Types of Windows That Exist Today

Did you know that in the 1600s, having glass windows was a luxury reserved only for the wealthiest of the wealthy?

In fact, glass windows didn’t become commonplace in the average home until the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Windows has the uncanny ability to completely change the character of your home.

When sunlight floods in and colors a living space, its warmth has a welcoming way of greeting you and making you feel calm, serene, and tranquil.

And nowadays, there are all types of home windows that can help you achieve that effect.

In this article, we’ll be going over the variety of windows that you may want to consider for your home.

 

The Types of Home Windows

Windows can add personality, charm, and even distinctiveness to a home. As a result, it’s important to choose the right kinds of windows as they will contribute to your home’s overall look and feel.

There are many things to consider when making this kind of determination.

The size, shape, price range, ventilation, as well as a whole host of other factors should be taken into account.

Once you’ve done your research on what you’re looking for personally, in addition to what’s best for your home, then you’ll be in a position to make a well-informed choice.

But to help get the gears turning, here are a few ideas for your home window replacement to consider:

1. Custom Windows

If you happen to have a space that needs filling, and conventional window types are not meeting your expectations — the custom window is always a great alternative. You really can’t go wrong with tailored options.

Designed from measurements taken by either you or an expert, custom windows may be exactly what you need in order to bring that sense of liveliness back to your living space and truly make it your own.

2. Transom Windows

Ornate, attractive, and pretty. These decorative windows help to elegantly separate spaces as well as add special craftsmanship that will become the center of attention in your home.

These windows are typically found in high-end neighborhoods and can be in the range of $200 to $575 per window to install.

They usually come in the form of a semicircle, however, they can also be found in a rectangle or square shape too.

3. Storm Windows

Exterior windows that are placed in the frames of your current ones, storm windows work to bolster the strength of your casement by adding an additional layer of thickness.

This will help to block out drafts, prevent heat loss, as well as protect against unpleasant and stormy weather.

Very common and sought-after in the coastal regions, storm windows are usually around $200 to $460 for installation.

4. Sliding Window

Usually made from two single windows, sliding windows have two sections that allow you to horizontally slide one over the another. This parallel movement allows you to dictate how much air you want coming in from the outside.

Because these windows can come in larger sizes, the installation fee can be higher than normal prices.

The cost begins at $320 and can go as high as $1,300.

5. Skylight Windows

A big part of homeownership is making the space your own. And if you’re someone who loves and enjoys natural sunlight, then the skylight windows are the option for you!

Basically, it’s a window created for your roof, and its installation process is similar to that of a roof vent.

This option will open your space up to the steady stream of sunlight that will illuminate your area. Additionally, it will also add a strong sense of individuality to your home, as this is not an option that many average houses possess.

For this reason, Skylight is one of the best home windows you can get. The costs usually start at $320 and can go up to $1300.

6. Round Circle Windows

Round Circle Windows are perfect for adding a distinctive style to your home’s look. And not only that, but they will also double as a conversation starter among guests.

Their simple but unique design will keep friends and family complimenting you on your eccentric taste.

Furthermore, these home window types are an interesting curiosity that will bring a new flavor to the overall decor of your living space.

And the best part? The installation costs start as low as $250 and go up to about $750.

7. Picture Windows

Regardless of whether you have a view of a beautiful waterfront or you’re downtown overlooking your city’s skyline, Picture windows will allow you to appreciate those views on a deeper level.

Picture windows are large windows that are fixed in place and are unable to open.

They don’t have any breaks or frames which means you get clear, free, and unimpeded views of whatever picturesque sight that your particular outlook has to offer.

Depending on the size of the window, you can expect the installation price to be anywhere from $245 to $850.

8. Hopper Window

The Hopper brand is one of the more simple home replacement windows. It opens on a slant from the top by the pulling of a lever. This then produces an opening that allows the air to make its way into the home.

It does a good job of making use of small and confined spaces, and this is why they’re typically found in basement suites or even bathrooms.

The price range for the installation of a Hopper window is about $260 to $720 for each window.

9. Jalousie Windows

Jalousie windows are made from several glass slats. These slats help to ventilate the entire room and can be opened or closed by the simple cranking of a little lever.

With a variety of glass options, the Jalousie window is ideal for homes in locations with mild winters and is best suited for porches as well as sunrooms.

And this installation price is a bargain beginning at $175 and going up to about $375.

10. Garden Windows

Typically found in kitchens, Garden windows are a charming addition to any home. They can be used as small-scale “greenhouses” that shelter a variety of plants and greenery.

The windows tend to project outward from the home, creating a ledge on the inside for the flowers and vegetation.

Usually, installing Garden windows is in the ballpark of $1,000 to $4,000.

11. Glass Block Windows

Generally speaking, Glass Block windows are used to enhance the flow of light to the exclusion of everything else. This is evident in their opaque design which brings in an abundance of light but blocks any visibility.

This feature allows the windows to do their job while at the same time providing privacy and seclusion.

The cost to install Glass Block windows is around $400 to $1,100 per window.

12. Egress Windows

The top priority for this particular window is safety. A smart homeowner will have these windows installed as they act as an alternative escape method if an unfortunate event such as a fire or robbery ever took place.

Usually, Egress windows are installed in basement suites. You can recognize them by how they are submerged beneath the surface of the ground and often surrounded by either concrete or metal lining.

13. Casement Windows

Casement windows will either open from the side or from the top. Generally, they will come in pairs, with a casement window on one side of a wall and then a second one placed next to it, separated by a few feet.

