Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home or you’re preparing to sell, there’s never a wrong time to replace your windows. Replacing your windows yields one of the highest returns on investment and can considerably lower your monthly energy bills. That’s a win, win!
The style of your windows can greatly impact your decor and your curb appeal and replacing your windows with a different style to will allow you to put your stamp on your home. Check out the pros and cons of the different window options on the market today to ensure you make the most informed decision possible.
Stationary/Picture
You’ve probably guessed it – stationary windows are windows that are stationary, or fixed. Usually installed in rooms that already contain windows with openings, stationary windows are an inexpensive way to flood your room with natural light. Installing stationary windows will prevent heat loss through air gaps but bare in mind, that the lack of an opening is a lack of a fire escape. This is a good option for your living room and hallway.
Double/Single Hung
Single hung windows are the most popular choice in homes today. They’re inexpensive and provide a good insulation and ventilation. If ventilation is more important to you, then a double hung window is the better choice. Double hung windows can slide open from the top and the bottom, this makes them easier to clean as well. You can install single or double hung windows in any room and they’d work.
Sliding
A sliding window works similarly to a hung window, but on it’s side. They’re a little bit more complicated and expensive to install than a hung window but not as expensive as a bifold. Sliding windows are a common choice in kitchens because they can be installed over countertops.
Bifold
When they’re closed, bifold windows may look similar to sliding windows but they operate completely differently. Bifold windows are a row of windows that are joined by a hinge and when opened, they fold together and slide to the side. This creates unobstructed views and an abundance of ventilation for your home. The more complicated mechanisms and moving frames make bifold windows more expensive to install and more prone to air gaps.
Casement/Hinged
Colleen Knowles Interior Design
Casement windows consist of a single pane of glass surrounded by a frame that opens on a hinge. A popular choice for homeowners because they’re easy to open, energy efficient and provide great ventilation. They offer similar unobstructed views as a stationary window with the option for ventilation and a fire escape. You can install casement windows in most rooms that do not have any external obstructions like trees or benches.
Awning
Awning windows can be installed on their own but are are often installed on top of a picture windows for extra ventilation. They’re a great option in cooler climate because they’re one of the most airtight windows and offer protection from the weather while open as well. You can install awning windows in most rooms of your home.
Bay
Professional Window Installers
Bay windows are 3 or 4 windows positioned to create an alcove that protrudes out of the room. Usually found in living rooms, they create a decorative focal point and flood the room with light. Depending on your preference, bay windows can include a combination of various window types to create the bay effect. Bay windows make a room feel bigger by creating extra floor space or a large window ledge in the room.
Transom
Usually installed over doorways, transom windows are a great way to add extra natural light with minimal space. You could also install a transom window above an interior doorways to enable light to flow from room to room.
Arched/Round
Charles Vincent George Architects
An arched window can be either stationary or installed above another window type for aesthetic purposes or extra light. Round windows are almost always stationary. They are mainly installed in hallways for decorative purposes or in attic rooms, where the wall space is limited.
Egress
Affordable Egress Windows and Basement Waterproofing
Egress windows are installed in basements for to let in as much light as possible and to provide a fire exit. When installing an egress window safety standards will need to be followed. Installation will cost more than a regular window because it will involve lowering the ground outside.
Glass block
Glass blocks are one of the most stylish ways to invite natural light into your home. They’re also extremely functional, increasing security to basements and privacy to bathrooms. The downside is that they lack ventilation, this is important in a bathroom if you don’t have an exhaust fan.
Skylight
Skylights can be a necessity to some homes and a luxury to others. You can install skylights onto slanted or flat roofs to provide extra light without taking up wall space. Most models are either stationary or manually vented, the manually vented models will open like a casement or an awning window. If you don’t already have a skylight, consider hiring a roofer for the install, instead of a window installer.
Garden
For all the plant lovers out there, this one is for you. Garden windows are like mini bay windows with a glass roof, like a greenhouse. They protrude out of the wall, into the garden, creating a large window ledge for plants. Garden windows are usually installed in kitchens, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t install a garden window anywhere in your home. The increased surface area of the glass doesn’t make this the most energy efficient option.
Choosing the style is just the beginning of finding the right windows for you. Check out these article for advice on How to Choose The Right Glass For Your Window and How To Keep Your Window Project On Budget.
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