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Window Styles Guide

Welcome to your complete replacement window styles guide. This document is meant to give a homeowner a guided introduction to the different kinds of styles they will undoubtedly encounter as they research replacement windows. There are certain basic factors one will expect from their replacement windows. These will usually include important points such as energy efficiency and insulation value. The style of the window generally does not have a great impact on that. Instead, a style will reflect physical appearance and window operation more than anything. More detail can usually be gained from the specific manufacturer of a style of window that interests you.

What's a Window Style?

This section will serve to help introduce you to the different types of replacement windows you will sift through as you research your project. An understanding that a "window style" denotes a physical appearance and a style of operation in relation to replacement windows is a necessity. There are many things that could be interpreted as a "window style", but do not meet what the industry considers a window style to be. Towards the end of this guide one will find some examples that are often confused as window styles and where to find the appropriate information for them.

Single Hung Windows

The single hung window is one of the most basic and prevalent types used in the past in construction. This type of window opens from the bottom up in a traditional fashion. This style of replacement window is slowly growing out of favor as it does not provide the same kind of freedom that a double hung window does. Since the top of a single hung window is immobile, the models do not feature tilt-in abilities for the top sash to make cleaning the window easier.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Single Hung Windows for more information.

Double Hung Windows

The double hung window is growing to be the most popular choice for a standard replacement window. These windows open from both the top and the bottom and often feature tilt-in mechanics that allow for easy access to the outside of the window. A sliding screen for the window allows a homeowner to open the window for ventilation from either end. One will typically find double hung windows in most new constructions and it is a main offering for most window companies. Many manufacturers do not produce single hung windows any more. Instead, they favor the double hung type as an advancement in window technology. This style of window is your general go to product for replacing a "normal" window.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Double Hung Windows for more information.

Awning Windows

An awning window can serve as an excellent source of ventilation in extremely rainy areas. It opens from the bottom out allowing rain to simply roll off of it to the ground as it would with an awning. One is not likely to want to use awning windows for an entire replacement project. They can be very useful in certain circumstances and should be evaluated for your own personal criteria. These can create a safety hazard on the outside of the building. One will want to ensure that the area just outside of an awning window installation will be relatively free of activity.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Awning Windows for more information.

Hopper Windows

A hopper window is the opposite of an awning window. Instead of opening out from the bottom, it normally opens inside from the top. Some are engineered to allow the resident to open it outside as well. This type of window can provide for an excellent alternative style and ventilation choice to an awning window.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Hopper Windows for more information.

Casement Windows

The casement window offers an excellent vertical style for a window. These type of windows have hinges on one side and swing open like a book. They can open either to the inside or out depending on the needs of your project. These kind of windows should be considered well ahead of time before installing them. If there is a very active area where the window will be opening out to, it can create a safety hazard. Once that consideration has been put to rest, then it is a simple matter of determining if a casement window is right for the project.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Casement Windows for more information.

Arch or Radius Windows

An arch window is a unique style of replacement window for the home. These windows are typically a quarter circle or half-circle and need to be mounted in a frame that supports their style. They can come in a variety sizes and shapes depending on the manufacturer. Some may open, others will not. There are manufacturers that specialize in the production of these kinds of windows. They may be able to offer a better value in production than a traditional manufacturer would that creates one custom.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Arch Windows for more information.

Bay Windows

Bay windows serve as an excellent portal to increase the feel of space in a room and allow natural light in. This style of window typically extends away from the house, creating a type of ledge on the interior. This can often be converted into extra seating for the room or to allow someone to sit in the window and enjoy a book.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Bay Windows for more information.

Bow Windows

One can often hear a bow window referred to as a bay window. They are not quite the same but do have some of the same features. Rather than being a single large unit, a bow window is a series of units that are jointed together as a single larger one. The units can be installed in different ways to grant different depths or angles that one would not typically get from a bay window.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Bow Windows for more information.

