A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

What They AreIf you’ve got a window replacement coming up and have done some precursory research, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you. Let’s start this e-book off with congratulations for the fact that you’re already on the right track. Researching your options is crucial because it’s the only way you can zero in on the type

of window that’s best for your home.

PART 1

WHAT THEY ARE

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

That said, our goal in this e-book is to condense as much basic information as possible about the different window types in a form you can easily digest. Consider this your window replacement crash course.

First up: a quick run-through of your available options.

■ Double-hung. Double-hung windows have two operating sashes that move vertically within a single frame and are the most popular window style in the US today. This window style originated in Europe in the 17th century but became a key element in traditional American architecture when it crossed the Atlantic in the 18th century.

■ Casement. Casement windows are hinged on one side and are operated with the help of a crank. They may be installed individually or as opposing pairs within a single frame, with or without a central mullion. Casement windows may use muntins or grids to divide the glass panes but more often than not leave out this decorative feature to create a larger continuous glass space.

■ Bow and bay. Bow and bay windows are similar in that they are both installed on a projecting portion of an exterior wall. “Bay” is actually an umbrella term and can also be used to refer to bow windows. But strictly speaking, a bow window is made up of four or more panels arranged in a curve while a bay window has at least three panels arranged in a more polygonal fashion. It’s common for a bay window setup to have a picture window in the middle flanked by an even number of identical operable windows.

WHAT THEY ARE

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

■ Picture. Picture windows are also commonly called fixed windows because they are inoperable (meaning they cannot be opened or closed). This type of window offers the most in terms of glass space and is often used to highlight a picturesque view, hence the name.

■ Sliding. Sliding or gliding windows get their name from the way they are operated. Unlike hinged and sash windows, sliding windows rely on rollers to open and close. One unit holds at least two sashes, at least one of which has rollers on its top and bottom edges so that it can be slid left and right.

■ Awning. Awning windows closely resemble casement windows save for the fact that they are hinged at the top. They open outward and are commonly installed above or below other types of windows.

■ Specialty. Specialty windows offer more dynamic designs and can feature shapes, grilles and glazing options not commonly used in more traditional window styles. They work great as focal points and are more often selected on aesthetic grounds than for any other reason.

By now, you probably already have a few options in mind. Stick around for Part Two, where we’ll get to know the benefits each window style has to offer.

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

What They OfferMost types of windows play a more or less similar role in a home: they let in light and air and provide views of the outdoors. But you may be surprised at how much the benefits offered can vary from one window style to the next. The next step, therefore, to figuring out which window style suits your home best is understanding these

benefits.

PART 2

WHAT THEY OFFER

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

■ Double-hung. Double-hung windows have a simple traditional design that allows it to complement a broad range of architectural styles. The fact that they have two movable sashes also allows for flexible ventilation control. Modern tilt-in models make the deal even sweeter by providing an easy means of accessing the outside surface for cleaning. And if you’re thinking of installing an air conditioning unit in a room, double-hung windows offer the simplest and most economical solution.

■ Casement. Because an open casement window allows you to make the most of the entire window opening, this design offers the best ventilation levels. The open sash can even help channel in air, which is a plus. Casements are also easy to open and close, making them ideal for use in spots where two-handed operation may be difficult. But the biggest draw for some homeowners is the fact that casements are really airtight when shut, which helps save energy.

■ Bow and bay. These window styles are best if you want to create the illusion of tons of extra space. Which windows to use in a bow or bay configuration is up to you; double-hung and casement windows are popular choices. These windows’ angled layout also lets in light and air from different directions, making a room brighter and more airy. They also go a long way toward increasing your home’s resale value.

WHAT THEY OFFER

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

■ Picture. Nothing beats a picture window if you want to frame a picturesque outdoor view. It allows for the biggest unobstructed glass area, which has the added benefit of plenty of natural light. Picture windows are also the easiest type of window to maintain because they have no movable parts.

■ Sliding. Sliding windows have a simple, streamlined design that makes them great choices for contemporary homes. They are easy to operate and are ideal for tight spots or areas where projecting windows can interfere with foot traffic or cause accidents. Many new models also have removable sashes that make them easy to clean.

■ Awning. Awning windows are a favorite for homeowners who want to install a transom window above an existing window, where the goal is either to complement the latter’s function or simply add architectural interest. Adding an awning window lets in more light and allows air to circulate better.

■ Specialty. For the most part, specialty windows are meant to boost a home’s curb appeal, but even this simple benefit should not be overlooked. A big enough impact on curb appeal can increase a home’s resale value well beyond the amount you invest on a replacement window.

If you’re still stuck on which window style to have installed in your home, check out Part Three for more practical tips to help you make a smart decision.

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

How to ChooseWith each window style offering a pretty attractive set of benefits, it can be difficult to eliminate options. But if there is one takeaway for this entire e-book, it’s this:

sort out your priorities.

PART 3

HOW TO CHOOSE

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

Understanding what your goals are for the project and what your living spaces really need is the trick to narrowing down your shortlisted window styles. How do you figure out your priorities? Consider the following:

■ Your home’s architectural style. Strictly going by architectural style may feel a little limiting, but you’ll be surprised to find that there’s still plenty of freedom design-wise within these bounds. For instance, double-hung windows complement American Farmhouse architecture, casements suit French Eclectic homes, and either works beautifully with Ranch-style homes. Still, your windows don’t have to be matchy-matchy. Aim for a sense of harmony and go with what looks good. Use this to refine your shortlist if you live in a heritage home and if curb appeal and resale rank high on your list of priorities.

■ Your home’s interiors. Windows affect how your home looks inside as well as outside. While it’s fairly easy to tweak your interior décor around window design, you still have to be aware of the window’s overall impact. A large picture window, for instance, is an impressive interior design element best used in public spaces like living and dining rooms. Matching isn’t a big issue because manufacturers offer a broad range of interior trim options for every window style.

HOW TO CHOOSE

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

■ How you use your indoor and outdoor spaces. This is what most homeowners prioritize when choosing replacement windows, and it makes a lot of sense whether you plan to keep the home or sell it eventually. Take the picture window example earlier, but imagine it in your den instead of the living room. If you watch a lot of TV in that room, a large window may not be the best idea since the glare can interfere with your viewing comfort. Window treatments can help, but it pays to stay practical and really pay attention to function.

■ Available add-ons. Since we mentioned window treatments, it bears mentioning that the kind of window you choose may determine the add-ons available to you. If you’re interested in a particular type of window treatment or maybe a specific trim or grill style, check to see which window styles can make their use possible.

BONUS TIP

Whatever window style you choose (or even if you end up having different types of windows installed), make sure everything looks harmonious by keeping the tops of the windows lined up. It won’t beat the effect of perfectly uniform windows, but a consistent head height will create order even among windows of different sizes.

Finally, if you still feel overwhelmed by your choices, talk to a contractor you can trust. Having a professional guide you through each step will take a load off of your shoulders and help you enjoy the process as well as the results.

A Quick Guide to Common Window Styles

RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN SOUTHEASTERN MA26 Albion Rd., Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865

(401)-473-2739www.OnlyWindowChoice.com