Are you looking for the right window to add to your home? There are loads of window types to choose from. Each of them has a different style and purpose. This article discusses the different window styles and its pros and cons to help you decide which home window you need! Take a closer look on all of the types. So let’s start;
Here are the Different Types of Windows for Your Home 2023
Awning Windows
Awning windows swing towards the outwards side as you open them using the latch. This is a great add-on to your home especially in areas that experience much rain. The kind of window is easy to clean and maintain. It’s best to place awning windows on the second floor of your home as opposed to the ground floor because they could obstruct walkways when placed in the latter.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, providing protection from rain while still allowing ventilation. Because of their design, awning windows are a great choice for hard-to-reach places, like above a sink or countertop. They window designs ensuring privacy, making them ideal for bathrooms.
As its name connotes, the arched window has arched upper portion that adds to its appeal. Arched windows don’t open or close. They are often installed above your standard windows. They are often installed in panes that form the arch.
Bay Windows
Bay windows have a classic appeal to them that, making them a wonderful addition to your kitchen or nooks. These windows create a small shelf space because they protrude from the walls. Expect to pay more when installing these windows because of the needed space. A bay window often consists of one large center window and one smaller one on each side. The latter can be a double-hung window or casement window. Installing bay windows require an expert hand. This could mean additional cost for your home.
Block Windows
Block windows are considered accents to a room. It provides ample light and air without compromising your privacy. Often, you’d find block windows being frosted or decorative. These are used in the bathroom or basements. Also, you won’t have to worry about the material, albeit being glass. You can’t easily break it because it’s thick.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are also called compass windows. It looks similar to the bay window but instead of having a large center piece and surrounded by smaller windows one each side, bow windows consist of four to six smaller window panels usually placed side by side, creating its signature curved look.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are hinged on one side and can be made to open either inward or outward. This type of window provides good ventilation and light, allowing light or air to flood the room. These are also renowned for their energy efficiency, as they tightly seal when shut. Thanks to their design, they are a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms where good ventilation without exhaust fans and natural light are priorities.
Single Window
Single-hung windows has two panels; the upper portion remains stationary while the lower part moves vertically to open the window.
Double Hung Window
Double hung windows have the same opening mechanism as the single hung windows. The only difference is that windows can be opened can also be and tilted for easy cleaning.
Double hung windows have two sashes that open vertically. The top and bottom sash open and close independently, offering versatility in ventilation. These windows are often found in traditional homes, and they combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. The ease with which double-hung windows can be cleaned makes them a preferred choice for many homeowners.
Egress Windows
Egress windows are designed more for safety than aesthetics. These are often installed in the basement as an escape route during emergency situations.
Garden Windows
Garden windows are smaller versions of the bay window. These also have shelves where you can place your potted plants. Since these windows protrude from the wall, it offers the best place for plants to catch some sunlight. Also, similar to bay windows, these can extend the area of the room. It can offer some level of ventilation since you can open the side panels to let fresh air in.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows open from the top rail, and you need to pull the latch down to open it. Hopper windows are great for small spaces and the basement. Just like the egress windows, the hopper window is more functional, providing ventilation.
Jalousie Windows
Jalousie windows have metal, wooden or glass slats, similar to blinds. Twist the lever to one side and the jalousie window tilts up and do so on the opposite side and the window lowers. You can control the amount of air breeze that goes into the room with this kind of window. Jalousie windows are ideal for homes near the beach or in windy areas.
Picture Windows
If you have a lush garden or live with a scenic outdoor, it’s imperative to have picture windows so you can enjoy nature’s beauty even indoors. Picture windows have an unobtrusive view taht works well if you have a minimalist styled home. Take note, though, such windows are fixed; there are no latches to open them.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this type of window is no airflow passing through it. Unless you add some laminated UV film to the windows, the heat from the sun can easily stream into the room, making the latter hotter in the summer and cooler during winter.
Round Windows
Rounded windows can complement a Victorian, Gothic and even an Art Deco-inspired home. This is a nod to the classical approach. This design for a window embraces the natural form.
