Window choices are many, which makes the task of choosing windows for replacement somewhat difficult and even overwhelming at times.
To pick replacement windows that are ideal for your home, it needs some good understanding of the window types and the factors that influence its selection.
Since window replacement is costly and you cannot do it on and often, you must do some good research to decide about window design that matches with the home architecture as well as your design preferences while performing to meet your needs.
From window types and frames to structures, furnishing and upgrades, eco-friendliness, and energy efficiency, there are many things to consider when replacing your windows.
Window Design and Style, Know Your Choices
Before you select windows, you must be clear about its nature of use and the performance you expect from it.
To make the task of window selection easy, we have discussed different window styles in this article that should help to take an objective-based approach in selecting windows to enhance the home aesthetics.
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Double Hung and Single Hung Windows
The hung type window style is most common and most popular because it provides large window opening even within restricted spaces as the window panes/sashes remain flushed with the wall.
This type of window is ideal for installation in spaces where the height is greater than the width, and the window sashes slide vertically to facilitate up and down operation. There are some specific locations where hung windows are perfect like decks and walkways and walls next to patios.
The single and double hung windows differ in the way the different window sections move. In single hung windows, the upper sash remains fixed while only the lower sash moves up and down for opening and closing the window.
This keeps the upper sash covered on the inside when you open the window. In double hung windows you can move both sashes up and down. Both types of windows come with tilting options to facilitate cleaning.
Sliding Windows
Just think about installing sliding glass door within the window space and you will understand what sliding windows look like. Sliding windows have two sections usually made from single windows with one of the sections sliding over the other section for opening and closing. However, only half of the window section opens for ventilation purposes.
Sliding windows do not take up much vertical space and ideal for homes that have short walls. The windows provide slim vertical lines that provide clean and elegant looks that match perfectly with any architectural style.
You can replace your existing windows with sliding windows at places where the width of the window opening is much more than the height in places like walls and near walkways and decks.
Sliding windows give an apparent feeling of spaciousness as it appears taller than double hung or single hung windows while providing the same amount of ventilation. The windows are ideal for installing on the upper section of a wall to provide more space between the floor and the bottom of the window than vertical windows.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and Bow windows have a special design that protrudes beyond the walls on the outside and ideal for those who want projected windows. As the windows extend beyond the walls on the outside it creates a small shelf at the bottom.
Although bay and bow windows are almost identical in the design there is some difference in its aesthetic appeal which makes bow windows better suited for older homes while bay windows go very well with modern homes.
Bay windows are built by setting flat windows on angled frames that project beyond the outside walls but Bow windows are custom curved windows that sit side by side to create a circular extension of the home design.
Usually, bay windows are a collection of three windows placed at an angle of 25° to 45° while for bow windows there can be more than three windows and can go up to five windows with the angle of placement restricted between 10° and 15°. Naturally, bow windows are costlier than bay windows.
Casement Windows and Awning Windows
Casement window designs have simple lines that provide a clean look and matches well with the modern architecture as well as for upgrading the looks of older homes. If the height if the opening is larger than the width it suits the installation of casement windows.
The hinges of the vertical window placed on the left and right side of the panes allow opening the window on the outside. The wide window opening creates a style that is perfect for homeowners who want better ventilation by letting in the more fresh air.
A cracking system facilitates opening and closing of the windows adds to the security of homes. The window is ideal for installing above the kitchen sink due to the ease of opening and closing. Ensure that there is enough space on the outside for the window to open.
Awning windows are similar to casement windows in design and function with the only difference that it works best for openings that have more width than the height.
Picture Windows
Those who want a wide opening to enjoy an unobstructed view of the outside would prefer picture windows that are large and expansive and can even cover the entire wall. The window design appears to create a glass wall that allows easy connection with the outside without the need of opening the windows. The outside view appears like a framed picture, which is the reason for naming the windows.
The choice of a window depends on the kind of surrounding your home. If you live by the mountains or have a beautiful garden just beside the home and want to enjoy the views of the surroundings, then you must install a picture window. These are fixed windows and do not serve any purpose of ventilation that you must keep in mind.
Another choice of fixed windows is the custom shaped windows that are semicircular in shape ideal for installing on arches to allow the entry of natural light abundantly.
