If you’ve been reading here for a while, then you know that we’ve transformed our entire house from a nearly-abandoned 1970 something, to our home… and our favorite place. A big part of that transformation was the windows, and we shared a little bit of that process in our last post with Window World. If you have a question about the process, be sure to check out all of this here where we’ve rounded up the entire story.
The transformation of this home has been so satisfying. We’ve never been more thrilled.
The process of changing out our windows started with a consultation and quote. We ordered, and they came. They were installed. {And if you missed our post on replacing windows, check out the full why, here.} Seriously… I was scrambling for my camera by the time they were halfway finished. And I didn’t have to panic over the siding or what the process was. It was effortless.
Here’s a little more of our step by step process with Window World, in case you’re curious! It’s been a total transformation of our home, with all of their products.
• Choosing windows
• Why it’s good to replace your windows
• The process of installing new windows
• Combining the new with the old
• Opening your views
• All about the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval
• Evolution of a house with window world – some more fun before and afters!
But today, we’re discussing the different styles of windows, since this is often a popular question with our clients.
This should help clear the air with options, since we wouldn’t want you to miss out on what’s best for you.
Today we’re breaking it down, because knowledge is power {yes, I did just write that}.
And because Window World offers so many great choices!
Different styles of windows
Single hung Windows
These are the windows we grew up around, that you may be familiar with from your childhood. Like their name implies, only one side is actually “hung” or moveable. Typically, it is the lower “sash” or portion of the window that adjusts up or down.
Double-hung Windows
This is what we’ve added to our own home, and we absolutely love them.
Unlike the single hung windows, these windows allow both “sashes” or portions of the window to move. It is a great option for homes with kids, allowing you to leave the bottom sash closed while opening the top sash to let in some fresh air to the home. No need to worry about a child pushing through a screen on an open window. {Not that we have any experience as a kid having torn up a few. Sorry, Mom.}
Another great benefit of these windows is that both the top and bottom sash will tilt in making cleaning the windows from the inside super easy, no need for ladders on the outside of the home. You can reach them at any level. Winning! {Also, this may or may not be on our spring cleaning to do list.}
Picture Windows
These windows are used in a space where bringing light into the room is the primary goal. They are large and in charge and make a stunning statement in your home.
They’re fixed windows and are added to spaces where you do not need a window to function as a way to let air in. They’re great additions to areas with high ceilings or facing unique landscape you’d like to show off from the inside. They truly make you feel like you are a part of the outdoors while enjoying the climate control of the indoors.
Sliding Windows
These are the moveable cousin of the Picture window. While designed to give you that picturesque view, they don’t sacrifice the ability to let in the fresh air. This horizontal opening style provides the perfect solution for areas of the home where you don’t have the leverage required to easily open a window, such as behind a kitchen sink.
Casement Windows
Unlike their double and single hung cousins, these windows open or “crank out” with a horizontal opening. These windows are great for full ventilation as it allows the entire window to open as you air out the home. They can also work well as a part of a larger window installation such as a center for your bay window.
The design of casement windows offers better security than other window types, which may appeal to homeowners who are nervous about break-ins.
All four sides of the casement window seal into the sash when the window is locked from the inside, which makes it much harder to break into. The locks on these windows have a hook shape and embed into the frame.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay windows are the fun-loving cousin of the window group. If they had an enneagram number, they’d be a seven.
They bring everyone together and can combine three or more single-hung, double-hung, casement, or picture windows to create an extraordinary focal point for your space. It’s your chance to have fun and bring aspects of different functions of each window style you love into play. They add an enhanced degree of light and depth to areas such as kitchens or family rooms and provide you with the perfect place to create a window seat or reading nook while creating visual interest in your home.
If you want to switch to bay Windows and need someone to help with that you can try your local Window World or if they are not in your area, try this search for installing bay windows.
Architectural
With architectural shapes, you can perfectly accent a window configuration or provide a dramatic addition.
Available in a variety of full and half-circles, octagons, hexagons, ovals, and more, these windows fit a wide range of spaces to create an incredible focal point, especially for homes that feature vaulted ceilings. Additionally, some shaped window options are also available in operable configurations, allowing fresh air to flow into the home.
Basement Hopper Windows
You know your kid isn’t moving out, so might as well give them some light right? Kidding, not really.
These windows are great for those spaces like basements, garages, and attics where you want some light but also need to enhance security and energy efficiency in vulnerable areas.
They are especially great for those spaces that are partially below grade that you’d love to infuse some daylight.
Garden Windows
Often found in kitchens and laundry rooms, these picturesque windows provide ample sun exposure from three sides, bringing in beautiful light and allowing plants to flourish.
And if you’re anything like us you need all the help you can get when growing plants.
Other things to know about windows.
Window Grids: what are they?
You may also hear someone refer to these as lights as well.
What they are referring to is the dividers inside the windowpane. In essence, you can think of it as individual windows inside the larger pane. (remember there are a top and bottom pane in some windows.) These dividers (grilles) help bring uniqueness and diversity to your window. and come in an almost unlimited combination.
For example: You can have what is called a 4 over 1 which would be 4 “smaller” windows over just one. The top pane would have a cross divider in it while the bottom wouldn’t have a divider. The name simply represents how many “smaller” windows are in the larger pane.
Single Pane vs Double Pane
You should probably run away from single-pane windows. They’re a thing of a bygone era. We can’t fault you for holding on to those antiques with wavy glass in a historical home… we personally think this would be the only reason to not replace your windows. But there’s still a lot to consider.
This distinction is what it sounds like, and double-pane windows offer a variety of benefits from security to climate control and UV protection. Generally, older homes will have single-pane windows and this is the number one reason to upgrade. It was one of the main factors for us during our renovation when we switched ours out for our new Window World windows. They were old and crusty and covered with even crustier storm windows, which wasn’t very safe in case of an emergency or fire.
Single pane windows are great for DIYing that greenhouse, but not much else.
Tempered
This is simply a process in which the windows are strengthened to prevent breakage, but ultimately if they do break, will not shatter. These are a must around doors, where the risk of breakage is higher.
This is one thing that we pushed us towards Window World when we replaced our windows. With three kids and two dogs and well… Murphy’s Law. That’s Jamin, most definitely standing on one. Risky since we know his history with garden stools. {See: Aforementioned Murphy’s Law}
There are a host of reasons to consider replacing your windows and you can check out a few more reasons why we replaced our windows here.
The entire experience was amazing.
New windows are a real game changer. From opening it up for more light, to energy and safety and so much more. We love the fabulous options that Window World has to offer, and hope that this helps you clarify any questions you may have!
So have you tried Window World? Let us know if we can answer any questions.
Have an inspired day!
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