Different Window Styles For Your Home

Posted by Dave Kotler on Friday, October 1st, 2021 at 1:41pm.

4 Window Types Perfect For Your HomeWindows let the light and air into a Joe Rich home. The shape can change a home’s look and give it personality that it didn’t have before. There are many different types of windows homeowners can choose for their homes. Each of them has a distinct appearance and features, such as how wide it can open or how it opens. Homeowners who are looking for new windows need to know the different types they can choose from. Here's how to tell when it's time for new windows and some of the most popular window types.

When is it Time To Replace Windows?

If they're doing their job correctly, homeowners shouldn't notice the windows in their house. Telltale signs that windows need replacing are drafts, condensation and fogging, rot or mould, and cracked caulking. Homeowners should be sure to inspect their windows regularly to catch any issues before they become worse. Another easy clue is if the window is difficult to open or close.

Popular Types of Windows

If a homeowner finds themselves in the market for a window upgrade, there are multiple options that can add value to their home and make a stylish statement. Homeowners should keep in mind they want their windows to have a high R-value (how well the window prevents heat loss) and low emissivity (reflecting the heat to the warm side of the glass). Here are four popular window styles.

Double- and Single-Hung Windows

Most homeowners are already familiar with double- and single-hung windows, even if they don’t know them by name. These windows are some of the most popular windows for homes. The difference between the two is that single-hung windows can only open at the bottom, while double-hung windows can open both on top and on the bottom.

These windows have withstood the test of time because they’re some of the best windows for providing ventilation and air circulation. They’re also easy to clean due to how they open. Homeowners who choose these types of windows won’t have to worry about balancing on a ladder to clean them.

Casement Windows

If ventilation and air circulation are important to a homeowner, casement windows are easily one of the best choices for that. Unlike single- and double-hung windows, casement windows open from hinges on the side instead of the top or bottom. This allows casement windows to open much wider than other windows, allowing much more air into a home than would be otherwise.

Casement windows are also handy because they’re good at keeping drafts out of a home. They close tightly, so when they’re closed and locked, there’s little chance of a breeze. This also helps keep moisture out of the home, reducing the chance of mould and mildew growth around the window. This makes casement windows an excellent choice for homes in climates that experience sweltering summers and freezing winters.

Slider Windows

For homeowners interested in a unique window option that can be more than just a window, slider windows are an option. Slider windows are unique because, unlike the previous windows on this list that open with a hinge, these windows slide along a rail. Because of this, it’s common to see slider windows used as patio doors. Slider windows allow a lot of daylight into a home because they have very little obstructing them. And if they’re used as a door, that goes even more so. 

Slider windows don’t have to be doors. They can be made in nearly any size, so they can be put in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and just about any setting imaginable. Slider windows don’t require any sort of mechanism to operate, so it’s easy for people of all ages to open and close them. They’re also the easiest type of window to give extra security to. Many homeowners will place a wooden rod along the window’s rail to hold it closed as an additional security measure.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are large and don't open, usually flanked by two casements or double-hung windows. Their big, dramatic shape allows for lots of natural light and unobstructed views. The fact they don't have an opening mechanism means homeowners don't have to worry about maintenance. Not opening also means picture windows are energy-efficient, as they don't allow heat to escape or cold air to come in. They can be pricey because of their size, and note that they offer no ventilation.

Time For Installation: Retrofit or Brick-to-Brick?

Once a homeowner has their new windows picked out, it's time to install them. There are two choices for installation: retrofitting (inserting new windows into the existing casing) or brick-to-brick (stripping out the windows and frames and starting fresh). Retrofitting is less expensive, but brick-to-brick is the more energy-efficient option. Remember: if a homeowner is installing a new window where one didn't previously exist or enlarging an existing window opening, they have to get a building permit.

Single- and double-hung windows, casement windows, slider windows, and picture windows are just four of the many different types of windows available for homeowners to choose from. For more information about these windows and other great styles, be sure to consult an expert at a local hardware store. An expert can give personalized advice and help select the right windows for every situation.

Dave Kotler

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