Are the windows that you have in your home now hurting your curb appeal? Are they taking a toll on your home’s energy efficiency? Or are they simply difficult to open and close?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider replacing your old windows with new ones. These are just some of the signs you need new windows in your home.
But before you take the leap and invest in new windows, you should learn about some of the different types of windows that you can install in your home. People don’t always realize that there are dozens of types of windows that they can choose from.
So, which type of window would work best in your home? Only you can decide. Here are nine of the most popular house window types that are out there.
1. Single-Hung and Double-Hung Windows
More often than not, most of the windows in the average home are either single-hung or double-hung windows. Of all the different types of windows, these windows have become the standard in most American homes.
Both single-hung and double-hung windows open and close vertically. But there is one big difference between the two.
Single-hung windows only have one window sash that opens and closes. Double-hung windows, meanwhile, have two window sashes that you can move. They’re ideal for those who want to improve the circulation of air in their homes.
2. Slider Windows
While single-hung and double-hung windows open and close vertically, slider windows are designed to open horizontally. When you want to open or close one, all you’ll have to do is slide your window sash over.
Slider windows tend to be easier to open and close than single-hung and double-hung windows, especially when they’re on the larger side. They’re also safer to use since you won’t have to worry about slamming a finger in a window when you close them.
3. Picture Windows
Unlike single-hung and double-hung windows and slider windows, picture windows can’t be opened and closed at all. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still consider using them in your home.
Picture windows are excellent options for those who want to give themselves a great view of their surroundings. They’re larger windows that offer up amazing views of the outside.
4. Bay Windows
Almost every type of house windows will sit flush with the wall that surrounds them when they’re installed. But that’s not the case with bay windows.
Bay windows jut out from the inside of a home and create a small shelf for people to use when they’re installed. They can make a room feel a whole lot bigger than it is and add picturesque views to it at the same time.
You will want to make sure you have an experienced window company install bay windows if you put them into your home. They can be tricky to put in.
5. Awning Windows
If you live in a city or town that gets a lot of rain throughout the course of the year, you may want to think about going with awning windows. They’re one of the few types of windows for homes that won’t allow rain to sneak in when you have them open.
Awning windows open out and create an “awning,” which is obviously where they got their name from. They’ll help redirect rainwater away from your home as opposed to allowing it to come inside.
6. Casement Windows
Much like awning windows, casement windows are made to open out away from your home. But they swing open from the side as opposed to opening up from the bottom like awning windows do.
You can provide your home with much better views when you have casement windows in place. They’re also simple enough to open and close with a crank in most cases.
7. Glass Block Windows
Would you like to welcome more natural light into your home without interrupting your privacy? Then glass block windows are going to be a great choice for your house.
Glass block windows are decorative windows that will bring a lot of light into your home at all times of the day. At the same time, you won’t be able to see in or out of them, which will prevent you from having to cover them up.
A lot of people like using glass block windows in places like bathrooms and basements. They’re some of the easiest windows to maintain on the market today.
8. Arched Windows
If your goal is to add some much-needed architectural touches to your home, you can’t go wrong with arched windows. They have rounded tops that will improve the look and feel of your home by adding a little something extra to it.
Most arched windows aren’t made to open and close like other windows. But if you’re strictly looking for windows to beef up the appearance of your home, you’re going to love what they bring to the table.
9. Egress Windows
The windows in your home will do more than just bring air and light in and impact the appearance of your house. They’ll also provide you with an escape route in the event of a fire or another emergency in your home.
Egress windows are the windows that you’ll want to put in places like the basement so that people have somewhere to escape from. They’re not always the fanciest windows, but you’ll be glad that you have them if you ever find yourself in a precarious position in your home.
Which of the Different Types of Windows Would You Like for Your Home?
Most of the time, people tend to go with single-hung and double-hung windows in their homes. But you can also expand your horizons and try some of the other types of windows, too.
As you’ve seen here, there are so many different types of windows for homeowners to choose from. You can consider which ones would look the best in your home and hire a window company to install them for you.