows
You can have awning windows installed on existing double-hung windows or picture windows. They are effectively hinged at the top to open up and let in air and natural light.
Awning windows also pair well with doors when installed on top of them. They don’t work well near traffic areas such as walkways since they may obstruct movement.
Bay Windows
Bay windows can complement the architectural design of your house by giving you more interior space. They protrude outwards and are usually made of custom arched-glass windows or double-hung windows.
Have them installed if you want to create projections and angles on your residential property. Bay windows allow sunlight to enter your rooms at different angles hence ideal for living spaces and kitchens.
Slider Windows
Slider windows open by sliding either to the right or left on a well-defined track. Though they offer ample ventilation and clear views, you can’t tightly seal them like casements.
They bear a simple design with basic seals, zero tension mechanism, and no mechanical parts besides the lock. Slider windows are also relatively inexpensive when compared with other types of windows.
Transom Windows
You can have transom windows installed above your doors or windows to let in additional light. They exist for interior and architectural appeal. Use them to split an open room into two separate spaces, for instance, a dining room and a kitchen.
How to Choose the Right Kind of Window
When choosing the right type of window, factors to consider include the window style, the purpose it will serve, its performance, and the glass package. You should also consider the frame material and the types of window treatments to be used.
Decide the Specific Purpose it will Serve
Operable windows such as slider and casement windows can help increase airflow in and out of your house. You may also shop for windows to improve the visual experience of your well-maintained home. Either way, the window’s functionality will help you decide whether it is an excellent investment for your house.
Choose an Ideal Window Style
The window’s style should reflect your home’s interior and architectural design. As you choose windows that offer ample ventilation, you can go for styles such as slider and casement windows. You may choose picture and bay windows to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Look at the Performance
Shop for windows that enhance the performance of your residential property. Look at the window’s visible light transmittance, solar heat gain, and U-factor ratings to determine whether it can help you save heating and cooling costs.
Does the window have a high sound resistance rating to keep outdoor noise in control? Is it UV resistant enough to prevent damage to your upholstered furniture and carpet?
Choose a Durable Glass Package
Choose a window with high-quality panes for sound blocking and energy-saving capabilities. You may opt for triple-pane glass for your windows since they have additional airspace that serves as insulation.
Dual pane windows filled with argon or krypton gas can help increase the thermal efficiency of your house. You may also buy one with Low-e glazing on the inside or outside pane of the glass to keep your home warm during winter and reflect excess heat outside during summer.
Decide on a Frame Material
Common frame materials include vinyl, wood, wood-clad, aluminium, composite, and fibreglass. Vinyl is an inexpensive frame material with excellent energy efficiency, while wood offers a higher insulative value but requires more upkeep.
Wood clad frames require minimal upkeep and offer high-temperature transfer resistance, while aluminium frames perform well in terms of heat loss and transfer. Choose composite if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and maintenance-free frame. Though they have a high price tag, fibreglass frames are highly durable and energy-efficient than other frame materials.
Go for frames that match the colour and architectural style of your home’s exterior. Buy them from window manufacturers that offer appealing factory colours that are already embedded in the frame material.
Get Quality Windows Installed in Your House Today
You now have all the basic information needed to shop around for different types of windows. Besides window installations, our experts are skilled at carpentry, handyman jobs, home renovations, painting, and plastering, among others.
Contact us today for our services.
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