Your old windows are costing you money.
Drafty old windows drive up energy bills. However, stylish, new windows can lower your energy bill, while also increasing the value of your home. If you’re worried about the costs of new windows, don’t. Studies show you’ll be able to get back at least 80% of your window replacement costs if you ever decide to sell your home.
However, even though new windows look better, and are cost-effective, it can be tricky finding the right ones. That’s why we’ve created a short, but complete guide, that highlights the different types of replacement windows. Now, instead of guessing what windows will work well for your home, you’ll be able to choose your replacement windows with confidence.
Read on to learn how to find the right windows for your home.
Types of House Windows
First, you’ll want to understand that there are windows for new construction and then there are windows for replacement. If you need windows for new construction, the window will come with a nailing fin. The nailing fin is a rim that makes it possible for you to secure the window through the wall opening.
A replacement window, on the other hand, does not have a nailing fin. Instead, you can secure a replacement window using the window frame that’s already there. Before you buy any replacement windows, you’ll want to make sure you have exact measurements of the existing window frames. Next, you’ll want to find an experienced installation team you can trust, like this window company. By choosing a team of professionals to help, you can avoid common window replacement mistakes.
Types of Replacement Windows
Now, let’s dive into the different types of replacement windows. Here’s a shortlist of replacement windows you should consider for your home:
- Double-hung windows
- Single-hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Awning and casement windows
- Bow and bay windows
- Custom shaped windows
To find the best replacement windows for your home, you’ll have to keep your house’s architectural style in mind. Also, if you don’t like the windows you currently have, you don’t have to replace them with the same style. Instead, now is the time to branch out and find windows you love.
Tips for Choosing the Best Kind of Windows
Start by considering how you want to use your replacement windows. Do you want to be able to open them frequently? If yes, you’ll want to get windows that open and close easily. Will you be using your new window to look out at a wonderful scenic view? If so, you’ll need a large window, that’s aesthetically pleasing. Finally, if you’re looking for windows that are the best at blocking out air and wind, you’ll want to look for more energy-efficient style options.
After considering how you’ll be using the window, you’re ready to start looking at different window designs that can fit your needs. Let’s begin by looking at the features and benefits of single-hung versus double-hung windows.
Double and Single-Hung Windows
Single or double-hung windows are different from single or double-paned windows. The term window term “pane” refers to how many panes of glass the window has. The term “hung” for windows refers to the number of sashes that operate within the window.
Hung windows will have 2 sashes. The first sash sits on the top part of the window. The second sits on the lower part of the window. The lower sash always opens on both single-hung and double-hung windows. The biggest difference between single-hung and double-hung windows is the upper sash. On a single hung window, the upper sash doesn’t move. However, on the double-hung window, both the lower and upper sashes move.
What does this mean for your home? If you’re looking for a window that’s easy to clean, and opens fully, stick with double-hung windows. Since both sashes operate, you can easily clean both windows from the inside of the house.
However, since single hung, and double-hung windows have the same structure, they also come with similar design options. That means if you wanted to have a variety of both single hung and double hung windows you could pull it off, without creating a contrasting look.
More Types of Windows
Moving on, let’s look at a few window types that operate differently from single or double-hung windows. Remember, keep in mind your home’s architectural style, as well as how you’ll be using the windows.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are great when you have a wide opening. Both of the sashes on the sliding windows will operate allowing you to slide it from side to side. Sliding windows also have a convenient tilt-in feature that makes it easy to clean them.
Awning and Casement Windows
Similar to sliding Windows, awning windows are great for wide openings. Casement windows, on the other hand, work well for particularly tall window openings. However, both awning and casement windows have a unique design that makes it easy to clean them from inside the house. You’ll also be able to open awning, and casement windows using a simple turning handle.
Bow and Bay Windows
Bow and bay windows are popular for their ability to create beautiful focal points for any home. Bow windows will utilize anywhere from 3 to 5 window spaces, using different angles. Bay windows on the other hand only require 3 window panes.
Custom Shaped Windows
Do you have an area of your home where you’d like a window that doesn’t need to open? If yes, then custom-shaped windows are the best option. A custom shaped window will allow natural light to fill in, from hard to reach areas.
Increase Your Home Value
Now you know about 7 types of replacement windows. What window style do you think would work well in your home? Will you be installing easy to clean windows that open fully? Or are you excited about the prospect of installing sliding windows? Whatever windows you choose, they’re sure to be an investment you’ll be glad you made.
Homeownership can be a challenging journey, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. For more ways to get the most out of your house, check out another one of our articles.
Leave a Reply