Windows play a significant role in the look, feel, and energy efficiency of your home. They are available in a wide variety of styles and materials to meet any style or budget.
Clad-wood windows are a good choice for homeowners looking to blend traditional and modern design. They offer intricate grid patterns and classic wood materials. They also come with options like argon gas and Low E coating for increased energy efficiency.
Bay windows
Add a cozy seating area to your home with a bay window. Its deep sill can be used for a window seat or shelf to display furniture and plants. These windows can increase the value of your house and offer a panoramic view of the landscape.
They are also more energy efficient than other window styles. They can be designed with a variety of glass options and double panes to reduce energy costs.
Unlike bow windows, which have four angled projections, bay windows usually have two angled operable windows and one fixed inoperable picture window. They are often used in transitional or contemporary homes but can be incorporated into a traditional style as well.
Bow windows
Bow windows add dimension to living spaces and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. They also increase the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. They’re typically constructed from four or five gently angled windows that are joined together to create a curved appearance on your exterior walls.
You can customize your bow windows with functional upgrades, including between-the-glass blinds and shades for a sleek look that reduces dusting and wear. You can also choose a window seat to create a cozy nook where you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a good book. New bow windows are often made with energy efficiency in mind. They include features like insulated frames and low-E glass to keep your indoor temperature stable.
Transom windows
Historically, transom windows were used to allow airflow through homes, even when doors were closed. Nowadays, they’re primarily installed to add natural light to rooms without requiring extra wall space. They’re ideal for living areas and bedrooms, where they can help the space feel larger.
Window transoms can be adorned with decorative accessories like muntins for more style. However, it’s important to keep them clean to maintain their beauty. This is especially true for interior transoms, which can be hard to reach with a regular duster. They should be cleaned frequently to reduce dirt accumulation and to prevent moisture that can lead to rot.
Victorian style windows
Victorian windows bring a bold, elegant look to any home. Whether you’re restoring an original Victorian house or adding vintage elements to a newer home, it’s important to choose windows that balance classic elegance with modern energy efficiency and durability.
During the Victorian era, windows emphasized intricate designs and elaborate details. They often feature two-over-two muntin grid patterns and a variety of trim colors.
Leaded glass windows were a Victorian signature, adding an ethereal touch to rooms and showcasing the homeowner’s wealth. Today, they can be used to add visual interest to a roof and create additional headroom in upper-story spaces. Bay and oriel windows accentuate Victorian houses with their graceful outward curves and create cozy nooks or window seats within homes.
Egress windows
If you’re considering remodeling your basement, turning an attic into a bedroom or adding new dwelling additions, egress windows are essential. These are windows that comply with strict safety standards and provide a clear escape route during emergencies.
Window replacements must meet minimum dimension requirements and be capable of achieving the required opening size with normal operation without any special sequence or removal of sashes or mullions. Children and guests are often unfamiliar with such special operations, so time spent comprehending them can delay emergency escape.
Consider casement or double-hung windows that open wide horizontally for a quick exit. Awning windows are another good option because they can also meet egress window requirements.
Vinyl windows
Vinyl windows are a popular choice for affordable window replacement. They can improve a home’s resale value and save on energy bills. They also prevent air from escaping in winter and reduce noise. They can be found in a wide range of styles and sizes.
The frames are made through a process of extrusion, which gives them a sleek and modern look. Then they are assembled, with glass panes fitted into the frames and weather stripping added for insulation and to prevent leakage.
Vinyl is a durable material that resists corrosion, rust, and fungus growth. However, the frames can sag over time. This can affect the performance of the window and may even make it unusable.