So Many Window Styles, How to Choose?
There are many different window styles to choose from when installing new windows in your home. With all the different sizes and shapes available, it can be a hard decision to make. The most important thing to know, according to the California Energy Commission, is that there are 5 basic window types allowing for ventilation. They are; double or single hung, sliding, casement or rollout, awning or hopper, and louvered.
Window styles allowing ventilation
The most common window styles are single and double hung windows. Single hung windows are similar to the traditional single-paned style. The bottom sash slides up while the top sash remains stationary. The bottom sash also usually tilts in for easy cleaning. Double hung are similar to single hung windows in design. The difference is that on double hung windows both the top and bottom sash open for maximum ventilation and both the top and bottom sash tilt in for cleaning.
Another popular window style is the horizontal sliding or glider. This style is similar to the single hung style, except that one sash glides horizontally while the other one stays stationary.
Casement windows are hinged on both sides and open outwardly, most often with a crank. This style allows for maximum ventilation because they open almost all the way. However, sometimes the window pane blocks air flow. The Consumer Energy Center describes rollout windows as "half of a casement window," as they are hinged on just one side as opposed to both.
Awning or hopper windows are similar to casement style, except that the hinges are at the top. The pane pushes out from the bottom. These let in air, but keep out rain. The hopper style is just the opposite; hinged at the bottom and the window pane opens into the room instead of out.
The last, and most energy inefficient, window type is the louvered. This style consists of vertical glass slats that can open and close independent of each other. However, these windows are never airtight, and are most suited for and often used in tropical climates.
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There are many different window styles to choose from when installing new windows in your home. With all the different sizes and shapes available, it can be a hard decision to make. The most important thing to know, according to the California Energy Commission, is that there are 5 basic window types allowing for ventilation. They are; double or single hung, sliding, casement or rollout, awning or hopper, and louvered.
Window styles allowing ventilation
The most common window styles are single and double hung windows. Single hung windows are similar to the traditional single-paned style. The bottom sash slides up while the top sash remains stationary. The bottom sash also usually tilts in for easy cleaning. Double hung are similar to single hung windows in design. The difference is that on double hung windows both the top and bottom sash open for maximum ventilation and both the top and bottom sash tilt in for cleaning.
Another popular window style is the horizontal sliding or glider. This style is similar to the single hung style, except that one sash glides horizontally while the other one stays stationary.
Casement windows are hinged on both sides and open outwardly, most often with a crank. This style allows for maximum ventilation because they open almost all the way. However, sometimes the window pane blocks air flow. The Consumer Energy Center describes rollout windows as "half of a casement window," as they are hinged on just one side as opposed to both.
Awning or hopper windows are similar to casement style, except that the hinges are at the top. The pane pushes out from the bottom. These let in air, but keep out rain. The hopper style is just the opposite; hinged at the bottom and the window pane opens into the room instead of out.
The last, and most energy inefficient, window type is the louvered. This style consists of vertical glass slats that can open and close independent of each other. However, these windows are never airtight, and are most suited for and often used in tropical climates.
