Your Handy Guide On Choosing & Buying The Right Window For Your House

Putting in new windows is one of the best ways to get a new outlook on life. A yard previously seen through worn-out storm windows can become radiant in a whole new way. And your home curb appeal can increase greatly with a new set of windows.

But before you start pulling out old windows, it’s important to know what you want to put in. There’s certain things you need to know about how to buy windows, so read on to learn more.

Window Materials

When you start shopping for windows, the first thing you’ll want to narrow down is what material you want them made of. There are many different options, and each has its pros and cons. The most common window materials are wood, aluminium, vinyl, and fibreglass.

If you want clad-frame windows, you’re looking at aluminium or vinyl, which don’t require as much maintenance as wood. Wood windows generally look fantastic, but they require careful painting and regular maintenance to make sure they stay in good shape. Fibreglass windows are stronger than vinyl, but they’re more expensive, too.

Single, Double, and Triple Pane Glass

Once you’ve picked your window material, it’s time to look through glass options. You’ll have three main choices: single, double, and triple pane.

Single pane windows are just what they sound like: one layer of glass in the frame. These are often the cheapest, though they have the lowest energy efficiency.

Double pane windows have two layers of glass with a sealed air space between them. This makes them more resistant to heat leakage.

Triple pane glass uses the same model as double pane windows but with the sealed air layer containing argon or krypton. Triple pane windows are more energy efficient than double pane but are also more expensive.

Energy Efficiency

Windows are a major hot spot (pun intended) when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency. As we mentioned, single-pane windows can bleed heat, driving up your cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. Having a good set of energy-efficient windows is worth the investment.

It’s always worth the extra cost to get a good set of double or triple-paned windows. That insulating layer of gas does a lot to preserve the temperature inside your home. Plus, they do more for soundproofing, ensuring your relationships with your neighbours remain harmonious.

Casement Windows

So you’ve chosen a window material, you’ve decided to go with double or triple pane windows, and now it’s time for the fun part: deciding on the style. Casement windows are a popular type in many homes these days. They open from the side like doors to allow for a modern look and beautiful views.

Some companies offer windows that are both casement and tilting style. They can open like a hinged window or rotate on a horizontal axis to tilt into your house. Because this provides easy access to the outside of the window, it’s a popular style for upstairs windows.

Double-Hung

Double-hung windows are an old idea that has recently received a comeback. These windows slide up and down like regular windows, but with a twist. You can either raise the bottom pane or lower the top pane of these windows.

People with young children and pets are partial to double-hung windows. You can enjoy fresh air in your house without worrying about your baby climbing through the window. Many double-hung windows come with moveable screens to cover whichever half of the window you prefer to use at the moment.

Sliding

Sliding windows are a popular option if you have window openings that are wider than they are tall. In essence, sliding windows are double-hung windows turned sideways. You can slide one pane back over the top of the other or slide both into the middle to have an opening on both sides.

Sliding windows don’t offer as much ventilation as double-hung and tilting windows do. So if you want to feel the wind in your hair, you may be better off looking into one of those styles. But if you want an unimpeded view, sliding windows, like casement windows, are a good option.

Bay

Many of us have romantic notions about what it’s like to have bay windows, and they’re all correct. If you have a window seat, you can curl up there with a good book and a cup of tea. If your bay windows are in the kitchen, you can create a breakfast nook and watch the birds play in your yard while you sip on coffee.

Double-hung or tilting windows are probably the best option for bay windows with a seat. For breakfast nooks, you might consider casement or simple picture windows. If you’re planning a house remodel, talk to your architect about how you might incorporate a bay window.

Learn More About How to Buy Windows

Learning how to buy windows is important to your renovation project. It can increase your home’s value, improve your energy efficiency, and make everything in your home seem much more beautiful. Make sure you know what you want, and you’ll wind up with windows that make your everyday brighter.

If you’d like to get started on your new window installation project, reach out to us at Ecovue. We offer the latest in eco-friendly window technology that works to keep your bills low and your views beautiful. Contact us today to get started on improving your home.