Your window of opportunity is now! British consumers spent more than £110 billion on home improvements in 2020. Home improvements are becoming more affordable and effective.
But you don’t have to renovate your entire home in order to make it more comfortable. If you add new windows, you can increase your access to natural light and fresh air and make your home more beautiful.
Yet you shouldn’t buy your windows just yet. There are many different types of windows, and you must spend time finding the right ones for your house.
What are the most popular types of windows? How can you customize them to meet your needs? Which windows should you get for an old or modern house?
Answer these questions and you can select the ideal windows in no time. Here is your comprehensive guide.
Normal Casement Windows
Normal casement windows are basic windows with hinges. You can have windows with side or top hinges, letting you open them to allow fresh air to circulate through your house. You can open the windows by pushing them out with one or both hands.
Casement windows are energy efficient. They are made with environmentally friendly materials, and they form tight seals in your window frames. This can keep warm air in your home during winter, letting you save money on your energy bills.
If you’re worried about safety, you can install shoot bolt locks on your windows. These locks extend from the top and bottom of your windows, holding them tight to the frames.
Be careful when fully extending your windows. A strong wind or a piece of debris can strike and damage them. Extend your windows part of the way and monitor the hinges for any signs of damage.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are similar to casement windows. However, these windows have mechanical cranks that you use to open and close them. These windows open from the top, with the bottom pivoting outward and upward.
If you struggle to apply pressure to your windows, you should get awning windows so you can turn a crank. Awning windows can also help you if you live in a wet area. The windows will protect your home from the rain while giving you fresh air.
Awning windows are narrower than other types of windows, which means they let in less air. However, this makes it harder for intruders to enter your home, so they are a good choice for low-level windows.
Sliding Sash
Sliding sash windows sit on sliders, not hinges. This lets you move them back and forth without having to push on the glass or operate a crank.
The sash is the movable panel on your window. Most sliding sash windows have two panels, and you can open each one. Many people open the bottom sash by pushing it up, but you can pull the top sash down to let air and sunshine in.
Sliding sash windows come with many features to promote safety. Sash locks secure the bottom and top sashes in place. You can use a key to lock the sashes, preventing your kids or pets from knocking your windows open or closed.
Sash lifts can help you open and close the bottom sash. If you want to open the top sash, you can use pole eyes to pull the window down.
If you want to tilt the sashes inward to clean them, you can install tilt knobs. These knobs can go near your sash locks, so be careful when you open your windows.
A security bar along the bottom of your windows can prevent intruders from using crowbars to open your windows. The bar also helps your windows form a tight seal, keeping warm air inside your home.
You can customize these features however you like. Talk to a window installer about what features you should add.
If you’re looking for an elegant window design, you should get sliding sash windows. Many period homes use these windows, and you can find many colours and hardware options for them.
Flush Sash
Flush sash windows are a new type of window. The sashes are flush with the home exterior, creating a smooth external face on your house.
As the name suggests, these windows have sashes you can open. Most sashes open upward and outward akin to awning or casement windows.
Flush sash windows are another choice if you live in a period home. It’s also a good choice if you want trending windows that do not call attention to themselves. You can get any type of frame you want, including one that matches the colours of your walls, which can conceal your windows even further.
Georgian Bars
Georgian bar windows have bars inside the sealed glass. This creates a sturdy window with small panes of glass. The panes let in less sunlight than other types of windows, but they are harder to break due to the sturdiness of the bars.
These windows can open any way you want. Most people have windows that open on hinges upward or to the sides.
As the name indicates, Georgian bar windows are reflective of Georgian architecture. These homes are designed to have simple facades with symmetrical elements. If you have a Georgian house or want a traditional and classy aesthetic, you should get Georgian bar windows.
Astragal Bars
Astragal bars go on the inside and outside of the glass. This makes the bars more prominent, and it calls attention to your window frame.
Like Georgian bars, astragal bars create small panels of symmetrical glass. This keeps the amount of sunlight coming through your windows small while making your windows very strong.
Astragal bars are more versatile than Georgian bars. Georgian bars tend to be very small, but you can select any size or material for your astragal bars. Very thick bars can create an interesting texture for your home exterior.
You can open these windows however you want. Some people like awning windows with astragal bars while others like sliding sashes.
Leaded Windows
Leaded windows have a decorative lead pattern on the outside layer of glass. The lead pattern makes the windows very clear, allowing a lot of sunlight in. There is only a small amount of lead in the windows, so they are perfectly safe.
Most leaded windows have patterns with different shapes on them. Diamond leaded windows have diamond patterns while square windows have square patterns. These patterns are reminiscent of Tudor-style houses, and they can create geometrical clashes with other features on the exterior of your house.
If you like stained glass windows, you can get your leaded windows tinted. You can add any colours you want and request images like flowers or people on your windows.
You can install windows that do not open. This can protect the lead pattern and reduce drafts in your house.
Skylights
Skylights are windows that go on your ceiling or the upper parts of your walls. They allow you to look up at the sky, and they let in more sunlight than other types of windows. Some people use skylights to illuminate rooms in their houses during the daytime, reducing their electricity expenses.
Skylights can be any type of window. Some people have fixed panels while others have movable panels to create ventilation. If your windows are hard to reach, you can install an electric system that lets you open and close them with a remote.
Many modern houses have skylights in them. You can still install them even if you have an older house, as long as the ceiling can support them.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are windows that do not open. Though you lose ventilation, fixed windows offer better energy savings because their seals are so strong. They also have an extremely simple design, making them perfect for modern or minimalist homes.
Try to put your windows facing to the south. The sun tracks mostly to the south, so you will catch sunlight throughout the day. Putting your windows to the east or west only lets you catch sunlight during the morning or evening.
If you want a good view from your windows, they should be one metre above the floor and cover most of the wall. Try to avoid putting bars in your fixed windows so you can look through them easily.
Your Different Types of Windows
There are many different types of windows for good reason. Casement and awning windows are simple choices that provide great ventilation. If you want to customise your windows, you should get sliding sash windows.
If you want a smooth exterior, get flush sash windows. Georgian bar windows are great for Georgian homes while leaded windows are good for Tudor homes. If you’re looking to maximise sunlight, you should get skylights and fixed windows on your southern wall.
You can save money by going to window installers near you. Apex Windows serves the Luton area. Get your quote today.