Upgrade Your Home with Expo Home Improvement's Custom-Made Windows

When searching for the right window style for your home it's important to dive into the details of what each type of window is designed to do. For new homeowners the question of which window style is right for you can be daunting and it's easy to get lost in the litany of window variations: double and single hung windows, swing out windows, and casement windows, to name a few. Keep reading for a quick and easy guide to some of the different window styles that you can choose from.

What is a Double Hung Window?

A double hung window is a style of window that has operable top and bottom sashes. These two sashes allow each windowpane to slide up and down independently of each other, allowing for easier ventilation and energy conservation inside your home. Ease of use and easy access to the outside of the windowpanes for cleaning are just a couple of the benefits of double hung windows that homeowners are drawn to. Homeowners may also opt for a double hung window if they are looking for a safer window for their families; the ability that double hung windows have to lower the top sash without opening the bottom may keep pets and children from damaging the open lower screen.

What is a Single Hung Window?

How does a single hung window differ from its double hung counterpart? The difference between double and single hung traditional windows is fairly straight forward. A double hung window is designed with a center sash that allows you to pull the two frames apart from each other to allow for better air flow and easier cleaning access. A single hung window, on the other hand, is a pane with a single stationary sash at the top and a moving sash at the bottom. This only allows the windowpane to slide upward about half-way. When most people think of traditional window styles they think of single hung windows, but double hung panes may provide a little more versatility depending on your needs.

What are Casement Windows?

Unlike single hung and double hung windows, double casement windows take a more modern approach to home design. Casement windows are a single pane of glass with a crank that turns the pane outward completely, much like a door, allowing for a higher level of ventilation and more light inside the home. The placement of the sash against the frame on a casement window also allows for less air leakage than a sliding window. Double and single hung windows are considered more traditional in comparison but let in less light and air than casement window frames.

What are Awning Windows?

Large awning windows are a great choice for homeowners who need more light and air in their space. These are hinged at the top and swing out from the bottom, allowing a greater flow of air and ventilation. The main difference between this type of window and other window styles is the way that the pane operates; a large awning window is a single pane that opens only from the bottom. Like casement windows, awning windows tend to have less air leakage based on the placement of the sashes.

What are Slider Windows?

Compared to more traditional window styles that open vertically, a slider window has a sash that opens horizontally instead. These windows are great for rooms that have a limited amount of space, or for a wall that borders an outdoor patio, since slider windows don't protrude into the outside living area. Slider windows allow for a greater surface area for light to enter the home, and wider views to the outside. The determining factor when choosing a replacement slider window will be what room of your house you are placing the window in and how compact that area is.

What are Picture Windows?

Picture windows, unlike the other styles of window listed above, do not open to the exterior of the home, and simply provide a view of outside. The obvious difference between this window style and the others is how they operate and what they can be used for; while the other window styles can be opened to allow air into the home, a picture window cannot. When thinking about a large picture window replacement, take into consideration what other styles of windows are available to you and what type may best suit your home's needs.

If you're looking to replace the windows in your home or are searching for the right style of window for you, a simple search for "custom windows near me" may do the trick. For a more in-depth education into the benefits of all the different window styles, head to Expo Home Improvement. The Energy.gov site is also a great resource to differentiate between each style as you get deeper into your search.