Windows can significantly influence both your home’s interior and exterior. They improve the curb appeal, bring in natural light, and create a great impression on your neighbors. With so many advantages, installing the right windows can take you a step closer to maximizing the value of your home.
For those looking for ways to improve the value of their home, windows represent an opportunity to make any room look high-class and beautiful. Over the years, companies have come up with new and exciting styles of windows, which we will cover today in this blog.
Types Of Window Installation
The two types of window installation available are new window installation and replacement windows.
Replacement windows are used when you want to replace an existing window or door with something new. These windows are made to fit an existing window frame, and they can be installed in any home, but only if the structure of the window frame is still sound.
New windows installation involves installing the entire window system from scratch.
Generally, the price for new windows is more expensive than replacement window systems, but you also get a lot more options to choose from. You can install any window of your choosing based on the room’s interior and your preference.
Here are some common types of new windows:
- Flat Windows
- Fixed Windows/ Stationary Windows
- Round Windows
If you want to give your home a new dimension, consider installing one of the following seven stylish windows we will describe in the following section.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are one of the most popular types of windows in America. Most homeowners still prefer this traditional window style since it’s known to swing out and provide fresh air to your home.
Casement windows have a hinge that helps the windows swing outwards, similar to the door of your residence. This window can open fully and create a large space that makes them great for ventilation. They are also more energy efficient.
Casement windows are also known as crank windows or hinged windows, as they come with a crank to open them. These windows look best when used in bedrooms or kitchens because they allow for quick and easy access to ventilation. They can also be effective when installed on the second floor of a home with an open-concept layout, as they will allow for better light and airflow through your home.
Pros
- Casement windows are the perfect window types to improve your home’s ventilation.
- They can be opened and closed quickly, and improve energy efficiency
- They have excellent durability and most casement windows are weather-resistant
Cons
- The casement windows usually come in a fixed size and are generally smaller than other types of windows.
- This window type can be a bit costlier
- The small size and narrow frames make them unsuitable for installing air conditioning units as they will be unable to hold the weight.
Bay Windows
Bay Windows can be a great addition to your home. They get their name from the fact that they can create a bay-like structure on the inside of your home under the window frame. A bay window system is made by adding three side-by-side window panels that tend to protrude outwards. On the inside, you get access to a nice little corner that can be used for storage, a reading room, or soaking in the sun.
The three windows used may or may not be similar. In most bay window styles, the center panel is a picture window that does not open. However, you can open the windows on the sides for ventilation. The side panels can be sliding or double-hung, as per your preference.
Bay windows are a great way to add character to your home. Since they protrude from the side of your home, it helps give a nice dimension to your home exterior and improves the property’s curb appeal. They can also make it look more expensive. Bay windows are often used in large homes, which look even larger with the impression of spaciousness these windows give.
Pros
- They look visually appealing. Bay windows can improve the appearance of both the interior and exterior of your property.
- They create extra usable space on the inside.
Cons
- Like the casement windows, bay window types are expensive due to their high functionality.
- Bay windows are not suitable for every style of home.
- Due to their complex structure, the windows will require skilled labor, so make sure you hire a professional contractor.
Sliding Windows
Homeowners love sliding windows due to their design and easy-to-use system. As the name suggests, this type of window uses a slider to move one part of the window open or shut. Sliding windows are a great option to add additional light and charm to your home.
Where sliding windows excel is in the department of maintenance. They require significantly less upkeep and can last for years. They can be opened and closed easily and come with minimum mechanical parts.
Sliding windows are also super easy to clean, so you don’t have to worry about getting any streaks on them. They’re also perfect for homes with small children or pets because they can be easily locked when needed!
Pros
- They are one of the most accessible types of windows to handle
- Sliding windows are cost-effective and easy to install.
- These windows are available in multiple sizes and types, allowing you to customize them.
Cons
- Over the years, a sliding window can accumulate dust and even snow which can make them difficult to open.
- Not as energy efficient as casement or hung-window systems
Picture Windows
Picture windows are an excellent way to bring the outside world into your home. A picture window is a large framed, fixed window that cannot move or be opened. It looks exactly like a photo frame. It is often used in living rooms where homeowners want to make the most of their view. They provide a wide, unobstructed view of the outside and can help improve the aesthetic appearance of your home.
These windows can make your home more inviting and comfortable. They bring in natural sunlight, which can help you feel more energetic and alert throughout the day. These windows also add character to your home, giving it an aesthetic that is unique to you!
