There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when replacing old windows becomes a reality. It typically comes with a decent amount of hesitation, due to the expense and overwhelming amount of decisions. Let’s get into the details of what’s really important as you begin choosing new windows.
Top Considerations
As you begin choosing new windows, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choices you have to make. It’s important to keep in mind the most defining characteristics. As you explore brands and types of windows, you can keep coming back to these top considerations to stay grounded in what’s important.
- Adjustable Windows VS Fixed Windows
- Functional Benefits
- Overall Design
Adjustable VS Fixed
This is a top consideration as you start choosing new windows. Do you want them to open, or not? The largest factors in this decision is how you plan to interact with your window, as well as your budget. Windows that adjust open are most certainly more expensive that ones that are fixed in place. Windows that are fixed into place are known as picture windows or stationary windows. Adjustable windows come in a variety of types to choose from.
Adjustable Windows
These windows open and close, allowing for you to access fresh air. The factors that influence your selections tend to be operating factors, price and overall aesthetic.
Single Hung and Double Hung: These are windows with a top and bottom portion of glass. They are very popular when homeowners are choosing new windows. The difference is that single hung only allows the bottom portion to adjust, while to top glass portion is fixed in place. Double hung allows both glass portions to adjust.
The benefit of choosing these windows is the ability to enjoy views, natural light and fresh air. Homeowners appreciate how easy it is to adjust them and engage child safety features. Double hung are more popular when it comes to cleaning the inside and outside of the window, but tend to be more expensive than single hung. When choosing this type of window, homeowners are often thrilled to find out that new windows tend to allow for inside mount of their window shades, as opposed to older windows that are often shallow and force outside mount, which can lead to light gaps.
Casement Windows: These are very popular with homeowners, as they allow for opening and closing, but the window design offers consistency–more like a picture window than a single or double hung. With casement windows, the window crank operates the adjustments. The crank is easy to use and close in reach. When it comes to window coverings, homeowners appreciate that the window shades can stay in the lowered position–adjusting up just slightly–when you want to open the window.
Tilt Turn Windows: These are sometimes referred to as “European Style Windows,” well-known for their versatility to open in at an angle or swing in like a door. They allow for fresh air and outside access, making them easy to clean and move according to the way you want to interact with your windows. While they have gained in popularity, access to light control and privacy has been an issue. The TrackGlide system, from Hunter Douglas, is the answer to these concerns, as honeycomb shades are adhered to the glass and move as the windows move. With honeycomb shades, you achieve light control, privacy and superb energy efficiency.
Sliding Windows or Folding Windows: When there are concerns about space and function of casement windows or tilt turn windows, homeowners may opt for windows that slide open or fold open. These windows offer the aesthetic consistency of the view, similar to picture windows, but the adjustments to open and close allow you simple access to the outdoors. Keep in mind that sliding and folding windows raise concerns about energy efficiency, as well as maintenance of the tracks and rollers. Debris can affect the operation of these windows.
Functional Benefits
Many of the decisions you make in regard to choosing new windows come back to function. Keep in mind each room’s purpose. While kitchen windows adjusting open can be as asset for ventilation, living room windows might be fixed windows, simply existing to display the view and welcome natural light. Bedrooms most certainly need to be adjustable, but safety features for children can affect your decision for one brand over another. If your home features second story windows, you might consider easy clean options versus first floor options that are easily cleaned from the outside.
The direction your windows face can also have a direct impact on the atmosphere of your home. In a room where you normally could select picture windows that are fixed in place, if direct sunlight is constantly shining in, it may be important for you to choose an operable windows that increases air flow. Energy efficiency is a huge factor is choosing new windows. Keep in mind those areas of your home that are more influenced by the outdoor elements than others. For those windows, there are energy efficient glass ratings that can help maintain and protect the interior of your home. Energy efficient window treatments offer unparalleled levels of energy savings.
Design Details
While functional benefits and operating features can have a heavy influence on your selection, the design and overall look of your windows is high on everyone’s list. Two of the biggest decisions that drive the look of your windows are whether they have grilles and the color of the frame.
Window Grilles
The grids you see in windows can define the style of the window. The variations range from standard boxes in the window, to designs closer to the edges. It’s all about personal preference. Window grilles can affect the view out of the window, so keep that in mind as you browse. The size of the windows can also influence the pattern you choose, as smaller windows will have less of a view. Or, you can choose to have none at all, which many homeowners select.
Black Windows VS White Windows
Windows with black framing have risen in popularity over the last ten years. They offer beautiful, statement-making design, but that statement comes at a cost, as they are more expensive than their counterparts in white. White windows are standard, offering a fresh appearance. There are also brands that offer black exterior and white interior for those that want the dark look on the outside of the home, while featuring light, airy vibes on the inside. The third option here is to go with wood framing–or a composite that looks like wood for a warm, traditional styling.
Let’s Get Your Project Started!
Choosing new windows is not for the faint of heart. It’s a big decision, but one that you will love once everything is said and done. When you need the right window coverings for your new windows, get in touch with our team. At Skyline, we’d love to help you discover which fabrics and materials will go best on the brand new look in your home. Get in touch with us for a free design consult in your home.