Windows are a common household item today. However, not everyone knows what the different window types are and how they vary from one another. This is a guide explaining some of the different types of windows to help you choose the right type of window for your home improvement or renovation project.
Double Hung Windows
These windows are a very common type of window. They are also known as “swing windows” because they swing open horizontally on hinges.
This type of window has two separate panels that each have glass panes and a movable sash with one or more fixed sashes between them. The advantage of double hung windows is it provides improved insulation to your home, making it both energy-efficient and cost-effective. They can be opened for ventilation during the warmer months and closed in cold weather to keep warm air inside your house.
Casement Windows
These windows are ideal for mounting on a wall. You can open them using the handles found on their side. When closed, these windows will not provide you with much ventilation because they don’t have any grilles or vents that can be opened hence reducing the air circulation. Although their installation is quite easy, it takes more time and energy to clean such windows than the usual type of window.
Casement windows are great for opening from the bottom up hence letting in fresh air into your home; however, it’s advisable that you seal off any casement window during winter so that cold wind doesn’t come blowing inside your home.
Bow Windows
This term refers to different kinds of rounded arches used on doors that lead into a room or building; bow window, however, more specifically refers to double-hung windows in which there are 4 panes-2 sashes supported by one central mullion(a structural bar). If you notice carefully, the bow window will appear like an arch covering most parts of the wall surface when open. It is great for letting in natural light into your home and is quite easy to clean.
Bay Window
A bay window refers to a window that projects from the wall of a building; it is usually flanked on both sides by vertical sashes. The name “bay” comes from the architectural design known as bays, which are short sections of walls that project forward from an upper story or entablature.
Bays can be divided into 2 parts(windows), with a horizontal member called the mullion dividing them into 3 parts-the vertical glazing unit, the horizontal section above this, and typically containing other windows or openings such as balconies and French doors leading out onto a porch or deck, and finally the sill beneath the window opening.
Awning Windows
The main idea for these windows is to allow as much natural light and air into your home hence reducing energy consumption costs. These windows can also be opened or closed depending on the season hence making them ideal for altering their use when necessary. You only need to raise or lower the sashes(casements) at either side of the fixed frame, making it possible for you to open or close them respectively.
It’s advisable that you place a curtain over such a window during winter because cold winds can come blowing in from outside through these windows if left unprotected with a transparent covering; however, this doesn’t mean that people living in areas with mild climates don’t require treatment against cold winds.
Picture Window
The picture window is made up of small panes, therefore, making it possible for them to provide you with ample natural light, as well as providing a spectacular view from the inside out; Great for those people who have a passion for looking at the scenery from their homes.
It is advisable that during winter you cover such windows with curtains to reduce the rate of heat loss into your home. Such awareness will actually help lower energy costs significantly.
Skylight Windows
These windows are made up of a number of small and large panes combined to provide you with ample natural light which, in turn, helps reduce energy consumption costs.
The most striking feature about these windows is that they’re installed on roofs hence providing direct sunlight through them into your home, therefore, enabling you to enjoy overhead lighting during daytime; however, it’s advisable that curtains or blinds be placed over such windows during summer because excessive sunlight can cause heat buildup and help raise energy consumption costs.
The type of window you choose for your home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your windows are a source of natural light and ventilation, as well as protection from weather elements like rain, wind, snow, or hail. With so many different styles to choose from it can be overwhelming when trying to decide which one will work best for your needs – that’s why this blog post is here.