Home Improvement Articles and Remodeling Ideas

Installing Replacement Windows: No Pane, No Gain

Don’t overlook what you can gain by installing the right windows for your home. Putting in new windows can be an easy, inexpensive way to bring style and beauty into your home. Here are some window styles to choose from.

By Writer: Christina E. from Raleigh, NC on January 14, 2006
Category: Windows

No matter the season, a window allows you to experience all the wonders of the outside from the inside behind panes of glass to be opened at your whim. Windows allow in beautiful views and seasonal winds and many are reflections of architectural genius. Windows often lend definition to a room’s shape. And a frequently ignored aspect of a window is its function as an escape route in times of emergency.

Windows can absolutely change the way your house feels like home. Every style of window (floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, bay windows, etc…) connotes something different about your home and dictates a different style of life. Thus, because our needs and wants vary greatly from the next person’s there are many styles of windows available to choose from.

Types of Windows

Windows vary in types and sizes that operate and function differently. In general, windows are either fixed or operable. Fixed-pane windows are normally accent windows that are used for permitting light and views into a room but no ventilation. Operable windows are the common everyday windows that fold in or out, and slide up, down, or sideways. Here is an extensive list of window styles:

Double Hung

Double-hung windows are perhaps the most common window type found in homes. Ventilation can happen with only a small crack opening of the window or with an entire glass pane opening. If the entire pane opens in a double-hung window this means the bottom sash (frame or half) slides upward or the top sash slides downward. But only one sash can slide open at a time. Note: screens can be placed on the exterior or interior of the double-hung window unit.

Single-Hung

Single-hung windows are similar to double-hung windows but the difference is only the bottom sash of a single-hung window can open. It opens by sliding upward.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged at the sides and can be cranked or levered open like doors. They provide great ventilation due to the fact that both sashes (halves) of the window can be opened. Most casement windows open by projecting outward, but you can find models that swing inward too. In addition, because either side of the casement window can face in, they are much easier to clean than the majority other windows types.

Rotating Windows

A rotating window pivots open on one central point. In its open position the entire window is essentially unobstructed and therefore allows for excellent ventilation. And because both the inside and outside surfaces of rotating windows can be accessed from inside your home, cleaning them is simple.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows have sashes that move horizontally on a track. Most types of sliding windows are single-sliding window where only one sash slides and the other sash is fixed. Both sashes slide in a double-sliding window. Since only one sash actually slides, single-sliding windows provide less ventilation than rotating or casement windows. But sliding windows are pretty inexpensive and easy to clean. Plus, screens can be placed on the exterior or interior of the window unit.

Awning

Awning windows, also known as hopper windows, open outward or inward like casements windows but are hinged on the top or bottom and not the sides. They are easy to clean, and their screens are placed on the interior of the window unit.

Bay Window

A bay window is made up of three or more windows. A large picture window is in the center and flanked by smaller windows on the sides. The smaller units are set at angles of 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. All the units of the bay window can be stationary, operating, or a combination of both. Bay windows are often accentuated with window seats.

Bow Window

A Bow Window is a series of several adjoining window units—usually four or more, but often five in number—that curve or bow outward.

Jalousie Window

A jalousie or "louvered" window is comprised of narrow glass louvers or slats that tilt open to permit airflow. They resemble Venetian blinds in that their slats overlap one another, and they tilt open in unison by a crank or turn-screw. Jalousie windows offer generous ventilation, but they are not airtight, thus they are rarely seen in places in the home other than porches or sunrooms.

Fixed Pane

Fixed-pane windows are inoperable, which means they do not supply ventilation. You can find fixed-pane windows in almost any size or shape. Fixed-panes windows are those accent windows such as tiny arch windows, triangular and other exotic-shaped you find in homes. Often large picture windows are too.

Picture Window

A picture window is a large fixed-pane window meant to supply an unobstructed view. It is if the window is a frame enclosing a canvas.

Round-top

Round-top windows are any geometrical-shaped windows used for accenting a space. Some shapes include full, half and quarter rounds, ellipticals, inverted corners, ovals, gothic shapes, eyebrows and more.

Skylight

A skylight is a fixed-pane window that is installed overhead, usually on the roof and in the same sloping manner as the roof itself. A skylight can admit generous amounts of direct light as well as heat. Thus, installing skylights are often a wise investment.

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