You may be undertaking a major remodeling project in your home, including new replacement windows throughout, or you may just need to replace a window in a small room. In any case, it’s helpful to be clear on the names of the various types of windows. So, here’s a handy little guide to the most common window styles, with the essential information about each one.
The 7 Most Common Window Styles
By some accounts, there are nearly 30 different types of windows, or more, manufactured today. Though the estimates vary from one industry source to another, most will agree that seven types of windows for homes are the most commonly installed. Here‘s a brief description of each and points about what makes them so popular:
Casement Windows
The opening of a casement window is vertical shaped, which is usually taller than the width of the window. Casement windows swing outward. They provide excellent ventilation. They are operated by a crank handle, which is typically very easy to operate with just the fingertips of one hand. All sides of the swinging window panel are surrounded by a weather-tight gasket. This is an added feature for energy efficiency that sliding windows cannot offer.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are designed to swing outward, like casement windows. But, awning windows are hinged on the top, whereas casement windows are hinged on the side. So, awning windows swing open outward, leaving a horizontal opening, whereas casement windows swing out leaving a vertical opening. Awning windows provide excellent ventilation. The crank handle of awning windows is easy to operate when stretching to reach the window, making this style great for higher locations on the wall.
Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows look the same as single-hung windows when they’re closed. The difference between the two styles is that the double-hung windows’ top and bottom sashes can be opened for ventilation or cleaning. Either sash can be opened by sliding up and down, and the lower sash can be tilted inward. Double-hung windows can also offer additional safety when parents keep the bottom sash latched and open the top sash for air, preventing small children or pets from accessing an open window.
Single Hung Windows
Single-hung windows have upper and lower sashes, like double-hung windows. Only the lower sash opens, and it opens vertically. These are frequently used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and other small spaces. Single-hung windows are popular because they cost significantly less than otherwise identical double-hung versions.
Horizontal Sliding Windows
Horizontal sliders are one of today’s top window styles, most likely because they are so versatile and sleek. They are typically wider than single- or double-hung windows, which open vertically. Horizontal sliders can be designed to open from one side only or from both sides. Unlike some other popular window styles, horizontal sliders make it easy to clean the exterior of the windows from inside the house. Some horizontal sliders may be a little less energy efficient than hinged window alternatives.
Picture Windows
A picture window is a stationary window that is usually larger than average windows and is positioned to present a view of the outdoors. If desired, in a custom-shaped picture window, the glass can have decorative features added for aesthetics and to minimize the risk of breaking a large glass window in an area with a lot of activity. Since a picture window does not open, it doesn’t provide ventilation, but its permanent seals deliver increased energy efficiency.
Bay Windows
A bay window consists of several glass window panels grouped with one or more in the center of the composition positioned to extend outward from the wall. This even adds a little square footage to the interior of the room. Bay windows are popular in modern kitchens to create a peripheral view that is impossible from windows flush with the wall. The side-angled windows flanking the wider center window may be designed to open for added ventilation.
Why Choose Advanced Window Products?
Our goal is to help you choose the best type of windows for your home in styles you will be happy with for many years to come. So, we build the highest quality of custom energy-efficient replacement windows in virtually any style you want. We also want to make sure you have all the details you need on glass, types of window frames, and installation to make a well-informed decision.
