The windows on your home provide insulation and natural lighting. They also offer a protective barrier from the elements while blocking out sound. However, with so many different styles and window options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will work best for your home. Here, we will explore some of the most common types of windows that are used for home installation.
Top Windows To Add Natural Lighting and Beauty to Your Home
There are several types of windows that work exceptionally well for adding natural light and beauty to your home.
1. Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are constructed with both upper and lower sashes. Both of these sashes slide open vertically to allow fresh air in. This type of window provides optimal ventilation in rooms where it is installed. Another positive feature of this window style is that its very design makes it one of the easiest to clean. It is no surprise that double-hung windows are the most popular type found in homes.
2. Single-Hung Windows
Like double-hung windows, the single-hung option is also constructed with both an upper and lower sash. However, unlike the double-hung version, the top sash of the single-hung window does not move. Instead, it is fixed in place. This type of window offers improved energy efficiency but tends to be more difficult to clean.
3. Casement Windows
This type of window is often called a crank-out window due to the type of mechanism that is used to open it. Crank-out windows tend to be solid piece of glass that opens by turning a crank located at the bottom. In some cases, the glass can be divided into small decorative sections. These windows provide good ventilation for the home and are typically found in bathrooms and other areas that are prone to moisture. However, casement windows work great for any room in the home due to their airtight designs and increased energy efficiency.
4. Awning Windows
This type of window opens outward with hinges at the top, similar to how true awnings function. The panes of these windows act like an awning when open to keep the elements outside of your home. A lot of people choose these windows due to the fact that they let a lot of natural light inside their homes. They also provide significant ventilation while blocking out rain and snow, making them perfect for wet climates.
5. Bay Windows
This type of window is composed of three panes of glass that stick out from the exterior of the home. The largest pane faces the front and is finished by one smaller window placed on each side.
6. Garden Windows
Garden windows are box-like and produce from the side of your home like bay windows. However, they have a sharp 90-degree angle for the side windows. These windows also have a pane of glass at the top, which maximizes the amount of sunlight that can enter through. As you can imagine, these windows are an excellent choice for chefs and homeowners who like to cook with fresh herbs or have gardens in their homes.
7. Skylights
Skylights are one of the best ways to bring natural lighting to the center of your home. These windows are installed on the ceiling and look especially attractive when on tall and sloping ceilings. However, they can work nearly anywhere to bring in more lighting. In some cases, skylights can operate by remote control or a control rod, improving ventilation in the space.
8. Bow Windows
Like garden and bay windows, bow windows also stick out from the exterior of the home. However, these windows work better in larger spaces than the others due to the fact that they can include multiple window panes. Bow windows are typically composed of four to six window panes, all of which are the same size. These windows create an arch design and provide a nice touch to your curb appeal. Bow windows allow a significant amount of natural lighting into the home and also offer exceptional views of the outdoors.
9. Transom Windows
Transom windows are typically installed above eye level. In many cases, you will see these windows placed above doors. This window runs horizontally above the door to provide additional lighting to the space. Some of these windows are able to be opened with a push-out hinge or a rod, which can help to improve ventilation in the space. However, the main purpose of these windows is to increase the amount of natural lighting that comes into a home. In some cases, homeowners install transom windows between rooms in their homes to improve lighting between spaces.
10. Fixed Windows (Picture)
Fixed windows, also known as picture windows, are solid, fixed panes of glass that do not open. These windows allow anyone inside to have a clear and unobstructed view of the outside world. This is an excellent way to bring nature indoors and flood your space with natural light.
What to Consider When Selecting a Window
When selecting the perfect window for your home, it is important to take various factors into consideration. First, you want to take the weather into consideration. The outdoor temperature and humidity can degrade wood and other materials commonly used for windows as they can cause shrinking and warping. It is best to choose materials that will stand up well in adverse weather conditions.
Next, you should consider where your home is. If your home is close to the sidewalk, a window that extends from your home may not be the best option. Additionally, if your home has a lot of trees overhead, skylights may not be the best option for maximizing light.
To explore the type of windows that will work best for your home, contact Freeman Exteriors for a free estimate.
Schedule a Free Estimate in Champaign, IL, Today
Our team at Freeman Exteriors is dedicated to providing quality window services to residents across Champaign, IL. As a family-owned and operated general contracting company, our experts strive to help homeowners enhance the beauty of their homes with quality and attractive windows.
To get started, contact our team at 217-355-5447 to schedule a free estimate. They will be able to review the available options and help you select the best options to help you achieve your goals.