However, since the picture windows don’t open, they cannot offer any kind of ventilation. The windows can sometimes bring in a lot of sunlight that heats up your interiors, which can be an issue when the extra heat is undesirable, especially on hot summer days.
Pros
- A fixed picture window is one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of windows in the U.S.
- Due to the absence of any mechanical features, these are very cost-effective.
- They let in a good amount of natural light and look pleasing
Cons
- Picture windows offer no ventilation. You cannot open them to let the fresh air inside your home.
- Picture windows are not energy efficient and can increase your home’s temperature.
- Cleaning the outside of this window can be challenging, especially if you install them on upper stories.
Hung Windows
Hung windows are some of the most common types of windows in homes after casement windows. Usually found in modern homes, hung windows have a vertical sash that runs along the sides of the window and allows it to slide up to open, and down to close.
Hung windows are often used on the first floor of a home and have a lower sill, which allows for more headroom and easier cleaning.
Hung windows are generally classified into two broad categories: Single-hung and Double-hung. Let us discuss both types of windows.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are the most basic type of window available on the market. These windows open only from the bottom. They have a simple look that fits well with most homes.
Single-hung window styles are very popular because they’re easy to maintain and don’t require special tools or skills to operate.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are similar to single-hung windows but have two sashes instead of one. You can slide both the bottom and the top window parts. This makes them great for providing lots of light and air and gives you easy access to clean your window frames.
Due to the added functionality, double-hung windows generally cost more than traditional windows than one sash.
Pros
- Both single and double-hung windows are widely available throughout America.
- They have a simplistic design and wide applicability.
- The single-hung window style is available in a variety of window frame colors.
- They offer decent ventilation.
Cons
- The double-hung window is not as weather resistant as other windows on the list. There are chances of air leaks as the existing windows age.
- The vertical sash can occasionally get damaged, leading to the window pane slipping.
Awning Windows
Now let us move to another type of suitable window style, awning windows. This window is named after the awning cover because when you open them, they resemble the roof-like cover used by many homes and shops.
Awning windows are one of the most common windows found in homes. Awning windows can open outwards and upward and help ventilate the room’s interiors. When pushed outwards they tilt slightly towards you, which allows you to easily reach through the window to open or close them. The window performs well in harsh weather conditions and comes with an energy-efficient seal.
These windows are typically mounted above a door or other opening, such as the sink in bathrooms.
Pros
- Due to its slanting structure, the awning window style is perfect for areas that receive frequent rain, as you can enjoy the rain without it ruining your interiors.
- These window panels are durable, they offer better leak and wind resistance than other window styles.
- An awning window can perfectly complement other types of windows.
Cons
- The windows, though easy to open and close, can be fairly difficult to clean.
- The window is smaller than other single-window choices.
- If awning windows are opened near high-traffic areas such as decks or patios, they may cause injuries.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are a type of rectangular, flat window that you can crank open from top to bottom. These may not be as common as casement windows or even double-hung windows, but they’re slowly getting attention from homeowners.
You can install these window types to cover a smaller home area. The window is compact and perfect if you consider it for a bathroom or a smaller room.
Like egress windows, a hopper window is a good option for your basement. The window can provide ventilation to your basement area as per your preference.
At first glance, you may notice that hopper and awning windows look similar. However, while the upper sash of the awning window opens outwards, the hopper windows open inward. This feature also helps in reducing the risk of injury.
Pros
- This suitable window is easier to clean as it opens inwards. You do not have to go outside to clean it.
- Suitable for ventilation and can be installed in multiple locations
- Their small size makes it difficult for burglars to break in.
Cons
- Small sizes can sometimes restrict adequate ventilation.
- Unlike an awning window, you cannot open a hopper window during rain as the water can seep into your interior space.
Get Suitable Windows For Your Home
As you see from the options above, there are plenty of window types that will make your home look expensive and luxurious. You don’t have to resort to a few basic options. There are so many more options available, so you can customize your home and make it look beautiful!
If you are looking for quality window installers in Hainesport, or the surrounding New Jersey area, stop searching! The team at Champion Exteriors is here to help. With over 85 years of experience and an outstanding reputation, our team is trained to install all types of windows. We do it all, whether it’s classic, double-hung windows or modern slider windows.
We are also the proud installers of ProVia Windows and Doors. Contact us today at (609) 845-3576 to learn more about us and our services.