House Window Types
Whether you're building a new home or you're tired of feeling drafts around the windows in your current home, there are a lot of choices that go into purchasing new windows. Far from just glass in the wall, windows come in many types with many options. You'll want to consider all of them so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle.
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Considerations
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The type of window you choose for your house will be determined in part by whether you're choosing windows for new construction or whether you're replacing windows in a house that's already built. For new construction, your only limitations are your budget and imagination. With replacement windows, you'll want to choose windows that fit into the existing openings and that match the overall style of the house.
Styles
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Your first decision is what style of window you want. There are two types of windows that swing open on a hinge. Casement windows are hinged on the side, while awning windows are hinged on the top. Two other types of windows open by having one window sash slide past another. Double-hung windows open by pulling one sash upward past the other. With gliding windows, you pull one sash to the side past the other.
There are also several types of stationary windows, meaning windows that don't open. Bay windows, sometimes called bow windows, stick out from your house, creating a box area. Picture or transom windows can be small windows designed to match your double-hung or casement windows, or they can be large, stand-alone windows. You can also request specialty windows, which may be curved or involve odd angles.
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Glass Types
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Another choice involved in windows is what type of glass to use. The basic type is clear glass, but interest in energy savings has led to the adding of tints and coatings to basic clear glass. Low-emissivity, or low-e, glass has a coating to reduce the transfer of heat through the window. Heat-absorbing glass is coated so that it absorbs incoming heat. Reflective glass has a reflective tint that reflects both heat and light from the window.
Choosing glass for your window also involves choosing single or double-pane windows. With double panes, the cushion of air between the layers of glass acts as an insulator, giving you further energy savings.
Framing Materials
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The other difference between window types is what material is used for the window frame. Aluminum frames are maintenance-free, but they're not very good at insulating, and they tend to cause condensation around your windows. Wood frames are much better insulators, but they require consistent maintenance to keep from rotting. Vinyl frames combine low maintenance with good insulation, and they're easy to install around any window type.
Fiberglass frames are an even better insulator than vinyl, but they're not widely available. Another option might be Fibrex, a specialty framing material made from a combination of wood and a plastic polymer. It combines high insulation with low maintenance.
Thoughts on Cost
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The cost of your windows will vary widely based on where you buy your windows and how much of the installation you're willing to do yourself. In general, though, expect to pay more for the options that make your windows better insulated, such as special glass coatings, double-pane glass or better framing. Before you're tempted to go with cheaper options, think about the savings you could see by installing energy-saving features. Better quality windows can lead to significant savings on your heating and cooling costs. It might not take many years before you see a return of your original investment, and then some.
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