A Simple yet best guide for Replacement Window Types
What increases the beauty of a house? Design? Of course. Paint on the wall? Of course. What else? Do not know. Do not worry. We will answer it. The different kinds of things, which will increase the beauty, are materials used, lawn, lighting and the most important of all windows. If you do not have windows then you will suffer a lot. There will be no fresh air coming in from outside, nor the sun peaking through with daylight. There will be no sneaking out or peeking out. However, there are many replacement window types. So it highly difficult to choose a perfect window for you. However, do not worry. We will help you to understand everything about it. It will help you to choose best windows from the available types.
Different types of window replacements
When you are thinking about window replacement, there are different options and varieties. Let us look at one by one.
Vinyl windows
These are most common and the most selected kinds of window replacements. You might have heard about the PVC material. It is polyvinyl chloride. This kind of window replacement has many advantages over other types. The most selected color is white. However, you can also opt for the other neutral colors such as tan, almond earth tone, clay, taupe and many others. These windows are maintenance free. Easy to install, adjust, use and clean. Different manufacturers use a different quality of PVC and vinyl. So make sure that the material used in your window replacement is of high quality. So choose reputed company full of the purchase. The coating level also determines the quality. So check whether it has a single coating, double coating or multi-coating. Because of the UV treatment and the color formulation, the exterior finish will be preserved. These window replacement can stay new for many years. These windows also undergo different kinds of severe testing and checking process.
Advantage of vinyl windows
- These are non-corroding
- Highly durable and strong in nature
- They do not cost during maintenance. In other words, they do not require maintenance
- They have a high level of the energy efficiency.
- Moderate cost is big plus
- They will not lose their texture and finish quickly
Fiberglass windows
Fiberglass window replacements are getting more popular day by day. Many people opt for these kinds of window replacement. It is because of their advantages. The fiberglass windows are made from two items. They are the perfect blend of a resin material and glass fibers. You can use them at any temperature and weather conditions. It is because they do not contract or expand due to the influence of the heat, cold, and the weather. Because of the introduction of these window replacements, the process of designing new kinds of windows, architectural modifications, updates and other complex profiling has become a little bit easy. When it comes to durability, no one can beat them. They are fabulous and georgeous. The fiberglass windows and the frames are sometimes used with other combinations and material for better results. As these are glass fiber with resin, there is no chance of warping, swelling, creaking and the rotting. They have insulated glass. Therefore, the contraction and the expansion is dependent upon the glass. The quality of glass determines the quality of the window. The Pultrusion is the method used for the production of such glasses for high durability. Manufacturers of Fiberglass windows include Marvin, Pella and Andersen. The Marvin’s Element Series is one of the best performing fiberglass windows in New Jersey.
Advantages of Fiberglass windows
- High strength and durability
- Easy clean and maintain
- Exceptional resistance
- Complex design is possible
- Common style profiles
- Manufactured with factory applied exterior colors. (You can paint them and during replacement, no need to repaint them)
Aluminum and wood replacements
If you want to choose the old style of window replacement, you can opt for the wooden replacement. They help you to have a different design of the wood and provides an ancient look to the house. You can even use the aluminum file low-cost window replacement. Few people chose them because of modifications. If you want to choose them then make sure that you really want them.
Casement windows
They have outward cranking. The hinges are placed on the left or the right side of the window settings. These are recommended for home security purpose. You can only open them from inside. They do not have many moving parts. That is why they do not require high maintenance. These windows are hinged with a turn of a crank that open outward to the right or left. Casement windows are commonly located above kitchen sinks and bathrooms. They open wide and catch breezes and directing the flow of fresh air into your home. Casement window design makes it one of the most energy efficient styles that is able to open. (picture windows and deadlights are the top of this category)
Awning windows
They are similar to the Casement window replacements. However, the hinges in these windows are placed at the top. They too have outward cranking. They are horizontally oriented windows, not the typical vertical one. Many people choose them in the kitchen because of ease of operations. There are other kinds of windows like glass block, accent windows, hopper basement windows, skylight windows, storm windows, and customized windows. However, they are not popular. They are just an update of previous styles.
Sliding windows
Gliding or the Sliding windows have become common types of windows for replacement. These windows have slim vertical drawing lines. Because of this, you can easily slide it from one point to other. They provide elegantly and the clean look. You can use it for any kind of architecture. If your design has more width for the window than the height, then these kinds of replacements are best. You can install them near a walkway or the deck. You can even customize these windows in two to three lite and moderate configuration. The reinforced sashes help for smoother gliding along with the feature of tilting. They are easy to clean.
Single Hung
Our single hung windows contain a window frame that contains two sashes, the top sash does not move and bottom sash move vertically. The main advantage of the fixed window is that it limits air infiltration, since there are fewer seams and moving parts that must be blocked with window seals. In most cases this window is also the most cost effective option for the homeowner.
Double Hung
This window design brings in fresh air from any direction. Because they lift open, remaining flush with the wall, they’re often used in walls adjacent to patios, decks and walkways. These windows consists of two vertically sliding sashes in a single frame. Security latches tilt mechanisms are few features that come standard on our double-hung windows.
Picture Windows aka Deadlights and Fixed lites
Our picture windows are very popular in modern houses and ranch-style homes. They are large fixed windows. The insulated glass unit is attached to the frame, the are no moving parts. With this window type the air infiltration is minimal. Sometimes these are bordered or flanked by two casements or double-hung windows. They are perfect for bringing daylight into dark rooms and they create stunning walls of light when used in combination with operating windows and patio doors.
Bay and Bow Windows
Are window assemblies or combinations that project outward from a home. They consist of head of the window, which is the top and the seat, which refers to the bottom. This can add space, volume and light to a room and add more personality to any home. They are popular choices in living rooms and master bedrooms. These types usually are installed under soffit, or will need a roof build over to prevent from rain and the weather. (See our roofing section for roof choices)
Contact a window contractor for more information.