Selecting the right windows for your home transcends aesthetics. Windows influence your comfort, your home’s energy efficiency, and your property's overall value. Our ultimate guide to common residential window types will help you navigate the expansive world of common residential window types.
How To Tell When It's Time To Replace Your Windows
Before we discuss the various types of windows, it’s important to understand why you need them. Energy efficiency is a top reason to seek window replacements. Windows over a couple of decades old don’t have the technological advancements in energy efficiency, such as low-E glass or argon gas between the panes. These features could trim your utility bills considerably.
Old windows are also more likely to have warped structures or harbor rot and mold, compromising the window's structural integrity or signaling excessive moisture and poor insulation. Windows that stick, refuse to stay open, or admit drafts also need a change.
Correcting past mistakes and fixing architectural aberrations are additional reasons to consider window replacement. Windows that a prior owner put in incorrectly or installed to chase a fleeting trend may simply look wrong now. Choose replacement windows in a style that will endure to preserve the value of your investment and your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Types of Residential Windows
Windows differ in appearance, operation, and use. Learning about common residential window types will help you match a style of window to your preferences and your home’s needs.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows combine classic style with optimal functionality. Both the upper and lower sashes of these windows slide vertically, offering unparalleled ventilation. Most new double-hung windows also offer easy tilt-in maintenance—a feature that discerning homeowners appreciate.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows impart a traditional visage with a fixed upper sash and a movable lower sash. Their simplicity is their strength. They offer ease of use and a timeless appeal at a cost-effective price point.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing open like a door, with hinges on one side, to offer an uninterrupted view and maximum airflow. They exude an air of sophistication while serving as a functional component that can significantly enhance energy efficiency with their tight sealing closures. They’re great for hard-to-reach places and provide panoramic views.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows move horizontally on a track. They bring a sleek and modern feel to your home’s exterior. These windows are perfect for contemporary homes. They unobtrusively offer expansive views and abundant natural light without consuming too much space.
Bow Windows
Bow windows project an elegant curve outward from your home, creating a stunning panoramic effect. Comprised of multiple windows adjoined at an angle, bow windows introduce additional space and light and act as an incredible focal point.
Bay Windows
Bay windows provide both a spacious feel and a dramatic extension to any room. Typically consisting of a central fixed window with angled vented windows flanking it, bay windows create a cozy alcove inside while providing a significant boost to curb appeal.
Garden Windows
Garden windows invite the outdoors into your home. Their box-like design juts out from the wall, providing space for plants, herbs, or decorative items bathed in natural light.
Picture Windows
Picture windows frame your view in an uninterrupted canvas of glass, converting your wall into a living portrait of the outdoors. These fixed windows bathe your space in natural light and capture expansive, scenic vistas. Casement windows often flank them for ventilation purposes.
Awning Windows
Awning windows have hinges at the top and open outward. They can provide ventilation even during a light rain due to their unique structure. These windows are suitable for climates where ventilation is as crucial as keeping out the elements. Often placed higher on walls for privacy or combined with larger stationary windows, awning windows add a touch of utilitarian charm.
Transom Windows
Transom windows introduce both light and architectural interest. Positioned above doorways or other windows, they add a decorative touch that can enhance both your home’s exterior and interior styling. Traditionally, transoms were operational to help with ventilation. But today, they also serve as a testament to the blending of form and function in design.
Clerestory Windows
Clerestory windows, located high on walls close to the roofline, capture daylight at its zenith, filling interiors with soft, natural illumination. These windows promote privacy while providing ambient light. Long poles that reach up to their heights can open and close them for passive heating or cooling. Functional and stylish, clerestory windows are the silent custodians of light in modern design.
Skylight Windows
Skylights offer an avenue for natural light to pour in from above, illuminating spaces with the sky's ever-changing beauty. Whether flat, domed, vented, or fixed, skylights transform unused roof space into a source of daylight and night sky views. Skylight windows can dramatically change a space and are visually spectacular and functionally sound.
Egress Windows
Egress windows are the unsung heroes of both safety and aesthetics. They provide a reliable escape route in case of emergencies and allow ample light into otherwise dark basements. Designed to comply with building codes, these windows offer peace of mind and style to lower-level living spaces. Installing egress windows helps ensure your home is up to code and brimming with natural light, making it a smart and savvy design choice.
Choosing an Installer Is As Important as Choosing a Window
A significant investment in high-quality windows can quickly prove worthless if you don’t have the windows installed correctly. Professional installation ensures functionality, durability, energy efficiency, and building code compliance. Entrusting your window installation to seasoned experts is essential, as window replacement professionals possess the mastery to avoid costly errors. They can provide precise sealing and fitting aligned with the industry's best practices. They can also navigate the labyrinth of local building regulations deftly. Moreover, they can provide advice and information about the common types of residential windows that might be best for your home’s style and your budget.
Reece Builders installs replacement windows for Winston-Salem, NC, homeowners. Our team of installation professionals has a legacy of meticulous work, backed with glowing testimonials from hundreds of satisfied clients that speak volumes about our commitment to excellence.
The right installation is every bit as important as the perfect window. Both work to secure your comfort and the enduring value of your investment in replacement windows and your home as a whole. We invite you to experience superior service from our dedicated specialists who stand ready to enhance your home’s character and performance.
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