Windows bring in natural light while granting owners a view of the outside world, but they offer much more.
Different types of windows and their quality revolve around various factors, including how much ventilation they provide, their design and visual appeal, and total costs. When building or remodeling a home or business, choose the right type of window for your budget, style, and lighting needs.
1. Picture Windows
Picture windows function as great statement pieces, sure to impress any guest. These big windows let you thoroughly enjoy an outside view, whether a beautiful mountain range or a prized garden.
While homeowners can’t open these fixed windows, pairing them with standard windows adds flexibility and visual flair. Picture windows contain no frames or breaks for an undisturbed view. These large windows may also make a home look more prominent.
2. Double-hung Windows
Double-hung windows run along a vertical track, opening at the top and bottom. These windows create excellent ventilation and are easier to clean and replace than other types of windows.
While double-hung windows don’t add as much flair as other windows, their excellent ventilation capabilities and cost-effectiveness make them a fantastic buy.
3. Bay Windows
“Bay window” describes a style of windows bunched together, extending from a house. These windows join at angles and create a shelf or bay on the inside. Besides adding architectural intrigue, bay windows draw in plenty of natural light.
One potential drawback of bay windows is the price tag, as they require a more extensive installation process than other windows.
4. Louvered Windows
Like louvered doors, louvered windows provide a great deal of ventilation. Manufacturers typically use metal, wood, or glass to create louvers at a 45-degree angle. Louvers slope downward to combat rain or water run-off. Louvers are ideal for bathrooms or other private areas.
5. Awning Windows
One unique advantage of awning windows is that homeowners can open them during heavy rainfall. An awning extends from the top of the frame, protecting your windows from damage.
Their crank mechanism is easy to operate and creates a tight seal when closed. When opened, awning windows offer pleasant airflow, though they may obstruct spaces like walkways.
6. Casement Windows
Homeowners can’t go wrong with casement windows. While not as exquisite as other types of windows, casement windows open and close like regular door shutters.
The panel shutters include single and multiple options. Homeowners often purchase wire mesh to prevent flies and other insects from entering.
7. Sash Windows
A sash window is a casement window with fully glazed case panels. These windows consist of bottom, intermediate, and top rails. Sash bars—also known as glazing bars—divide the space between railings.
8. Dormer Windows
Many homeowners choose to complement their sloped roofs with dormer windows. Installers place dormer windows from a sloping surface that provides a greater feeling of space. Dormer windows also offer excellent ventilation and lighting.
9. Gable Windows
Instead of dormer windows for their sloped roofs, some homeowners opt for gable windows. Gable windows get their name because homeowners typically install them at the gable ends of their roofs for an attractive rustic appeal.
10. Horizontal Sliding Windows
Like casement windows, homeowners commonly use horizontal sliding windows. Their cost-effectiveness, along with their versatility, makes them an optimal choice for many.
Typically wider than double-hung or vertically opening single windows, horizontal sliding windows provide superb ventilation. They’re also easier to clean than some awning or casement windows. However, they tend to be less energy-efficient than hinged windows.
11. Clerestory Windows
Install clerestory windows in rooms with high and varying ceiling heights. Using a cord and pulley system, clerestory window shutters easily open for better ventilation.
12. Pivoted Windows
Pivoted windows use a pivot to control their shutters. A pivot is a type of shaft, and when opening and closing, a pivoted window may open vertically or horizontally.
13. Arched Windows
The main benefit of arched windows is their architectural appeal—specifically, their rounded tops. Like picture windows, arched windows remain mostly fixed. However, some open up similar to casement windows.
Depending on their size, arched windows provide the same great views as picture windows while adding flair.
14. Bow Windows
Many types of windows share similarities. For example, bow windows have some of the same visual features as bay windows. Bow windows extend views of your back or front yard by using curved windows to create a circular area outside your home.
A bow window is sometimes more expensive than a bay window, depending on how many window panels you require. Bow windows typically feature four to six windows, giving a home a more Victorian appearance.
15. Egress Windows
Many homeowners factor in visual appeal when installing a new window. Egress windows, however, mainly provide safety, with any visual appeal being an afterthought.
Common in basements, egress windows give you an escape route during an emergency like a fire when doors are out of the question. Some places, including Wisconsin, even require homeowners to install egress windows.
16. Glass Block Windows
While homeowners tend to think of glass block windows as mere accents, they help increase the flow of natural light into a room. Glass block windows come in adorned, frosted, and patterned designs, creating light and an extra layer of privacy.
Glass block windows consist of resilient material and provide security. They are ideal for private spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms.
17. Garden Windows
Garden windows act as mini bay windows, making them perfect for plants. Protruding from inside a home, garden windows are like tiny greenhouses perfect for plants, herbs, or growing vegetables. Many homeowners install them in their kitchens or living rooms.
Call Urban Exteriors Today
Many types of windows exist that provide different functional and visual purposes. To discover and install the right windows, let our professional Urban Exteriors team help. We’ve helped homes stand out for over 15 years.
Discover and install suitable windows for your home or business when you contact Urban Exteriors at our get a quote page!