Garden Window

A garden window fits the same idea of the bow and bay window. It is different than the two by being more of a box shape with a sloped roof. The garden window can feature a variety of styles and even include a pair of casement windows to allow for better circulation. The flat portion can then be used as additional seating, a shelf, or even a convenient place to put some indoor plans. Many options exist with this type of window that will differ between manufacturers. Shopping around with a variety of dealers or manufacturers will likely reveal different prices, features, and styles of garden window.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Garden Windows for more information.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

Some windows permit a sash to slide in a horizontal fashion instead of vertical. These windows can come in a variety of sizes from small to large as a standard offering. One side of the window will generally be immobile while the other will slide in the track. They will often be built with screens in them so as to allow for greater ventilation and less insects. The great benefit these provide is you can have a much larger than normal window that is easy to open. A horizontal sliding window allows more natural light and ventilation than others would.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Horizontal Sliding Windows for more information.

Jalousie Windows

Most people will not be able to place the name jalousie window as it is not a term commonly used. This style of window features parallel louvers of the manufacturing material across the window unit. They can usually be open or closed by a crank on the inside of the window. There are even some styles that allow for electric manipulation of the louvers for one to be able to set them with ease. This may not seem like a hugely important feature or style; but one should consider the applications. Not only is it visually appealing, it can be easily operated by someone that does not have the strength to manipulate a window sash. For a senior citizen or an individual with disabilities, this type of window can give them the freedom to enjoy some fresh air without having to struggle with the window or seek assistance.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Jalousie Windows for more information.

What a Window Style is Not

We want to empower readers and homeowners to shop comfortably on their terms. Knowing what you are dealing with and having an understanding of different aspects of the industry will allow you to make informed choices. There are many choices that will need to be made in the shopping process. Let us create an understanding of what window style is and is not. This is important because it will allow you to be communicating in the same language as the sales representative. When they hear "window style" they have a very specific definition in mind. Therefore, you should be aware of that definition as well so you are clear on what is being communicated back and forth.

Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficient windows are one of the main goals for most homeowners for their replacement project. Most windows are produced in such a way so as to appeal to government and local rebates for energy efficiency. There will be some exceptions that can be discovered through the manufacturer. While it is an important part of a replacement window, it is not a "window style". It is a type of window.

A window style speaks more to the form and function of a window. A double-hung window is a fairly common style of replacement window. The way the window operates and looks is denoted by its style. One can expect the style of double-hung window to be able to open and close from either the top or bottom. A homeowner can purchase energy efficient double-hung windows, casement windows, bay windows, and so on.

We encourage you to visit our guides on Energy Efficiency, Energy Star, and Energy Efficient Windows for more information on the subjects.

Storm Windows

Storm windows are generally not a style of replacement window. They are usually a window that is installed to supplement a window of lesser efficiency. There are some models of storm windows that could potentially serve as replacement units. Those kinds of storm windows are generally not a good choice to serve as a full replacement. While they are tough, they do not have nearly the same efficiency or benefit that a replacement window will provide.

We encourage you to visit our guide on Storm Windows for more information.

Glass Block Windows

A glass block window can be a stylish alternative to traditional glazing. This type of window is appropriate for areas where ventilation will not be as large of a concern and privacy is wanted. Bathrooms and basement are both good examples. They do not serve well in the role of a resident replacement window. It is not a style you would want to look at for putting in your bedroom or your living room. Will a glass block window replace a window? Yes. Is it a "replacement window"? It is not. They do not have the same kinds of features, coverage, or benefits that one would expect from a replacement window.

We encourage you to visit our section on Glass Block Windows for more information.

Egress Windows

Egress windows are in a category of their own that stands away from replacement windows or any other type. This type of window is large enough to permit a firefighter in gear to climb through it or for the residents to climb out in an emergency. While these are becoming a requirement in many building codes and replacement projects; you will still likely not install them in every frame for a replacement project.

We encourage you to visit our section on Egress Windows for more information.

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