HouseWindows

Types of House Windows

What types of house windows are available to you when building or remodeling a home? These days, there are so many choices, it can feel overwhelming. Deciding the best types of house windows for your dwelling can be a fun process, but it is very important to examine your needs and the appearance of the home so that you are clear on what you want before you begin the shopping process.

Consider Window Needs

The types of house windows appropriate for your house's style should revolve around three main components; how energy efficient they are, their looks, and overall costs. Take some time to figure out your replacement house windows needs in these three areas. Once you figured that out, more detailed factors like types of frame, frame material and glass types can be figured out simply, keeping the big picture in mind.

Cost is probably the most important factor in window selection or replacement. If this is a situation where you are replacing the existing panes in your home, you need to budget a couple hundred dollars per opening. This estimate is for the least expensive kind of model installed in an existing opening. If you upgrade the material, or the size, the price will go up substantially.

When considering your needs, think about where in the house the window will be installed. You will not need the same exact types of features in each window in your house. For example, a window facing north may require more insulation than one facing the south, which may require tint or extra shading.

Insulation is important not only in extreme hot or cold environments. A well insulated window will also help keep mold and mildew at bay. Condensation caused by the temperature differences between inside and out, can drip down into the drywall surrounding a window frame and cause health-damaging mold. Double and triple paned windows, with well insulated frames, do not have this issue.

Another option to keep in mind is the amount of solar heat gain a window allows. If you live in a cold climate, there are models out there that actually increase the warmth allowed into the home. If you live in a desert region, you would want the exact opposite, and may even require windows with UV blocking, which will protect furnishings and carpets from sun fade.

Lastly, don't forget the looks of your new window. Windows are such a large feature of any house. They affect the appearance both inside and outside the home. Consider the material it is made of, its shape and style, and how that fits into the existing architecture of the dwelling before making a buying decision.

Choosing Windows

First off, always select types of house windows that have been independently certified via NFRC. Also look for Energy Star certification. This is a mark of a quality manufactured product, as well as an indication that these will save you money down the road.

When picking out the types of house windows for your dwelling, don't think you have to select just one type or style of house window. This is true even if you are replacing five single-hung windows of the exact same size! There is no one type of window that is perfect for all the unique situations around your home. A casement, that opens outward, may be perfect for an area of the house that gets the afternoon winds in the summertime. That outward opening will scoop those cooling breezes right into your living area. A large slider can replace an old fixed picture window and add ventilation to a room that never had it before.

Consider your home's current environment when selecting the material types for your new house fixtures. It bears repeating that new types of house windows installed can make your abode look very different. Although aluminum is inexpensive, for example, it looks best on ranch style and more casual types of homes. If you live in a faux-Tudor, you may want to consider wood or composite.

Consider any window accessories at the beginning of the process. First floor windows may require extra types of security measures. Types of house windows you plan on using for ventilation purposes will probably require screens. If you deal with particularly strong summer sun, ask about enclosed blinds, where the blinds are inside the panes of glass on double or triple paned models.

Don't let the many types of house windows out there cause you undue stress. Take note of what you like, and don't like about your current types of house windows, make a wish list of features, and use our easy to fill out quote request form, located at the top of this page, to connect with local installers and service providers.