Windows 101
Picture Windows
What are Picture Windows?
A picture window is a single-pane window that screens the outside view. Picture windows are generally bigger and fixed. They cannot be open for ventilation. Fixing them so they don't open greatly reduces the size of the frame so that it couldn’t block the outside view.
What is a picture window used for?
Picture window is made to see the view outside, similar to a picture frame. It makes a great center of attention in a room and way of a lot of natural light. Providing the way of a lot of natural light adds it into the list of energy efficient windows. However, these windows are not for ventilation purpose because these windows are usually fixed.
Are picture windows more expensive?
Picture windows are fixed, so they don't have moving parts that can break and need to be replaced. Because of this, they usually cost less than other same size opening windows such as casement or sliding windows.
What sizes do picture windows come in?
Common picture window sizes are with width of 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet, and 8 feet. The height of a typical picture window may vary from 1 foot to 8 feet.
Awning Windows
What are Awning windows?
Awning windows have a frame with the glass fit in. The top of an awning window has a hinge, and the bottom opens outward. They are used in small spaces to bring more light and air in. But they are also used in the rooms on the top part of the wall. Awning windows are like casement windows in that they both open outward and have hinges and cranks. They look nice, secure, and very energy efficient.
When should you use awning windows?
Awning windows are versatile and can be deployed where an operable window is needed. Since Awning windows are designed to be opened from the outside, they can be installed higher on walls than other types of operable windows. Because of this, they are ideal for use in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
Do Awning windows prevent the rainwater from coming in?
Since this window opens outward from the bottom, the opening sash makes a slide on the window that prevents rainwater from entering the room. However, awning window won't stop all of the rain from coming in, but it will stop the majority of it.
Bay Windows
What are Bay Windows
A bay window is made up of three windows that stay out from the wall. The main window is a picture window, and the other two windows can be double-hung casement or any other window you want. A bay window not only make the outside appearance of your house beautiful, but it also creates a bay shape inside and gives you some useful space. This space can be a place to show off your favorite things, like pictures, decorations, etc.
What are the benefits of a bay window?
Bay windows have these benefits.
More Sunlight
The bay window's position emits natural light in several directions. Natural light boosts mental health, productivity, comfort, and visual simulation.
Enhance House Aesthetics
Bay windows create an exterior bay. This style makes your home more attractive.
More Space
The bay window creates a bay inside the room, adding more space. This space can be utilized to display photographs, artificial plants, and other decorations. Even you can use this space as a sitting place. Bay windows are supported by a corbel, bracings, or top anchor and can easily hold your weight. You can read in this bay window and enjoy the scenery.
Ventilation
Bay windows include three windows, so you may welcome the chilly breeze from several directions. It gives excellent ventilation compared to a flat window.
Tends to raise home value
Bay windows attract homebuyers. The home front looks better with the bay window's magnificent glass. It increases room space and home value.
How likely are bay windows to leak?
Bay window leakage is very common because the bay window's roof slopes toward the side of the house. These windows require a highly specific method of attaching the roof to the house's side.
Bow Windows
What are Bow Windows?
The bow window is composed of either four, five, or six windows that are slightly inclined outward. This makes a curve on the outside of the house. A bow window is usually more common than a bay window. It can cover more space and allow more natural light into the room. So, it makes the inside of the building a more pleasant place to be. It also makes the room feel bigger than the bay window.
What is the purpose of a bow window?
Bow windows allows in more natural light than regular windows because they are bigger. They give you a better view of the outside and make the space appear bigger. This type of window also has a shelf that can be utilized as a place to sit, store things, or just look nice.
How deep can a bow window be?
The angle at which a bay window stays out from the house affects how deep it is. Most bay windows with an angle of 30 degrees are between 12 and 14 inches deep, while those with an angle of 45 degrees are usually between 16 and 22 inches deep. The depth of box bay windows is between 18 and 24 inches.
Can you open up a bow window?
Most bow windows have casement windows so they can be opened and closed. That clearly indicates they are good for cross ventilation.
Casement Windows
What are Casement Windows?
Casement window is also defined as cranky window, a classic window design attached to its frame from one side, while the other can be open by turning and pressing outward. Casement windows are a popular choice because of its superior performance.
Can you leave casement windows open in the rain?
Casement windows are more susceptible to damage from wind and rain compared to sliding windows because of the way they operate. So, it is suggested to keep casement windows closed during severe weather such as wind, rain, and snow. These weather conditions can cause damage and leakage to the window over time.
What are standard casement window sizes?
The standard width of casement windows is between 1 foot 2 inches and 2 feet 11 inches. The average height is between 2 feet and 5.5 inches and 6 feet and 5.5 inches. They are the standard sizes but you can customize according to your space.
Are casement windows Old Fashioned?
Casement window is one of the very first movable window styles appeared in the middle Ages. Although these windows have a classic style, but they are able to fit in the modern style. That is why these windows are still popular among the house owners.
Sliding Windows
What are Sliding Windows?
Sliding windows have at least two sashes that move horizontally to open. It has the appearance of a double-hung window that can be open up by sliding upward. There are several different ways to set up sliding windows, so you can choose the one that works best for your home. These windows are mostly being used in Modern homes because they are unique and attractive. Innovative homeowners who are tired of using conventional windows that open like doors are switching to new types of windows.
Where can you use a sliding window?
Sliding windows can be used in places where there is a clear view or where there needs to be a lot of airflow. Because they are so easy to open and close. You just have to slide them from left to right.
Why sliding windows are preferable?
Sliding windows are excellent because of the amount of sunlight they bring in and the obstructed views they provide to the outside world. They enable sufficient of air circulation.
Do sliding windows open both ways?
Sliding windows can be moved side to side. One-panel sliding doors can open to the left or the right, depending on how they are made. When you have double-sliding windows, you can get good airflow and airflow from each direction.
Single-hung Windows
What are Single Hung Windows?
Single-hung windows have two sashes, but only the bottom one can move up and down. The top one is fixed.
What holds up a single hung window?
Single-hung or double-hung hinged windows have balance mechanisms that balance the sashes, and makes them easier to open and stops them from shuttering. These balances are on the side of the window and are hidden inside.
Why do you should use single-hung windows?
Single-hung windows are great for people who want to save money on their energy bills. Single-hung windows allow less air in and out of the house because they only have one sash that can move. This quality makes it extremely energy efficient that can significantly decrease your heating and cooling bills.
What sizes are available for single-hung windows?
Single hung windows are commonly available in the sizes of minimum width: 24’’, maximum width: 48’’ and minimum height: 36’’, maximum height: 72’’. You can use any size window within these dimensions.