Are you looking to install new windows, but aren’t sure which ones to choose?
Finding the right windows for your home can be a difficult task.
But, learning about the different types of windows can make your decision easier.
What styles of windows do you need to know about?
Check out this guide to learn about the most popular window styles for your home.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are one of the most popular window styles available.
These windows are composed of two sashes that can slide up and down along vertical tracks.
These windows are great for traditionally-styled homes, and they look great in ramblers, bungalows, and farmhouses.
Because double-hung windows are so popular, a wide variety of manufacturers make them.
This means the sky is the limit in terms of selection.
The great thing about double-hung windows is that they’re very easy to open and close.
And, because the tracks are vertical, they won’t fill up with dirt and grime too easily.
The biggest downside to double-hung windows is that they sometimes require maintenance in order to operate smoothly.
These windows also typically cost between $450 and $600 to install, making them one of the more expensive options on the market.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are another excellent window replacement options.
With single-hung windows, the bottom panel moves up or down, while the top panel remains stationary.
This means that when you open the window, the upper area is covered on the inside.
Typically, single-hung windows are a bit cheaper to install than double-hung windows, costing about $170 to $360 for installation.
While they are more affordable, single-hung windows can be a bit more difficult to clean due to the fact that only one sash can be open and closed.
However, single-hung windows are known for being a bit more energy efficient than double-hung windows.
Again, because only one sash can be opened, there are fewer opportunities for heat to sneak in.
It’s also important to keep in mind that both single and double-hung windows need to be cleaned from the outside.
Depending on how high up the windows are, this may be difficult for some homeowners.
Awning Windows
Awning windows come with mechanical cranks that allow you to open and close them.
When cranked, the window opens from the bottom while the top edge stays in place.
These windows are popular for lower-level areas of the home where intruders might be a problem.
These windows are also popular in wet, warm climates where you may want to open your window even when it’s raining.
The biggest downside to awning windows is that they can’t let in fresh air from the outside as easily as some other window types.
You can expect to pay between $420 and $760 to install awning windows.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are another excellent option for your home.
Like awning windows, casement windows also come with a mechanical device so they can be cranked open.
When you turn the crank, one side of the window remains stationary while the other opens like a door.
Casement windows are very popular for kitchens and anywhere you want to let in natural light and fresh air.
They’re great for modern-style homes, and they tend to be fairly secure against intruders.
The downside to casement windows is that when they’re fully opened, they can be broken off by strong winds.
For this reason, you’ll want to be careful about fully opening your casement windows on extremely windy days.
Also, the mechanical devices that open and close casement windows are susceptible to failure and require some maintenance.
You can expect to pay between $270 and $750 to install casement windows.
Bay Windows
Bay windows, sometimes referred to as bow windows, extend outward from the wall in a horizontal direction when opened.
They’re referred to as bay windows when the shape resembles a flat square, and they’re referred to as bow windows when the shape is more curved.
Bay and bow windows make great visual centerpieces for parlors, large living rooms, and family rooms.
If you have an attractive outer area that you’d like a good view of, bay windows are an excellent option.
Another major benefit of bay windows is that they provide some extra shelf space.
A lot of people like to line their bay windows with houseplants or decorative items.
The downside to bay windows is that they can be quite expensive.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,150 to $3,550 to install bay windows.
Also, bay windows typically take up a lot of surface area, which can result in heat loss.
Slider Windows
If you’re looking for a window that’s easy to open, slider windows are perhaps your best bet.
These windows come with tracks on the top and bottom, and all you need to do is slide the window to open it.
In some styles of slider windows, there are two windows that slide, while in other styles, one window stays in place while the other one slides.
If you have a mid-century modern home, slider windows are a great option.
If you find that you’re someone who is constantly opening and closing your windows, slider windows are a great option, as they’re very durable.
The downside to slider windows is that they’re somewhat dated looking, so depending on the style of your home, they may not be a good match.
However, they tend to be a lot more affordable due to their simplicity of design.
Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows are fixed windows that are composed of architectural blocks that are typically mortared in place.
The blocks are usually made from semi-opaque glass that allows light to pass in but blocks out views.
If you have a space in your home where you want to introduce light but maintain privacy, glass block windows are a great option.
For example, many choose to install these windows in their bathrooms.
Some people also choose to install these windows into their foundation walls so they can introduce light into their basements.
The biggest benefit of glass block windows is that they’re the most secure window option out there.
The thick, heavy blocks are permanently mortared into place.
These windows also have excellent insulating properties and because of their high durability, they rarely need to be replaced.
The biggest downside to glass block windows is that they can be difficult to incorporate into a variety of home styles.
Also, if your windows are south-facing, they may overheat your indoor space.
Jalousie Windows
If you’re looking for a great option to replace your windows, consider jalousie windows.
Jalousie windows are split into several or more slats of glass, wood, acrylic, vinyl, or metal.
To open the windows, all you need to do is crank a lever, and the windows open like blinds.
Jalousie windows are popular in warm climates, as they provide excellent ventilation.
Additionally, they allow you to maintain airflow into your home while still keeping rain outside.
These windows are often used to beautify porches, verandas, or bathrooms.
However, before you install jalousie windows, you’ll want to make sure they’re permitted in your area, as some areas don’t allow them.
Because of their louvered design, jalousie windows don’t offer the best protection against intruders, so you may need to install additional barriers in this area of your home.
Also, keep in mind that because these windows are often exposed to humidity and rain, they can suffer from mechanical problems. Regular maintenance will be required to keep your jalousie windows in top shape.
Picture Windows
If you’re hoping to enjoy a beautiful view through your windows, picture windows are the best option.
These are large stationary windows that don’t open or close. Oftentimes, these windows are floor to ceiling, but they can be any size.
With picture windows, you’re able to get an unobstructed view of the outdoors while letting in a lot of natural light.
Picture windows are also fairly easy to clean and require very little maintenance.
Additionally, they don’t come with any mechanical parts that will need to be replaced when they fail.
The downside to picture windows is that they don’t provide your home with any ventilation.
If you live in a hot region and depend heavily on ventilation, you may want to reconsider picture windows.
Types of Windows: Which Will You Choose?
Now that you know about the different types of windows, it’s time to decide which ones are right for your home.
Pretty soon, you’ll be gazing outside through a new set of gorgeous windows!
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more home improvement tips and tricks.