The weather outside is frightful, so you crank up your heater. After a few minutes, your house becomes nice and toasty, but you hear the distinct sound of glass breaking.
When you go to inspect the noise, you notice a huge crack in your living room window. The contrasting temperatures between the inside and outside of your home put too much stress on the glass.
If you leave the problem alone, the glass will eventually shatter. That means that it’s time to look into a replacement.
There are several different types of windows on the market today. You don’t have to go with the basic one you had before. Check out this smart homeowner guide to learn what your options are.
Single-Hung Windows
If you’re looking for affordability, single-hung windows are the cheapest ones you can get. A single window will cost you less than $300, depending on the materials.
They open vertically from the bottom while the top stays stationary. Since they don’t include many bells and whistles, when it comes time to get replacement windows, the process will be quick and easy.
The main problem with single-hung windows is the lack of ventilation. Due to the fact that you can’t operate the upper sash, you’re not going to get much out of cracking your window open on a nice sunny day. That means they’re not a good choice for the bathroom and other humid areas of your home.
Single-hung windows are also difficult to clean because of their limited functionality. The only way to wash them is to go outside with your soap and bucket. If you live in a multi-story home, you can’t clean your windows without climbing a ladder.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows look mostly the same as their single-hung counterparts. The difference is that both the bottom and top sashes open.
You can tilt the windows out so you can clean them while staying in the comfort of your own home. They’re available in a great number of sizes and materials, and while they may be more expensive than single-hung windows, they can save you money.
If you don’t feel comfortable going outside on a ladder to clean your windows, you’ll have no choice but to hire a service. Double-hung windows save you from paying out that expense.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing open on a hinge the same way that a door does. When you open them on a beautiful day, they’ll allow for plenty of airflow.
The seal around these windows is weathertight enough to keep the elements out of your home, and they’re energy efficient. After having a professional window replacement company put them in, you should see a drop in your power bill.
Casement windows do have more mechanical parts than other types of windows, which makes them prone to breakage. If you use a window AC unit, casement windows aren’t an option for you because they have no way of securing them.
Arched Windows
Arched windows are, well, shaped like an arch. They have a rounded top, which makes them a huge stand out in terms of aesthetics.
They’re typically installed on a fixed frame. They’ll let plenty of light in, but they don’t open, so they’re not the best windows for ventilation.
Since they take up so much of the wall, it’s difficult to incorporate arched windows into existing architecture. They tend to get in the way of doors and plumbing.
They’re difficult to clean, but that’s okay. These types of windows are made out of sturdy materials that don’t get dirty often or break, for that matter. Once you have your arched windows installed, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy them for years to come.
Picture Windows
Picture windows function the same way as a painting on a wall. They’re large structures that will give you a gorgeous look at your yard, and don’t move.
Since the design doesn’t include an opening mechanism of any kind, picture windows aren’t prone to breakage, and they’re weathertight. You won’t be able to crack your window open to let a breeze in on a nice day, and the design offers no ventilation.
These windows aren’t very energy efficient, however. During the cold winter months, the heat from the inside of your home may leak out. When hot weather rolls in, the sunlight that comes in through your window might heat your interior a bit too much.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are a little like casement windows. The difference is that they open outward from the top of the window frame instead of the sides.
They provide a tight weather-proof seal when closed and allow for plenty of ventilation when open. They’ll keep rainwater out of your home even while open, and they’re not difficult to operate.
Like casement windows, the mechanical mechanism has the habit of breaking after a while.
Just because you can leave these windows open when it’s raining doesn’t mean you should because it can cause lasting damage. Awning windows can also obstruct walkways due to how far they stick out.
Bay Windows
Bay windows have both visual interest and function to bring to the table. They’re classified as a group of three windows that are linked together. Most of the time, the center window remains fixed while the two side ones can open to let in the fresh air.
Bay windows extend out from the exterior of the home, which could cause them to obstruct walkways. On the flip side, they create room in the interior of the home.
You can use the extra space as a comfortable reading nook. Bay windows certainly let in enough natural light for it.
The biggest downside of these windows is the price. You’ll spend thousands to have them installed.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows work as advertised. One panel of glass slides over another one horizontally. They’re great for weather sealing and airflow.
Sliding windows don’t have a lot of mechanical parts, so installation is inexpensive, and maintenance is a breeze until it comes time for cleaning. Washing the outside of the window can prove to be a bit of a challenge.
The center of the frame will obstruct your view of the outside of your home, and after years of use, the window may begin to stick.
You mostly see these windows attached to basements, but there’s nothing wrong with having them in your kitchen. They don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal as some of the other window options on this list, but they’re pretty affordable and easy to use if you take care of them.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are pretty similar to their bay counterparts. The main thing that sets them apart is their curved design. You see, bay windows meet at angles, and bow windows do not.
Bow windows use a mixture of fixed and non-fixed windows for ventilation purposes. Nine times out of ten, these windows cost a bit more than bay windows due to the fact that they’re complicated to install and they take up more space.
Decorative Glass Windows
Decorative glass windows don’t open, but they offer two other important functions. Since they’re made up of colored glass, they keep prying eyes away from your home, and they increase curb appeal.
The privacy they can provide makes these windows an ideal choice for bathrooms despite the fact that they have nothing to bring to the table in terms of ventilation. These aren’t the windows for you if you have any intention of peering out of them because you won’t be able to see a thing.
Skylights
Sometimes you don’t have enough wall space to warrant the inclusion of windows. That doesn’t mean you have to skip out on having natural light and a nice outdoor view.
You can opt for skylights instead. They’re basically windows for your roof. These windows can be openable or fixed, depending on how much ventilation you want to have.
Some of them are remote-controlled, so you can crack them open at the push of a button. Since they are on your roof, they are vulnerable to hail damage. If the installation company doesn’t seal the window correctly, it could result in leaks, which can get messy.
The Different Types of Windows Available Today
Do you find yourself needing to install new windows? You don’t have to choose the same ones you had before.
As you can see, there are many types of windows that homeowners love! Talk to an installation professional today to make an appointment.
For more ways to give your home the much-needed facelift it deserves, visit the Household section of our blog.
