Besides being the looking glass into the outside world from the interior of your home, windows add to aesthetic house appeal – inside and out. As home components, windows serve a dual functional.

They provide light and control air flow throughout the house, and allow for exits from the house in case of an emergency. Windows also affect the comfort of interior climate and play a vital role in the way your home gains and loses heat.

Window frames come in a variety of materials. Including traditional wood; this provides the best insulation, although water, humidity, sunlight, and other outdoor elements take their toll. Making regular maintenance and upkeep necessary in order to keep wood frames looking attractive and in good repair.

Other frame materials include aluminum and vinyl (PVC-U) – both virtually maintenance free; offering a more modern look that enhances a variety of home styles. Composite frames such as fiberglass are also available. With the same advantages of aluminum and vinyl, they are also strong and long-lasting.

Although they are a more expensive window frame choice, one added advantage of composite frames is that they can be painted for a more natural look.

Window Types

Older double-hung windows have heavy sash weights concealed behind the frame’s side jambs. The weights are connected by a rope and pulley system that counterbalances sashes. Making them easy to open and enabling them to stay in partial opened positions.

Newer double-hung windows use spring lift devices instead of weight and pulley. Both newer and older double-hung windows allow for one-half the total area to be opened for ventilation. Besides being arranged in single units, doubled, or in groups of three or more, they are often used on either side of a large stationary insulted window to create a “window wall.”

More traditional than other the window types, double hung are also the most familiar and a good window choice when you want to maximize the amount of wood on the interior of a home. They come in various widths; from short and narrow, to tall and wide – up to 45-inches. Opting to one larger window in place of two smaller, narrower casement windows can help homeowners cut down on new window costs.

Other types of windows available include:

• Casement windows – which are becoming more common in newer homes. They work like a door, swinging to the side to open and close, and are a great window choice in areas where windows are harder to reach – such as over the kitchen sink. They are available in a variety of sizes and in square and rectangle shapes; as well as custom shapes such as arches and trapezoids.
• Sliding windows – also called “sliders,” open one-half the width of the total window area. Some have one fixed sash, and another that slides; on other styles both sashes slide to open or close. Sliding windows are the perfect choice for homeowners who desire an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
• Awning windows are similar to casement windows but wider than they are tall; they tilt outward instead of off to the side. Some also slide downward as they tilt, allowing them to open at a nearly horizontal position for maximum cooling effect. Awning windows are commonly placed above or below another type window or over a door, providing more light and ventilation
• Jalousie windows use a series of glass slats that overlap one over another, and pivot open when a crank is turned. The sloped slates allow cooling ventilation while resisting direct sunlight and shedding rain. Because the design is not airtight nor energy efficient, many building codes no longer allow jalousie windows for interior home use. They also represent a security risk. Therefore, these type windows are usually reserved for breezeways, porches, and other unheated areas of a home; especially in warmer-climate areas.
• Bay windows are typically three windows joined together. The center pane is stationary with double-hung or casement windows placed at an angle on either side. Arching out, giving the sense of reaching out into the world and capturing the most view in a limited amount of space.
• Bow windows are similar to bay, but consist of four or more casement windows jointed together, forming a graceful curve. Choices include fixed windows, vented windows that can be opened, or a combination of both. Creating a visually stunning effect and an entirely new look to a room, while at the same time offering more space, light, and enhancing outside view.
• Fixed windows cannot be opened. They are available in a wide range of sizes; up to 48-square feet. They come in different shapes with various features, and are often used by themselves or in addition to other window types. Very large fixed windows are often referred to as “picture windows;” they monopolize a wall with an unimpeded outdoor view.
• Circle-head windows are another type of fixed window. Used as an accent over tall windows or doors, they add more light and an elegant, dramatic flair. Available in a wide variety of shapes to be used singularly or in combination with others.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations