The Most Popular Types Of Home Windows | San Antonio, TX
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Windows are an afterthought to many of us in our homes and we can sometimes take them for granted. We know which ones we want to open and we know which ones won’t or shouldn’t and making sure you know what you’re doing with your home windows helps keep your bill down in the hot San Antonio, TX home. You likely don’t want a massive overlook from your bathroom for instance and you want to make sure windows in your kitchen can open if need be. We’ll go over some of the basic types of windows out there and give some context as to why they are so popular with contractors.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Picture windows are just solid pieces of glass stuck in a frame, the most rudimentary form of window. Picture windows don’t open so they will have less maintenance on them, but they do let in the most sunlight per square inch. If you have a large foyer that spans multiple stories it is not uncommon to have picture windows that light up the whole room stretching from floor to ceiling. Picture windows also are less likely to let air in from the outside as there are less possible openings. On the flip side, picture windows are not great at resisting heat unless you get thermal insulation, which is almost standard for new home windows anymore.
Awnings, Not Just For Stores
When you think of an awning you’re probably thinking of a little shade over a window of a small downtown shop, not for a house, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put awnings on your home windows. Usually tied into a solid pane picture window, awnings may be placed in all different directions around the window to offer shade or give fresh air if you want that even if the elements outside are not ideal. However, these windows have a fairly large outside footprint and you don’t want to smack your head on an expanded awning nor would you want your family to succumb to that pain either.
A Case For Casement
Casement windows, much like awning windows, generally pivot from hinges on the side. Most casement home windows are large glass panes to let through a lot of light without the interruption of bars like hung windows or framing like decorated windows have. Casement windows are also able to give you more ventilation than other windows types when opened and when sealed close give you the ability to have some of the best seals out of all opening windows. But like your awning windows above be sure to not have casement windows open over areas people walk under or you could have low clearance issues.
Would You Like Your Hung Windows Single or Double
These window types are easily the most common types of windows in America. The only major differences between a single hung and a double hung window is that a single hung window utilizes a movable lower sash while the upper is held in place, while the double hung utilizes two movable sashes. With that in mind the main advantage of getting a double hung window is that you can more easily clean the windows and you can get slightly better ventilation than a single hung window when you open both sides halfway. Both single and double hung windows work almost anywhere in a home, they do open less overall than casement windows or slider windows but are more prone to air leakage than others especially as the years go by.
Windows For More Than The Bay
If you’re looking for home windows that can add real character to your home bay windows are great for architects and window installers to add some flavor to their designs. Bay windows can come in at multiple angles and can sometimes be opened on the side for increased airflow. These windows are generally used in kitchens, family rooms, and enclosed porches and some have a large window sill that is used for indoor plants or to be used as a window seat.
Getting Jalousie With It
Jalousie windows are a unique and fairly inexpensive way to increase air flow when you don’t want to use air conditioning but still like to open the windows. These kinds of home windows have window slats all the way up and down the frame that can be opened and closed in tandem with each other. These kind of home windows greatly increase airflow, but cut your view out of them down, can take up a lot of space with the extra mechanics, and if used without a backstop window can be both poor insulators and easy to break into.
Sliding Around
Sliding windows are windows that open sideways, in fact some installers of home windows use non-weighted hung windows and just install them sideways for the space they need. Sliding windows can not be sealed as tightly as casements, but offer wide views and enough ventilation. These kinds of windows are typically used as egress windows in partially submerged rooms or in basements, as they are easy to open and can be quite wide if custom made. These kinds are also used as utility windows in basements depending on the application. Very basic sliding windows have no mechanical parts outside of a lock and keep no tension mechanism, because gravity works vertically rather than horizontally. This cuts down on their cost substantially and can make them the cheapest window in many circumstances.
When you’re ready to look at new home windows for yourself in the San Antonio, TX area take a look at the experts at First Place Windows. First Place Windows focuses on new replacement windows, doors, patio covers, and sunroom construction so you know that they know what they’re talking about. First Place Windows is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and will work with you to get your home fixed up for the better.