It is built from rigid and firm glass and provides a clear view that will make you feel both free and at ease.

The general cost for the installation of Casement windows is $270 to $750 per window.

14. Bow Windows

Bow windows are a liberating brand to have installed. Opening them up allows for the ambiance of the outdoors to fill your home with the subtle nuances that accompany it.

They are distinguished by their tailored curve design that forms a circular mold on the exterior of your home.

This unique blueprint drives up the price for the installation. It begins at $1,400 and can go as high as $3,800.

15. Bay Windows

Bay windows are an elegant and stylish attribute to your home’s presentability. They extend outward from the house — similar to the Garden window — providing a “shelf-like” area for you to perch yourself on to admire the views.

There are several flat windows used to form a hexagon-style shape that sculpts the outer appearance of the window.

Installing Bay windows will set you back around $1,150 to $3,550. This averages out to about $240 to $800 for each window.

16. Awning Windows

Awning windows are perfect for homes located in regions with lots of rainfall. When it opens, the window produces a waterproof awning that will keep the rain from entering your home.

The price of installation for an awning window falls in the price range of $420 to $760 per window.

Types of Window Materials

Wooden 

Wood gives windows a rustic and natural style. This profile is aesthetically very attractive. The material is a natural insulator.

The main disadvantages of these types of windows are the high cost and maintenance. On the other hand, these windows wear quickly to solar radiation.

Wood is the material of choice for heritage homes, log cabins, and farmhouses, and for homeowners who want to create a more rustic look in their homes.

PVC Profile 

PVC windows have evolved a lot since they are on the market. These types of windows offer good insulation and are highly demanded because of their soundproofing capacity and thermal efficiency.

Since they are available in a range of colors and hues, they are easy to adjust to all home designs.

Combined with Low-E glass, these types of windows are an efficient, popular, and affordable option for many homes.

Aluminum profile 

Aluminum windows are a very good option to consider when choosing windows for the house. They are very resistant to changes in temperature, solar radiation, and inclement weather.

These types of windows generally have greater thermal insulation. Nowadays, aluminum windows are the most chosen by consumers due to their benefits and the wide range of finishes and colors they come with.

Types of Window Glass

One aspect you can’t afford to overlook is the type of glass. The types of window glass and the profiles determine how efficient and insulating the windows are. These aspects play an important role in the comfort level they may provide to the home.

Float glass

Float glass is used in types of windows that combine several layers of float glass. They are made from mixtures of vitrifying compounds, such as silica; fluxes, alkaline, and stabilizers like lime.

Tempered glass

Tempered glass is mainly a safety glass whose manufacturing process engages different thermal or chemical treatments that make them more resistant than the windows with normal glass.

Apart from their greater resistance, they break in a singular way. They will break into very small pieces and never into large and sharp pieces. Therefore, the possibility of getting hurt with these windows is much lower when they crack or break.

Single or monolithic glass

It is a type of glass that is currently in disuse. As this glass has very low thermal and acoustic properties, it is not recommended for households.

How much does a window glass weigh?

If you want to calculate in an easy way how much the glass of a window weighs, simply multiply the square meters of glass by its thickness and then by 2.5.

In this way, for example, a one-square piece of glass of one square meter that is 4mm thick will weigh 1 x 4 x 2.5 = 10 kg. As you can see, the sheets and thickness make the glass and the window heavier. Consequently, it is important to choose a window system that supports the weight of the glass without the risk of breakage.

Types of Window Openings

In this technical aspect, choose a window with an opening system that suits your needs. Choose an open mechanism or system that gives easy access to the room where it is installed. Pick up the most functional type of window.

There are several types of window openings, as follows.

Fixed window

These types of windows cannot open. They are used in air-conditioned rooms or buildings, partitions, offices, small rooms, or in dark and not ventilated rooms.

Top hung windows

They are the most common windows in most rooms in houses. They usually have one or two layers of glass that open with a lateral opening mechanism. If you are looking to boost acoustic and thermal insulation, top-hung windows are the most appropriate choice.

Casement window

Casement windows open slightly from top to bottom towards the interior. They do not open completely and do not allow peeking. They are often used in offices, bathrooms, and garages.

Tilt-and-turn window

A versatile opening system that allows lateral opening and inclined opening. This last position ventilates the rooms without having the window wide open.

Sliding window

Their glass moves horizontally on a rail inserted in the frame. They are the right option for areas limited by furniture or corners.

Nonetheless, these types of windows do not close hermetically.

Parallel slide and tilt window

Parallel slide and tilt windows combine the horizontal displacement of sliding windows with the inclined opening system of other windows.

Combination windows

They integrate several glasses and different types of opening mechanisms.

What Window Will You Choose for Your Home?

We hope you enjoyed this article about the types of home windows you should consider for your home. There are a vast array of options to choose from, so being knowledgeable is the key to making the right choice for you.

The design is the main factor when choosing the best types of windows. Consider the models, aesthetics, and colors. The windows should have the capacity to retain or regulate heat very well. Windows with a poor design are not helpful to save energy and minimize bills.

Generally, most types of windows are manufactured with several materials, which include iron, aluminum, wood, and steel. These materials help cool rooms.

Wood windows are the favorite of many because of their resistance and capability to keep a room warm or cool. However, wooden window installation can cost a lot of money. There are many types of wood that regulate temperature really well. Yet, not all these types of windows do this as they should.

If you found this post of value, be sure to check out some of our other articles on interior design and decor.