Thinking about remodeling your home or building a new one? Start thinking about windows. Not only are windows a necessary part of your home, they’re crucial to creating a light and open atmosphere for your family to live in. Large windows are modern, clean and a great way to let the SoCal sunshine in!
Chances are if you’re replacing your windows you’re wondering how to choose the ideal ones for your particular project. Here are just some of the many styles and functions of various types of windows to choose from in order to make the most of your window investment.
Two Key Window Elements to Consider
Appearance
While deciding which style of window to choose for your project, choose one that not only looks good from the outside of your home, but from the inside as well. Instead of keeping a screen in place all year to keep the insects out, consider installing a window with a screen that easily rolls up, literally becoming invisible when you’re not using it, or one that’s engineered to let in more air flow along with letting in the max amount of natural light into your home.
Energy Efficiency
Today, the glass on most high-quality performing windows is coated with a Low-E microscopic film. This special coating works to enhance thermal performance while blocking out the majority of the damaging UV rays and heat rays from the sun while just slightly tinting the window.
Choosing Window Styles
Selecting the best window style to suit your home will primarily depend on the specific architecture of your home, the function or purpose of the window, and of course, your overall budget. Here are three of the most popular windows that homeowners today incorporate into their home when remodeling:
1. Bay Windows
A typical bay window includes a large window in the center flanked on either side by casement or double-hung windows. The window themselves can either be fixed (stationary), venting (operating), or any combination you like. Bay windows are popular because they offer spectacular views to the outdoors as well as making the room feel larger.
2. Casement Windows
Casement windows cater to a wide variety of different home designs and feature a single sash that’s hinged on either the right or left, and use a crank handle to open them. They offer considerably more ventilation than other styles of windows and generally have less air leakage.
3. Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows provide all the same benefits and features of double hung windows, but with one key difference: Just the bottom sash will open when sliding it upwards. The opening for ventilation can be easily adjusted as well.
Because every climate is different, window materials and technologies vary for optimal performance. If you need more insight as to which windows to choose for your home project, talk to the window experts like the ones at Sunrise Windows & Doors Depot Ltd. in order to best determine which window options will work best for your particular needs.
This guest post was written by Karleia Steiner, a freelance blogger. Away from the office she enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband.
