Windows are a crucial part of every home. The type of window you pick influences the style of your home. Whether you prefer traditional, transitional, modern, or contemporary, there is a window style to suit your tastes. They provide natural light while also protecting against the elements.
Plus, windows allow you to add detail and beauty to your home while keeping and protecting your investment.
This window guide will teach you about the different types of windows for homes available, allowing you to make the best option for your project. Want to take things to the next level?
Check read our post about Energy-Efficient Windows in Rhode Island.
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Our honest and dependable services have earned us a reputation as the most reputable window installation and replacement providers in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Our specialists will assist you choose the ideal windows for your home.
What are the Different Parts of a Window?
Before we get into the various types of windows for homes, it’s vital to grasp the language that identifies the key sections of a window:
Frame –A window frame is linked to the house, encircling and supporting the entire window. It consists of the head, jamb, and sill.
Head – The head is the horizontal top of a window frame. We normally measure the window’s height from the head to the sill.
Jamb – Jambs are the vertical edges of a window frame.
Sill – A sill is the horizontal base of a window frame.
Stile –The stile is the vertical side component of a window frame or sash that provides structural support while also housing the glass panes.
Apron – A window apron is the horizontal trim or molding that sits beneath the window stool (internal sill). It serves to fill the gap between the wall and the window frame, providing a beautiful finish to the window’s inside.
Sash – The sash is the movable portion of a window that holds the glass.
Rails – Rails are horizontal components of a window sash, with a bottom rail and a top rail.
Mullion – The mullion is a large structural element that connects two or more windows, either vertically or horizontally. (The two windows were “mulled” together).
Muntin – A muntin is a tiny bar that divides two or more pieces of glass in a window sash. Their origins are quite old, dating back to when enormous pieces of glass could hardly be manufactured without breaking.
Grilles – Grilles are decorative items that optically split window panels, giving the glass the impression of several glass panes (also known as faux muntins or “divided lites”).
Trim/casing – Trim refers to the decorative frame surrounding a door or window on the outside of a house, whilst casing refers to the same on the inside.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are the most common style of window among homeowners. A double-hung window features two moveable sashes, allowing you to lower the top or elevate the bottom. A significant advantage of these windows is the ability to open them from the top.
This can be useful for a variety of reasons, including allowing heat to escape more efficiently as it rises. As a result, having the bottom section open will allow cool air to enter; the window effectively promotes air circulation.
Having your windows open from the top can provide a pleasant cross breeze throughout your home without making the windows feel open.
Many homeowners say they enjoy this choice for pets and children as well; opening the top half of the window prevents anything or anybody from falling out, which has become an increasingly important consideration among homeowners.
Another advantage that homeowners appreciate about double-hung windows is how simple they are to clean. With the flexibility to open from the top and bottom, you can quickly access any outside marks that would otherwise be difficult to reach with other window styles. Double-hung windows are particularly common in traditional-style residences.
Because these windows are extensively manufactured, you will have a large range of options. This makes double-hung windows a more inexpensive window option.
Factors to Consider About Double Hung Windows
CONS
- Energy Efficiency: Double-hung windows may not seal as tightly as other types, such as casement windows, potentially resulting in increased energy loss and less insulation.
- Maintenance: The sashes and tracks can accumulate dirt and debris, necessitating frequent cleaning to ensure proper performance. The moving parts, such as the balance mechanism, may also require regular maintenance or repair.
- Limited Ventilation: While they do provide ventilation, the opening is usually only half the window’s size at any given time, which can limit airflow compared to other window types like casement or awning windows.
- Potential for Air Leakage: Double-hung windows, having two moveable sashes, have more possible air leakage points than single-hung or fixed windows.
PROS
- Easy Cleaning: Many double-hung windows include tilt-in sashes, which make it simple to clean both the inner and exterior surfaces from within the property, especially for upper-floor windows.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Double-hung windows have a classic, timeless appearance that complements a variety of architectural styles, from conventional to modern.
- Space-Saving Design: Double-hung windows open vertically, so they do not protrude into the exterior or interior space, making them excellent for spaces with limited window space.
- Safety Features: The ability to open the upper sash while leaving the bottom sash closed allows for ventilation while being safe, particularly in homes with children or pets.
