Garden Windows vs. Double Hung Windows

19 years ago

We are considering replacing 2 double-hung windows over our kitchen sink with a double-paned garden window. But we're hearing that many people who have done the same thing have regretted it. We've been told garden windows have so little insulation, that too much cold air comes in. We also were told that no plant will grow in them during the winter because of the cold. And we've been told that if use low-E glass or argon gas in between the panes to insulate, no plant will ever grow. A previous post seems to indicate that low-E glass will not affect a plant's growth but I saw no mention of argon gas.

We would appreciate any guidance on whether we've been told the straight story. We live in Northern Virginia so our winters can get fairly cold. But usually for no longer than 3, maybe 4 months.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

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Comments (6)

Michael
19 years ago
A quality garden window will be well insulated at the seat board.Don't buy one that isn't. It will use insulated glass with low e which does not prohibit plant growth. A quality garden window will not leak when installed properly nor will the casement sashes leak when closed and locked.

The sour grapes must come from someone who purchased a poor quality unit and it was installed by poor installers. That happens every day of the week.

Buy quality and have it installed by trained, professional installers.

Michael
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
19 years ago
Brush works if dead on in his statements. The style of window has little to do with the quality issues that someone is quoting there.
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tommyw
19 years ago
I just completed installing my new garden window in our kitchen. It's 7 ft. X 6ft. The old one was poorly made and was over 24 yrs. old. The new one is extremely well made and well insulated. As a result they are heavy! It took six men to lift it in place for securing to the opening.
Saljean
19 years ago
This is just my opinion: I'd only consider a garden window IF:
- I lived in a COLD climate, and
-the window faced south or maybe west, and
-it did not take away from the architectural style of my home and...
-most importantly, I was actually going to use it to grow herbs in the winter, etc.! (A neighbor has one, but has stupid fake flowers & little figurines in it. Tacky.)

When I lived in NYC, I would have LOVED one, as I loved having houseplants and kitchen herbs in a sunny window. But here in sunny SoCalif, I wouldn't haveÂor wantÂone, though plenty of people do. Ironically, I seldom see REAL plants in them. So, go figure.

I also don't really like the boxy-ness of them, but that is a personal thing.

As brushwork said: make sure it is quality all around.

good luck!
jessie21
19 years ago
i was considering a garden kitchen window too but had more than one contractor advise against it. no matter the quality of product and installation, it is much more likely to be plagued by problems. anyone out there have a garden window for 10 or more years and still no problems and easy to keep looking nice? if so, i might still consider it.
schrims_integrity_com
15 years ago
We live in So.CA. and have an old alum. single glass type that is pre-1884. We love it. We "always" have plants in it, and maybe couple herbs to start. No problems. However, it is a top vent that faces East and under a 45" eave. Window is 47W x 34H x 15D. Were gonna replace with a "white one", but don't know if low-e glass is any benefit, or detriment. What we have is not broke (so why fix it?), but it's time for an update. I would suppose if we faced South or West we may not have the success we have had (over the kitchen sink). Saljean- if you never had one, you don't know what your missing until you had one.