Whether you are constructing a new house, or just looking to renovate or replace the windows in your current home, choosing the right window type can play a vital role in the overall look and feel. They are not only used for letting light and air into the house but also to control the temperature of the room and to keep the house fresh. Now let’s find out how to pick the right window type for your dream home and what you have to know.
Popular Window Types
Here are the most commonly used window types, you can readily choose from.
Casement windows
Casement windows are the best options for homeowners who would like to get the best ventilation and design the house in a trendy way. These types of windows are opened in a way that one side can open like a door and can allow full cross-ventilation of the entire window opening. This design effectively captures breezes and channelling them into your home.
Pros:
Relatively easy to operate, uses less energy while having tight seals, and is ideal for good air
circulation.
Cons:
May block accessways when open, the hardware used for the window may degrade with time.
Best Suited For:
Living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens are areas where maximum ventilation is most preferable.
Sliding Windows
Similar to a double-hung window that has been rolled over on its side, sliders have a clean contemporary appearance and offer ease of use. These types of windows are those with horizontally sliding sashes and therefore do not require lifting at all. They come designed in this way thus making them suitable to be placed over some sinks or countertops where reaching up could be a hassle.
Pros:
Minimal space-saving design, easy maintenance, and simple operation.
Cons:
Less vented than other types of windows and the outer side is difficult to clean.
Best Suited For:
Private bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms or any room where space is a significant issue.
Awning Windows
An awning window is located in the frame with its hinge on top whereby the window opens from the bottom. They can open with just a crank of the handle or with the easy sliding operator hardware piece.
Pros:
Very suitable for ventilation especially in the rainy season, energy-efficient and compact designs.
Cons:
Limited size and restricted entryways when open.
Best Suited For:
Bathrooms, kitchens or any places that the water may easily reach.
Tilt and Turn Windows
Tilt and turn windows are easy to operate and recommended for people in need of functional windows. With the help of our comfortable ergonomic handles, they can either be opened like a door or tilted inwards for ventilation. Popular throughout most of Europe and becoming so abroad, the tilt and turn offer the advantage of natural breezes and fresh air, without having to open all the windows to their broadest.
Pros:
They are flexible and completely safe, easy to maintain and energy-efficient.
Cons:
It is more expensive than traditional types of windows.
Best Suited For:
Any modern house, bedroom, or living room where safety and flexibility are needed.
Fixed Windows
A fixed window is a glass window that is fixed in place and cannot be opened or closed. The rectangular form is very stable and efficient in weight distribution this is why many structures include windows in this form. The fixed design of the window gives insulation and soundproofing features to the building while allowing natural light to enter the building.
Pros:
It is highly energy efficient, low maintenance and ideal for aesthetic use.
Cons:
Lack of ventilation and cannot be opened.
Best Suited For:
Corridors, stairwells, or above doors are where lighting and visibility of the external environment are more important than natural air circulation.
Best Material Options for Windows
When it comes to windows there are so many different options to choose from or what type of frame material is the best one for your home. Below are the best options:
- uPVC
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Fibreglass
- Composite
- Steel
- Vinyl
- Glass
You might be interested in reading UPVC vs PVC Windows
Factors to Consider When Choosing Windows for Home
Really confused about the things to know before choosing the correct windows for your space. We have listed down the important points for you.
Material
Different types of materials which are uPVC, wooden, aluminium and fibreglass windows have their advantages. uPVC (affordable), Aluminium (contemporary, reasonably priced), Wood (expensive and requires a lot of maintenance), and Fiberglass (strong and expensive).
Some of the factors to look at include durability, maintenance requirements, insulation properties, and aesthetics.
Energy Efficiency
Choose windows at least with double or even triple glazing to minimize energy and increase sound and thermal resistance. Efficient windows lower heat exchange and less money spent on heating and cooling to balance with the higher installation cost. The constructed windows have to have low U-values and energy ratings to make them work at their best.
Installation
Additional charges occur if the material supplies involve specialized equipment or if the construction is multi-story.
Style and Design
Select the kind of windows like casement, sliding, bay, and so on that will suit the design of your house. For instance, moving or ventilated windows are less expensive than other styles, such as bays or curved ones. Make certain the design complements the aesthetics of the interior and exterior of the building.
Ventilation and Functionality
Find out how much ventilation is needed for each room. Choose windows that are easy to operate and to clean, tilt-and-turn or awning ones for instance.
Glass
Basic or single-layer covering used is relatively cheaper than the double/triple layer and Low-E coatings which would provide better insulation.
Security Features
It’s important to select security that can be in the form of mechanical bolts and locks and the windows should be processed with laminated and tempered glasses respectively. Other enhancements can be something as simple as a child lock or more robust frames.
Durability
Consequently, the quality materials used like fibreglass or composite do not wear out easily, thus reducing the expenses required for repair or replacement.
Maintenance
The low-maintenance uPVC and aluminium doors do not cost much for regular maintenance.
Customization
Small and standard measurements are cheap, customized and large ones are pricey.
Selecting windows is surrounded by many choices, thus Premier Buildtech – uPVC Doors & Windows aims to help and provide some recommendations to determine which window style will be suitable for your house structure and design as well as functionality and your preferences. If your home needs uPVC doors and windows installation anywhere in Kerala, we are just a call away!