Shopping for replacement windows can be daunting. There are so many styles available that it can become confusing. Before you place an order or arrange for installation, take the time to understand a bit about the various styles and how they would work in your home so that you end up with window replacements that look great while fitting your lifestyle and your check book.
Double-Hung
Still the most popular style on the market, double-hung windows feature two separate panes of glass that are joined by a central sash. You can open either the top or the bottom, but not both at the same time. These are most often found in traditional style homes, where they can be designed to mimic older styles. Double-hungis an excellent choice if you don't have much room outside the window or if people are likely to pass in front of the window.
Awning Style
These are hinged across the top and open outward. The way the pane tilts out allows you to open them for some fresh air even when it's raining, as the water will run down the pane and away from your house. These are often used with a high wall so that you can take advantage of a nice breeze. Some homeowners have these installed over picture windows that can't be opened so that you have the best of both worlds - a great view and fresh air.
Casements
Casement windows can open to the right or the left, depending upon design choice, preference and location. They are complete panes of glass that can be opened along their entire height and length to take full advantage of any breezes. They are also one of the most energy efficient styles available because of the tight seal between the sash and the frame and bulb weather stripping that is similar to the kind used in refrigerators. If you have areas where it can be difficult to reach or open a window, casements can solve the problem because you only need one hand to crank the simple mechanism that opens and closes the unit. The funneling effect of the pane can also improve the circulation of air inside your house.
Sliding Or Gliding Options
Gliding windows, sometimes called sliders, open horizontally by sliding along a slim track in the bottom and top edge of the unit. These are becoming increasingly popular because they can be installed virtually anywhere, even in small areas where the space is too tight to open a window outward. If you have an opening that is much longer than it is tall, sliders may be the best option. They can usually be opened from both ends and sometimes feature an additional, central pane that is stationary.
Picture Windows
These is a traditional, fixed style of window made from one uninterrupted pane of glass in order to take full advantage of the view and let lots of extra light into a room. Because you can't open them to take advantage of a breeze, these are more decorative in nature, often highlighting architectural details in your home or drawing attention to a spectacular view that's not broken up by window sashes.
Each of the five styles mentioned above can be installed in your home in a variety of ways either by themselves or in combination with other elements in order to create more complex styles such as bays and bows. Your local home improvement company can give you more information when you visit their showroom to see examples of a variety of beautiful replacement windows.
Double-Hung
Still the most popular style on the market, double-hung windows feature two separate panes of glass that are joined by a central sash. You can open either the top or the bottom, but not both at the same time. These are most often found in traditional style homes, where they can be designed to mimic older styles. Double-hungis an excellent choice if you don't have much room outside the window or if people are likely to pass in front of the window.
Awning Style
These are hinged across the top and open outward. The way the pane tilts out allows you to open them for some fresh air even when it's raining, as the water will run down the pane and away from your house. These are often used with a high wall so that you can take advantage of a nice breeze. Some homeowners have these installed over picture windows that can't be opened so that you have the best of both worlds - a great view and fresh air.
Casements
Casement windows can open to the right or the left, depending upon design choice, preference and location. They are complete panes of glass that can be opened along their entire height and length to take full advantage of any breezes. They are also one of the most energy efficient styles available because of the tight seal between the sash and the frame and bulb weather stripping that is similar to the kind used in refrigerators. If you have areas where it can be difficult to reach or open a window, casements can solve the problem because you only need one hand to crank the simple mechanism that opens and closes the unit. The funneling effect of the pane can also improve the circulation of air inside your house.
Sliding Or Gliding Options
Gliding windows, sometimes called sliders, open horizontally by sliding along a slim track in the bottom and top edge of the unit. These are becoming increasingly popular because they can be installed virtually anywhere, even in small areas where the space is too tight to open a window outward. If you have an opening that is much longer than it is tall, sliders may be the best option. They can usually be opened from both ends and sometimes feature an additional, central pane that is stationary.
Picture Windows
These is a traditional, fixed style of window made from one uninterrupted pane of glass in order to take full advantage of the view and let lots of extra light into a room. Because you can't open them to take advantage of a breeze, these are more decorative in nature, often highlighting architectural details in your home or drawing attention to a spectacular view that's not broken up by window sashes.
Each of the five styles mentioned above can be installed in your home in a variety of ways either by themselves or in combination with other elements in order to create more complex styles such as bays and bows. Your local home improvement company can give you more information when you visit their showroom to see examples of a variety of beautiful replacement windows.
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