Your windows play a huge role in the appearance of your home. Choosing the right windows for your home can be an intimidating decision, especially since windows are an investment and can last upwards of 20 years. When it comes to picking out windows, it’s important to note that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Every style and type of window has its own pros and cons. A lot of choosing the right windows for your home comes down to personal preference.
Here is what you need to know about the various types of styles, materials, and more of windows so that you are better equipped to select the right windows for your home that match your vision for the space. If you need any help picking out windows, you can always consult an architect or a window expert, and they will gladly help you out.
Style
The style of your windows greatly impacts the overall appearance of your home. It’s important to take the overall architecture of your home into account to figure out the right windows for your home, as well as the style you’re going for. A home can easily be made to look more contemporary or more mid-century just by the style of windows it has. It is very common for people to mix and match window styles, especially since a style that works in one area of the home won’t work very well in the other.
Some popular window styles include:
- Single-hung. These are divided in half, with the upper half remaining stationary while the lower sash can slide up and down to open.
- Double-hung. These are very similar to single-hung windows, except both the upper and bottom sashes of the window can slide up and down so that you can select which half you’d like to have open.
- Casement. Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outwards with a crank handle.
- Awning. These are hinged at the top and open out with a crank handle.
- Hopper. These are hinged at the bottom and open out with a crank handle.
- Picture. These are fixed windows that cannot open and are designed to provide you with an unobstructed view of the outside world.
- Sliding. These open with a panel that slides to one side or the other.
There are more styles of windows than these, such as bay, bow, tilt-and-turn, and more, but these are among the most common that you’ll see. If you’re curious about more window styles, the experts here at Moyes Glass are happy to talk to you to ensure that you find just what you’re looking for.
Materials
When you are trying to choose the right windows for your home, the materials used will play a huge role in the overall appearance, longevity, and maintenance of your windows.
The common window materials are as follows:
- Wood. Wood windows are very beautiful and versatile. You can paint or stain them. However, their classic look comes at the expense of requiring regular maintenance in order to stay in good condition.
- Vinyl. These are very energy efficient and affordable. They come in a wide variety of colors, but don’t look very good with paint. They can sag or get soft in extreme temperatures and some people just don’t like the look of vinyl on their home.
- Fiberglass. These are among the most energy-efficient windows on the current market. They’re thermally stable. They are generally more expensive than vinyl or aluminum windows.
- Aluminum. These are cost-effective, but not very energy-efficient. They can be painted, but the paint generally doesn’t look as good as it does on other window materials.
Different climates have different concerns that should be taken into consideration when trying to choose the right windows for your home, to ensure that you select the best options for your needs.
Don’t Get Carried Away With Upgrades
Some upgrades could be just what you need in order to ensure that you have the right windows for your home, such as a triple-paned window in a noisy city that helps to soundproof. However, upgrades can easily cause the price of your windows to skyrocket if you’re making all these little adjustments that you don’t actually need.
Consult with a window expert about the specific concerns of your area and climate and how your windows can better meet them. If you live somewhere with high winds, you want windows that can withstand that, but if you don’t, you won’t need the same rating.
Let Us Help You Choose The Right Windows For Your Home
Moyes Glass provides high-quality windows to homeowners throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. If you need help choosing the right windows for your home, you can count on us for expert advice. Swing by our showroom in Ogden, UT, or contact us today to learn more about the variety of window options available to you.