Let There Be Light! Everything about Windows
When you are choosing how to add cheer and effect to your room, consult our detailed window guide! We’ve put together basic descriptions,pros, and cons of each style to guide you through a sometimes overwhelmingprocess.
Skylight
The skylight can be a dramatic statement or a cheerfuladdition to a room. However, the ventilation area is usually less than 30%, andthe windows should be set on curbs with metal step and counter flashing.
Pros: Can beremote-controlled and coated to minimize exposure to UV rays, good for attics,sunrooms, and modern homes.
Cons: Must climbto roof to clean.
Gliding/Slider
Mostly used in modern or contemporary homes, a glidingwindow has at least one component that slides horizontally to allowventilation.
Pros: Easy toopen, doesn’t project outward so good for walkways and patios, fixed screenscan be added, large enough for evacuation.
Cons: Only oneside opens at one time.
Fixed/Picture
Perfect for harsh environments or statement views, fixedwindows are completely airtight and are often used in homes that requirespecial design requirements. The windows can be molded into any shape and canexpand entire corners.
Pros: No drafts,completely airtight, size/shape flexible, no view obstruction.
Cons: Noventilation, difficult to clean, vulnerable to breakage.
Casement
One of the most popular constructions today, the casementwindow adds charm through its traditional look.
Pros: Excellentventilation, low air-leakage rate, good noise reduction, lightly sealed forenergy efficiency, cranks make them easy to maneuver.
Cons: Swingingnature of the door keeps it from working well in a walkway or deck, largersizes tend to be difficult to operate, casements have hardware that need to bemaintained.
Double-Hung
Used since the 1700s, double-hung windows are a prominentfixture in American homes. The window consists of a lower and an upper movablepanel, which each work independently.
Pros: Easycleaning, structure of window creates a natural cycle of cool air coming in atthe bottom and warm air leaving out the top, stylish, bottom remains closed sogood for kids’ rooms.
Cons: The panescan obstruct your view, leaks more air than others.
Bay
The focal point of any room, a bay window consists of threepanes at different angles to create half a hexagon. These are mostly used incozy kitchens, reading rooms, and an occasional bedroom.
Pros: Multipleviews and angles, side windows can be opened for air circulation, adds highdecorative value.
Cons: Typically doesn’t come with screens.
Awning
These are the most functional windows as they extend outwardto resemble an awning and are often used to ventilate difficult spaces. Thereare four types of awning window designs: the top hinge window that opensinward, the hopper/utility window, the jalousie winder that is a series ofhorizontal glass panes that open outward, and the transom window that issometimes found above interior doors.
Pros: Window canbe left open during rain due to outward glass slop, lets hot air out, great forprivacy.
Cons: Too small for large ventilation, dust usually falls onto floor instead of being caught in the sash.
Skylight
The skylight can be a dramatic statement or a cheerfuladdition to a room. However, the ventilation area is usually less than 30%, andthe windows should be set on curbs with metal step and counter flashing.
Pros: Can beremote-controlled and coated to minimize exposure to UV rays, good for attics,sunrooms, and modern homes.
Cons: Must climbto roof to clean.
Gliding/Slider
Mostly used in modern or contemporary homes, a glidingwindow has at least one component that slides horizontally to allowventilation.
Pros: Easy toopen, doesn’t project outward so good for walkways and patios, fixed screenscan be added, large enough for evacuation.
Cons: Only oneside opens at one time.
Fixed/Picture
Perfect for harsh environments or statement views, fixedwindows are completely airtight and are often used in homes that requirespecial design requirements. The windows can be molded into any shape and canexpand entire corners.
Pros: No drafts,completely airtight, size/shape flexible, no view obstruction.
Cons: Noventilation, difficult to clean, vulnerable to breakage.
Casement
One of the most popular constructions today, the casementwindow adds charm through its traditional look.
Pros: Excellentventilation, low air-leakage rate, good noise reduction, lightly sealed forenergy efficiency, cranks make them easy to maneuver.
Cons: Swingingnature of the door keeps it from working well in a walkway or deck, largersizes tend to be difficult to operate, casements have hardware that need to bemaintained.
Double-Hung
Used since the 1700s, double-hung windows are a prominentfixture in American homes. The window consists of a lower and an upper movablepanel, which each work independently.
Pros: Easycleaning, structure of window creates a natural cycle of cool air coming in atthe bottom and warm air leaving out the top, stylish, bottom remains closed sogood for kids’ rooms.
Cons: The panescan obstruct your view, leaks more air than others.
Bay
The focal point of any room, a bay window consists of threepanes at different angles to create half a hexagon. These are mostly used incozy kitchens, reading rooms, and an occasional bedroom.
Pros: Multipleviews and angles, side windows can be opened for air circulation, adds highdecorative value.
Cons: Typically doesn’t come with screens.
Awning
These are the most functional windows as they extend outwardto resemble an awning and are often used to ventilate difficult spaces. Thereare four types of awning window designs: the top hinge window that opensinward, the hopper/utility window, the jalousie winder that is a series ofhorizontal glass panes that open outward, and the transom window that issometimes found above interior doors.
Pros: Window canbe left open during rain due to outward glass slop, lets hot air out, great forprivacy.
Cons: Too small for large ventilation, dust usually falls onto floor instead of being caught in the sash.
A casement window adds charm to any home.
Great fixed window
Letting in fresh air is so much easier with a sliding window.
Funky and functional are these awning windows
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