Dormer Windows
Dormer windows are set into a sloping roof, adding space and height to upper stories. They introduce additional light into the room and provide ventilation. Dormers are not just functional; they enhance the architectural beauty of a home, making it stand out.
Skylight Windows
Skylight windows allow you to enjoy natural light, even if you have limited wall options. This window is attached to the roof. This can also be one of your options if you are keen on keeping it private but want ample natural light coming in.
Slider Windows
Slider windows can also be called sliding or gliding windows. This window type consists of a single window divided by a sash in the center. To open, one section needs to slide towards the other half. Sliding windows work well with wide walls.
A classic in many homes, sliding windows open Horizontally along a track. They’re an excellent choice for rooms with limited space, as they don’t open outward or inward. This type of window is often found in kitchens and bathrooms, offering good ventilation without taking up too much space. Sliding windows are also known for being easy to open and close, making them ideal in a common window style in many homes.
Storm Windows
These are additional windows placed over the exterior side of your existing window. This is to provide more stability and protection against gusts of wind during a storm. This can also be used as another layer of insulation so that heat won’t escape inside the home.
Transom Windows
These are windows you place above the main door. It is more decorative than functional as it provides accent to the door,
Clerestory windows
Clerestory windows are windows placed high on a wall, above eye level. They are often used in churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings, but they can also be found in homes, offices, and other commercial buildings.
Popular Types of Window Frames
Choose the right frames and sash improves makes them more energy efficient. Here are the common frame types used for windows.
Metal
Aluminum is the most common metal frames used for windows. It’s very strong yet light; you don’t even have to worry about maintenance. However, aluminum is a poor heat conductor; it loses heat rapidly. To reduce such occurrences, add an insulating plastic strip between the inside and outside frames.
Composite Wood
The most common ones are made of laminated wood and particleboard. These materials have almost the same structural properties as wood but are less prone to rot and decay.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass frames are more superior to wood frames in terms of insulation performance but take note that fiberglass frames need to be filled with insulation materials for them to work properly.
Vinyl
These are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and UV stabilizers to make the material stronger. Vinyl has good moisture resistance and more superior to wood because you can fill the hollow cavities of the vinyl with insulation materials.
When to Replace Your Windows
Windows are built to last for a long time, say about 20 years. In this section, you will know the tell-tale signs that your windows need replacement,
Are There Visible Signs of Damage?
Damaged windows need to be replaced when you see visible signs of wear and tear. You need to address this issue as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent more serious damages such as the accumulation of molds and mildew and even cockroaches. Additionally, replacing that piece of rotten wood takes more time and money that replacing the entire window
Drafty Windows
Damaged windows need to be replaced when you see visible signs of wear and tear. You need to address this issue as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent more serious damages such as the accumulation of molds and mildew and even cockroaches. Additionally, replacing that piece of rotten wood takes more time and money that replacing the entire window
Have Your Observed a Spike in Your Electrical Bills
While there may be many reasons you see an increase in your electric bills, you should also consider that your windows could be the primary culprit. If your windows can’t keep the heat indoors, your heater works twice harder.
You Discover Condensation On the Inside of Your Windows
Photo by Randy Laybourne on Unsplash
Condensation forming on the outside part of the door is no cause for alarm. It simply means it’s warmer outside than indoors. But if you notice that the condensation is on the side panel of your window, you should consider replacing it. It means your insulation material has passed its lifetime.
Faded Curtains, Carpets and Furniture Finishes
This means the UV film protection of your windows failed. Without this film, colored design elements tend to fade faster.
Conclusion
You have to remember that several factors can affect your choice of windows. Jot down the pros and cons and decide which window type is more suitable for your home. What is your favorite window type? Share with us
Single hung windows have only one sash that moves (usually the bottom one), while double hung windows have two operational sashes.
Yes, casement windows seal tightly when closed, making them energy efficient.
While many window styles offer good ventilation, casement and louvre windows are particularly renowned for this feature.
