Key Takeaways:
- Windows influence your home’s energy efficiency, security, and visual appeal.
- Options include fixed, sliding, casement, double-hung, bay/bow, awning, picture, transom, jalousie, egress, skylight, Palladian, storm, round, and garden styles.
- Key factors to consider are energy performance, upkeep, materials, and safety features.
- Each window type offers unique benefits that suit different architectural styles and needs.
- Expert installation ensures optimal performance and enhances your home’s overall comfort.
Explore Your Window Options
Choosing the right windows for your home is an important decision. After all, windows play a crucial role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your house, influencing the way you experience style and comfort!
With so many types available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. In this comprehensive guide, our WindowPRO team will explore various window types, helping you to understand your options.
Understanding The Importance Of Choosing The Right Window
From capturing scenic views to maximizing natural light, windows help create an inviting atmosphere. Not any window will do for your home though! This is because windows can significantly impact its energy efficiency, security and overall comfort.
By choosing the right window, you can protect your home’s comfort, boost its visual appeal and even save on long-term energy costs.
An Overview Of Window Types
Now that we’ve addressed why it’s important to select the right windows for your space, let’s explore 15 different types and their unique features.
1. Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are non-operable and provide unobstructed views of the outside. While this means they’re not a great option for providing ventilation, they are ideal for capturing scenic views and maximizing natural light in rooms.
2. Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are horizontally operable and are a popular choice for modern homes. They offer ease of use, great ventilation and a contemporary look.
Picture yourself effortlessly sliding open a window on a beautiful summer day, feeling the refreshing breeze and hearing the gentle rustle of leaves outside. Our team can provide dependable installations to make this possible!
3. Casement Windows
With hinges on one side, casement windows can be opened by cranking a handle. They provide excellent ventilation, making them perfect for rooms that are particularly susceptible to moisture.
4. Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have two sashes, both of which can be opened vertically. They provide flexible ventilation options and are commonly seen in traditional homes.
5. Bay And Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are styles comprised of multiple window panes that extend outward, creating a dramatic and spacious feel inside. They provide panoramic views, additional seating or display areas and allow more natural light to enter the room. Both options are capable of improving the comfort and aesthetics of your property.
6. Awning Windows
Awning windows open outward from the top. They’re designed to provide ventilation even on rainy days, as the open sash creates a shelter over the window opening. This style empowers you to enjoy fresh air and the soothing sound of raindrops from the comfort of your home.
7. Picture Windows
Picture windows do not open, but they do offer expansive views and ample natural light. This is similar to framed windows, though picture windows are distinguished by their smaller frame size. They’re often used in combination with other operable windows to create a custom window arrangement.
8. Transom Windows
Transom windows are narrow windows positioned above doors or larger windows. They allow additional light to enter a room and can add elegance to your space, enhancing its visual appeal.
9. Jalousie Windows
Jalousie windows consist of horizontally overlapping glass slats that open and close in unison. They provide excellent ventilation but can be less energy-efficient compared to other window types.
Imagine a home where you can adjust the slats in your windows to let in the breeze and listen to the sounds of life unfolding outside. Jalousie windows make this possible.
10. Egress Windows
Egress windows are required in all bedrooms and habitable basement spaces as they’re large enough to provide an emergency exit for those inside. They’re crucial for safety and code compliance. Additionally, these windows offer natural light to brighten up the space throughout the year.
11. Skylight Windows
Skylight windows are installed on the roof. This lets sunlight enter your home from above. They create a sense of openness and can be a stunning architectural feature in any home.
Picture lying in bed and gazing up at the night sky through a skylight window, feeling a connection with the stars and the vastness of the universe.
12. Palladian Windows
Palladian windows feature a large central arched window with two shorter rectangular windows on either side. This style of window adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to any home’s facade. These options can help your home exude timeless beauty and make a statement of architectural sophistication.
13. Storm Windows
Storm windows are installed on the exterior or interior of existing windows to provide an extra layer of insulation for your home. They can also protect your home in the event of harsh weather conditions.
Michigan residents see cold, snowy winters. Investing in storm windows will empower you to get cozy, sitting by a window and feeling snug while watching the snowflakes gently fall outside.
14. Round Windows
Round windows, also known as porthole windows, offer a unique design element and can be a focal point in any room. They’re commonly used in nautical-themed or contemporary homes.
If you have a modern beach house, round windows can create a playful and whimsical atmosphere, reminiscent of a ship’s porthole. No matter what look you’re trying to achieve, our team can guide you to a window option that delivers quality results.
15. Garden Windows
Garden windows are mini-greenhouses that extend outward from the house, typically in the kitchen area. They provide space for plants and herbs, allowing you to bring nature indoors.
With these windows in place, you can have a space filled with vibrant greenery and fragrant herbs, creating a fresh and invigorating environment as you prepare meals in the kitchen.
Factors To Consider When Selecting Windows
The style of the window is a crucial factor to consider, but it’s not the only one. You should take the time to ensure the windows you select are built with quality and provide the results you’re looking for.
Here are additional things you should keep in mind when examining your options:
- Energy efficiency — Search for ENERGY STAR® certified windows to ensure optimal energy performance.
- Maintenance — Consider how much maintenance your window will require. Some materials are easy to clean, and others may require more frequent upkeep.
- Materials — Windows come in various materials, each with its own pros and cons.
- Security — Ensure that the windows you choose can protect your home from intruders. Look for multi-point locking systems and laminated or tempered glass.
If you have any specific questions, get in touch with our team. We’d be happy to help you navigate your window replacement project!
Turn To Our Team For Expert Window Replacement In Southeast Michigan
WindowPRO has proudly been helping our community for over 100 years, earning a reputation as a reliable window replacement company. If you’re ready to make a change to your current windows, we’re the team to call!
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help your home.
