If you live in an older home, or plan to purchase one, one of the first upgrades you should make is replacing the windows. It’s hard for your house to feel comfortable, cozy, and beautiful when you have 40-year-old windows that you can barely see through, have cracked paint, and hardly even open.
But as you begin your research when replacing windows, you’ll be met with tons of options. There are many different types of windows to choose from, many different brands, and many different price points.
How do you go about choosing windows? How do you decide between so many different window options?
Keep reading to figure out what the best windows are for your home, and what considerations are the most important.
Signs You Need New Windows
So how do you know if you need new windows? For one, if your windows are difficult to open, or can’t open at all, that’s a surefire sign your windows are too old.
Not only do broken windows make your home uncomfortable, but they are also dangerous. If there’s ever a fire at your home, windows are meant to offer an escape route. If your windows are hard to open, you could face dangerous consequences.
If your windows are cracked, you need some new glass. Do you feel a lot of hot air coming in during the summer? Or cold air coming in during the winter? Your windows aren’t working to insulate your home and are costing you lots of money on your utility bills.
If you notice that the window is very thin, it might only have a single pane. These don’t work very well to insulate your home and are more prone to breakage. These are all tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your windows and start fresh.
Types of Windows
So what kinds of windows do you have to choose from? Here are some of the most common choices for modern homes.
Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are some of the most common styles used today. They contain two window parts; an upper section and a lower section. Both sections can move up and down on sliders.
The windows hang in the track separately. You can unlatch the top of the window and pull the window out, making it easy to clean both sides of the window from indoors.
They’re simple, affordable, and can match the aesthetic of your home with ease. You can choose to get them with or without grids, otherwise known as muntins, for added character.
If you are looking to get new double-hung windows, consider using the most popular and trusted window company. Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement provides the highest-quality, most reliable double-hung windows you can get.
Casement Windows
Casement windows feature one large piece of glass, as opposed to two separate window pieces on a double-hung window. The casement window opens outwards by cranking a handle, similar to how a door opens.
Because the entire window opens, it’s easier to let air into your home than with double-hung windows. These are the second most popular window choice in modern homes.
Just make sure you have enough space to adequately open your casement windows. If you have trees or bushes directly outside a window, it may be difficult to open.
Awning Windows
Functionally, awning windows operate in the same way that casement windows do. But instead of vertical windows that open from the side, awning windows are horizontal windows that open from the form the bottom. The window hinge is along the top border of the window.
These windows are great to use in rainy climates since you can keep them open and rain won’t be able to get inside the home. Though they aren’t quite as effective as letting the breeze into your home as casement windows.
Slider Windows
Slider windows are less common these days. Though they are still seen in older or classical homes.
They are similar to double-hung windows in that they feature two window sections. One is fixed, while the other slides open to the side. They are super easy to use, making them a great choice if you like to open and close your windows constantly.
And since there aren’t any cranks, there’s less chance of a mechanical failure. The windows, however, appear to have a dated design and might not look great on your home.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are usually a collection of three or more windows that are shaped outwards, forming a bay or a bow. This portion of your wall curves outward, away from your home.
These are difficult to add to your home if you don’t already have bay windows installed. But they offer a ton of character and are often used as a centerpiece in the living room or dining room.
Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows are cheap, durable, and offer privacy. They let light into the home, but they don’t allow you to see in or out thanks to the frosted design.
They are great for use in bathrooms where privacy is of the utmost importance. They can also be used for small basement windows. You can have a small screen installed as well, to allow for minimal airflow.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are those that don’t open or move in any way. They simply offer a view and let light into the home. In residential settings, they are most used in stairways or high up on walls that you couldn’t reach anyways.
Window Considerations
When you have a type of window in mind, be sure to choose windows of the highest quality. Higher quality windows, regardless of design, should be energy efficient. They should keep drafts from getting in and changing the temperature of your home.
They should also work to block the sound from any roads that you have nearby. And of course, they should match the aesthetic of your home. Not all types of windows will match your home, so consult a professional before making a decision.
Get a Window Replacement Quote Today
Now that you know how many different types of windows there are for your home, it’s time to get some quotes. Contact your local window replacement companies to see what they recommended, and compare quotes among different companies.
The sooner you replace your windows, the sooner you’ll be able to truly relax and feel at home in your house.
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