Window Types
Choosing the perfect window for your home is a time consuming job because there are many different window types sold on the market. Windows are the eyes of a house, they bring in light, create space out of thin air, provide fresh air flow and great outdoor views.
There are loads of stylish window types available today. Here are the different type and their Benefits and Drawbacks:
Bay Windows
Benefits
They are great for an open, peaceful feeling indoors. They hold multiple views while allowing light to stream through from various angles. In addition, the sides of these windows could be opened for fresh air. These windows are able to transform any home with their uniqueness and style. Replacing flat windows with bay windows will totally change the quantity of light that enters a room. They’re most popularly installed for kitchens, however, they also are able to add a unique character to living rooms as well as the master bedrooms of a home.
Drawbacks
Bay windows only open on the sides and usually don’t include screens, so pests may be able to enter the home.
Awning Windows
Benefits
These window types are designed to create light and provide breeze. Awning Windows could also be opened slightly to let in fresh air. They are also a good way for maintaining privacy while letting light to come through. These could be angled in various ways. For example: right next to other windows, arranged in columns, or placed above those big patio doors for creating a wall of light and air ventillation.
Drawbacks
Awning window screens are set from the inside, which means that all that dirt and dust outside could make its way onto your floors inside.
Double Hung Windows
Benefits
Double hung windows are known for their unique design, it’s ease of access and superior ventilation abilities. Great for children’s rooms because the top of the window could be opened while the bottom one stays shut. They could be installed in just about anywhere in the home. They’re great for kitchens, bedrooms as well as offices.
Drawbacks
Double hung windows allow more air to come through than other window types. Furthermore, only half of the window actually opens up, however, other window types can open up completely.
Casement Windows
Benefits
Casement windows open outward. Although they’re tightly sealed up for energy efficiency and are a great way to install in those hard-to-reach areas, like above sinks and appliances in your kitchen. Casements are cranked open, instead of sliding up and down, allowing them to maneuver more easily.
Drawbacks
When moving into an older home, be sure to check on the stability the casement hinges and hardware. Although casements are normally tough to break into, flimsy or rusty hardware can increase the risk of break ins. Be sure to check with a professional for parts or quality new replacement casements.
Picture Windows
Benefits
Picture windows often provide unobstructed outdoor views. They’re great for places where airflow isn’t a huge consideration. For better lighting, consider installing them high up on the walls of particularly dark rooms and corridors. Combined with patio doors or open-and-close windows, these windows bring the perfect balance of light and air flow.
Drawbacks
These picture windows are usually just for cosmetics. Additionally, the large wide glass could cause them to break more easily.
Jalousie Windows
Benefits
Jalousies are glass slats set in metal clips that are able to be opened and closed in unison. They are sometimes referred to as a louvered window, a jalousie is built like a glass shutter. This window type is manually rotated to open or close the overlapping panels as needed, its opened by degrees to control the amount of ventilation or light that passes through.
Drawbacks
Jalousies are best for places with year-round temperate weather because they help keep a home cool and comfortable, however they are impossible to keep sealed, and thus making it difficult to hold in heat and air conditioning inside and keeping extreme weather out.
Hopper Windows
Benefits
These window types are most commonly installed in basements of homes. The hopper is essentially a casement window flipped over on its side. The whole pane angles inward in order to open, this allows maximum air flow.
Drawbacks
Hopper windows often make privacy as well as decoration an issue. This is due to the tilt into the room, blinds, shades and other window dressings are difficult to use with hopper windows. Additionally, they’re normally installed in basements, so an additional security risk for any of the windows put in at ground level. The tilt design also makes them a poor choice for adequate ventilation on a rainy, balmy day; water will normally drip right into the room their placed in.
Now that you have a better idea of the variety of replacement window types, the next step would be to consult with a professional window dealer for quick, same-day installations.