Different Types of Windows
Many different types of windows make up the construction of your house. Windows allow natural light to flood your rooms during the day and let in air to keep it fresh and dry. Your windows also help define the style of your house whether it is traditional or modern. You can customize nearly any window to suit your changing tastes and needs.
Double-Hung Windows
This type of window has two sashes that slide vertically up and down in the frame. They can open wide from either the top or the bottom, but they remain inside the frame so they don't protrude out to the exterior or interior of the house. On a single-hung window, only the bottom part of the window operates while the top part remains stationary.
Advantages: Double-hung windows are especially effective air circulators: When they're opened at both the top and the bottom (with the glass stationed in the middle of the window frame), warm air flows out the top opening while cool air sails into the home via the bottom opening. Many people also find them the most aesthetically appealing type of window, and they can be customized with internal grilles for extra architectural appeal.
Disadvantages: The main disadvantage to double-hung windows stems from the effort it can take to move the window panes, especially for people with back problems or limited strength. If not properly maintained, some double-hung windows will have slippage problems where the top sash won't stay up all the way.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows look a lot like double-hung windows, but have one major distinction: they only open from the bottom. Where you'll find them: Like double-hung windows, single-hung units are a good general window and are used throughout the home. They used to be found mainly in starter homes, but now are common in many price ranges.
Advantages: They're less expensive than double-hung windows, but have almost identical curb appeal value. There's no problem with slippage since they only open from the bottom.
Disadvantages: Single-hung windows don't allow the same type of natural air circulation that a double-hung unit can provide.
Casement Windows
These hinged windows operate by a turn of a crank in an operating mechanism. They can be hinged on the left or the right to open outward.
Advantages: Because they're not divided like a single- or double-hung window, casement windows can let in a lot of natural light. The crank-out open and close makes casement windows a good choice for anyone with physical challenges that make pushing a window up or down difficult. Casement windows can take on many different kinds of looks using grilles or art glass. Some casement units are even designed to mimic the look of a double-hung window. Casement windows are also one of the most energy-efficient windows available: when air blows against a casement unit, it only serves to further reinforce the seal and keep unwanted air intrusion out.
Disadvantages: Some homeowners don't find casement windows as appealing aesthetically as a single- or double-hung unit.
Awning Windows
Hinged at the top, awning windows open outward to let in air from the left or right and the bottom. They can be installed above, below or alongside a stationary or operating window.
Advantages: The easy-crank operation makes these windows a snap for almost anyone to open and close. Because the entire window is lifted out of the frame when opened, they are good for areas that can benefit from natural air circulation. Awning windows are especially useful in rainy climates since they can be opened slightly during wet weather to allow air circulation without exposing the home's interior to the elements.
Disadvantages: The rectangular shape (with the longer sides being the top and the bottom rather than the sides) means awning windows wouldn't work as the main type of window in many home styles.
Picture Window
This variety is a large stationary window that lets in the maximum amount of light and views of the outdoors.
Advantages: Because they're inoperable, there are no mechanical parts to break on picture windows. This lack of mechanical action also means these units can be less expensive than similarly sized windows that open and close. Picture windows come in many shapes and sizes, and the large amount of glass allows for lots of natural light.
Disadvantages: If picture windows aren't manufactured with coatings to reduce solar heat gain, you may end up feeling the heat in window-walled rooms. In hot climates, this can be a real energy drain on your utilities. Also, because they aren't operable, picture windows obviously don't offer a lot in terms of natural ventilation.
Transom Windows
A transom window is mounted above a door or window to let in more light, and can either be operable to let in air, or stationary.
Advantages: Transom windows add style — they are available in several shapes — and can brighten an entryway by letting in natural light.
Disadvantages: That extra natural light also may bring extra heat with it. Ceilings will need to be high enough to offer space for the transom. The high location of transom windows also makes them a bit difficult to clean.
Slider Windows
Gliding along a track, sliding windows have at least one operating window that slides horizontally over or past the other window. They are most often used in modern- or contemporary-style houses and in basements.
Advantages: If properly maintained, they're simple to open and close. They're easy to find in sizes to meet egress requirements on local building codes, and they can maximize views.
Disadvantages: Some people feel horizontal slider windows aren't a very sophisticated or aesthetically appealing choice, especially for high-end homes. Also, while they're easier to operate than single- or double-hung windows, they do still require some strength to open.
Stationary/Fixed Windows
These windows do not open, but they can be customized in nearly any angle or shape you desire. They are often found in modern- or contemporary-style houses in conjunction with operating windows.
Advantages: You won't suffer from energy loss due to drafts since there are no gaps from window sashes.
Disadvantages: Fixed windows can't be opened to allow a breeze to bring fresh air inside your home. And they're potentially harder to clean as the exterior pane of the window can only be cleaned from the outside.
Bay or Bow Windows
Generally, bay or bow windows give you more interior space, as they protrude out from a house's exterior. They are a combination of windows often with a stationary window in the middle flanked by either double-hung windows or casements.
Advantages: They add interest to the home's exterior appearance and provide extra interior living space without adding a lot of square footage to the home's footprint. These window combinations can be made out of fixed or operable windows, or any combination. For example, bay windows often have a picture or fixed window as the center unit with double-hung units at angles to either side. Great for natural light or to create a small space-within-a-space in a larger room. In kitchens, garden windows make a nice place to grow plants or herbs.
Disadvantages: If not properly constructed and supported, bow and bay windows can end up with structural problems. Because they do let in a lot of light, it's important to find windows with good ratings against solar heat gain.
Skylights
A skylight is a fixed- or casement-style window installed into a ceiling area. Skylights can be added to any room with a straight shot to the roof of the home. They work well in rooms where light is inhibited because of overhangs or other buildings, or due to lack of an exterior wall.
Advantages: Skylights are constantly evolving, and advances in design mean these high-flying windows are less prone to leaks than they used to be. Some skylights can now be customized with integrated remote-controlled blinds, and advances in heat-resistant coatings mean they're less likely to turn your home into an oven than ever before. Because of their angle, they are excellent sources of light throughout the day. Casement-window-based skylights can be opened and closed for room ventilation.
Disadvantages: Being on the roof slope of a home makes skylights more prone to damage from hail or weather-related debris than other windows in your home. Skylights that don't have energy efficient coatings can create heat traps in rooms. Older units may be prone to leaks. Capturing direct light when the sun is at high points can increase UV-related fading on interior furnishings.
Decorative Glass Windows
Decorative glass (also called "art glass") is often thought of as something found only on inoperable picture-style windows. And while that's true for vintage and salvage period glass and stained glass, today's decorative glass can be found on many types of windows, including operable ones like awning and casement windows. You'll find them in focal areas of the home or in rooms where the homeowner desires added privacy along with visual interest. Because they are often so ornately decorated, these windows are often used only as accent pieces for hallways, foyers, bathrooms or kitchens.
Advantages: Art glass can reinforce a home's style in a clear but subtle way. Art and stained glass windows can add color and light to a room while giving occupants more privacy. Decorative glass windows are often custom items, which gives the home a personal touch.
Disadvantages: Like any other prominent decorative item, overuse can be visually jarring.
