The right windows can make your home more functional, improve your curb appeal, and increase its resale value.
Single-hung windows are a great choice for ground floors because the upper sash is fixed, offering easy accessibility to clean and maintain them. They pair well with a range of architectural styles.
1. Double-Hung Windows
Double-Hung Windows are one of the most popular window styles on the market for good reason, and used for exterior renovation. They blend timeless beauty with practical functionality and customizable options to meet your needs and home’s architectural style.
Double hung windows feature two operable sashes that can slide up and down to open and close, offering improved ventilation and increased security. They also tilt inward to make cleaning easy from inside your home without risking life and limb on ladders, which is especially useful for windows in upper floors of your home.
Another key benefit of double hung windows is their energy efficiency. By opening the bottom sash to allow cool air in while releasing warm air out, they can help lower your energy costs. They can also be opened halfway at the same time to create a recirculating effect, helping your home maintain its desired indoor temperature.
They work well in any room of your home, and you can customize the exterior look with your choice of frame material and hardware. They come in a wide range of colors and wood grain finishes to complement your home’s décor. Add a simple grille pattern to highlight the traditional aesthetic or choose an ornately etched grid pattern for a more elegant feel.
You can further customize your double hung windows by choosing from various grid patterns, including colonial, prairie, and diamond. Colonial grids inspire symmetry and balance with their evenly spaced squares, while double prairie grids offer a more refined aesthetic that complements historic architecture. And diamond grids offer an elegantly textured, frosted glass look that’s reminiscent of classic stained glass.
Double hung windows are a versatile option for any home, but they work particularly well in older homes that may not have the right space for sliding windows or other more modern window styles. They are also an excellent choice for newer construction and renovations since they easily adapt to different wall thicknesses, and they don’t require more floor space than single-hung windows.
2. Bay Windows
Bay windows are a stunning addition to any home. They offer a timeless aesthetic and can be customized to fit any architectural style. They are perfect for transforming an ordinary living space into a cozy reading nook or dining area. The angular projection of bay windows adds a distinct visual element that helps to break up the monotony of flat walls, making your house feel more dynamic and interesting.
Unlike other window styles, which offer only a view of your home’s exterior, bay windows allow you to look out into the outdoors from all directions, giving you an unobstructed panoramic view of your landscape. As a result, they can enhance your homes exterior appeal and increase its curb-appeal. They can also make your home feel more spacious by adding more floor space. They are ideal for front-facing rooms like the living room and can even transform an entryway into a welcoming foyer.
A bay window is comprised of three or more window segments that extend outward from your house, creating a cozy alcove that offers both a view and additional space. The most common configuration is a center picture window flanked by casement or double-hung windows. The side windows can be made operable, allowing you to let in more natural light and fresh air.
The angled projection of a bay window creates more space inside the home, providing an ideal spot for a seating area, a storage space, or a reading nook. They can also be transformed into a workspace by installing a desk or other furniture pieces. This extra space can improve your homes ventilation, reducing moisture buildup and lowering the risk of mildew growth.
Because they provide an enhanced view and additional living space, bay windows can increase your homes value and make it more desirable to potential buyers. They can also improve your homes energy efficiency, since they are able to let in more natural light and reduce air drafts.
While traditional bay windows have a timeless, classic beauty, they can be difficult to maintain. Because they project outward, they can be prone to leaks and poor weather seals. A professional can help you select the right type of weather stripping and caulking to prevent these issues.
3. Picture Windows
Picture windows are square or rectangular in shape and feature a single, non-operable pane of glass. They are often paired with other window styles to expand views and increase natural light, but can also serve as standalone fixtures in a home.
With a broad range of customization options, these window types can be designed to complement any architectural style and match the aesthetics of other windows in a home. Frame materials and finishes are key components to determining the overall appearance of these windows, with aluminum a popular choice for its sleek, contemporary look, and wooden frames offering an authentic and timeless feel. Homeowners can even choose to add decorative grilles for added interest or increased ventilation options, which are particularly beneficial if they live in areas with hot climates.
Because they are inoperable, picture windows are one of the most energy-efficient window types available, and this energy efficiency is heightened when homeowners choose to add additional features that improve insulation and energy efficiency. For example, insulated sashes, double- or triple-pane glass, and panels infused with krypton and argon can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of these windows.
As a bonus, picture windows offer improved sound insulation, which is particularly advantageous if a home is located near a busy street or adjacent to the ocean or other scenic outdoor landscapes. This can create a more peaceful and relaxing indoor environment.
While there are many advantages to choosing this window type, picture windows do not offer any form of ventilation and are therefore not the best choice for homes that need air conditioning or those with children who might be tempted to open them for an unsupervised view. In these cases, homeowners can still choose to install this window style by pairing it with operable windows like casement or awning windows to provide ventilation when needed.
When combined with the right interior design, picture windows can bring a sense of zen and well-being to any room. The abundance of natural light filtered through these windows has been shown to have numerous health benefits, and it can help reduce the amount of time that residents spend in artificial lighting throughout their home, which decreases energy costs.
4. Vertical Sliding Windows
Hung and sliding windows offer a variety of advantages over other window types, including easy cleaning access and improved ventilation control. However, determining which style is right for your home depends on the way you use the windows and your preferences regarding operation and appearance.
Hung windows feature sashes that slide up and down on tracks, allowing them to be opened from the top or bottom. This type of window is a popular choice in many homes due to its versatility and energy efficiency. In addition, hung windows can be used in tight spaces, which makes them an ideal solution for rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens where there is limited wall space.
Sliding windows, on the other hand, have a horizontal operating mechanism and do not require extra hardware like pulleys and weights, as they simply slide from one side to the other. They are also available in a wide range of sizes and colors to suit any type of home. This window type is often chosen for its simple yet elegant design, which offers a classic aesthetic that can complement any style of architecture.
Pros of Sliding Windows
A sliding window can offer a large view thanks to its wider opening than double-hung windows. It can also allow more natural light into your home, making it a great option for rooms such as the living room and dining room. Furthermore, these windows are also easier to open than hung windows and can be opened with just a single finger.
Cons of Sliding Windows
While these windows are easy to operate, they can become difficult to clean as dirt tends to collect on the track over time. In addition, if you have young children who may want to open the window, it is recommended that you install a lockable latch as an extra layer of security.
No matter what style of windows you choose for your home, The Window Depot can provide quality window installation. We have a large selection of both hung and sliding windows in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials to match your style and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our window products or schedule an in-home consultation with a professional installer.
