Types of Windows
Did you ever stop to think about how many different types of windows there are? No? Then you're probably not alone, as most people don't know much about windows until they're looking to do some window replacing in their homes. The fact is that all the different types of windows available can create a dilemma for homeowners who are considering window replacement. Windows are getting to be one of the most important features in new home construction. Today's homeowners are opting for bigger and broader windows that allow in more natural sunlight and create the feeling of larger living space inside the home. Many people today are also looking for a more harmonious connection to the world outside their homes. For these reasons, it's important when purchasing a home or contemplating window replacement to learn as much about window types as possible.
Casement windows
Casement windows are windows that come with a hinged sash that swings either in or out like a door. They are attached with hinges to frames on one side of the window. Typically, these kinds of windows are hinged on the outside. They are hung either in singles or in pairs that use a common frame in between. Casement windows are held open with a mechanism called a 'casement stay.' This is a metal bar that holds the window open or closed, keeping it secure in either position. Casement windows typically come equipped with a handle, crank, or lever that is placed near the bottom of the window. This handle is used for easy opening and closing, and its placement makes it easy to open, close, and lock the window in place. A friction hinge (a hinge used to hold its position at any point in range of motion) is required in casement windows in order to hold the window open securely in high winds. There are two types of casement windows: awning and hopper.
Awning casement windows
Awning casement windows are hung horizontally. These are hinged at the top in order to swing outward. They are called 'awning' windows because their outward swinging action opens like an awning.
Hopper casement windows
Hopper windows are windows that have a bottom-swiveling action. Hopper casement windows open by tilting them vertically, usually toward the inside. These windows often can be found in schools.
Sash windows
Sash windows, also referred to as hung windows, are made of one or more glass (or other material such as vinyl) panels, or sashes. This sash forms a frame that holds the window's panes. These panes are separated from each other by strips of wood or metal, typically referred to as 'muntins.' Although, technically, all windows with panels are sash windows, the term is widely used for hung windows that are opened and closed by sliding the sash.
Single-hung sash windows
Single-hung sash windows are windows that contain a top and a bottom sash. In single-hung sash windows, one panel is fixed, meaning it is not able to be opened, while the other panel is movable and able to be opened and closed. In single-hung windows, typically the bottom sash is the fixed panel. Single-hung windows are not as popular as they once were because double-hung windows offer more features. Single-hung windows, however, are cheaper, and for this reason are still used.
Double-hung sash windows
Double-hung windows are like single-hung, only they consist of two sashes that can both be opened. As with single-hung, the two sashes are typically one on top of the other. Unlike single-hung windows, double-hung windows have gained in popularity because they are easier to clean and more convenient than single-hung.
Bay and bow windows
Bay and bow windows are often added to a room in order to expand its living space. Bay windows are large, angled windows that have three or more panels. Both bay and bow windows protrude from a home's surface, but a bow window has a semicircular shape to it. These types of windows are great for adding more light in addition to more space in a room.
Today's window industry is broadening possibilities for Arundel County consumers in a big way. That's why there are so many more options today than ever before. As more homeowners are insisting on windows that create more illuminated and harmonious living areas, more window manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with a wider array of window designs.
Casement windows
Casement windows are windows that come with a hinged sash that swings either in or out like a door. They are attached with hinges to frames on one side of the window. Typically, these kinds of windows are hinged on the outside. They are hung either in singles or in pairs that use a common frame in between. Casement windows are held open with a mechanism called a 'casement stay.' This is a metal bar that holds the window open or closed, keeping it secure in either position. Casement windows typically come equipped with a handle, crank, or lever that is placed near the bottom of the window. This handle is used for easy opening and closing, and its placement makes it easy to open, close, and lock the window in place. A friction hinge (a hinge used to hold its position at any point in range of motion) is required in casement windows in order to hold the window open securely in high winds. There are two types of casement windows: awning and hopper.
Awning casement windows
Awning casement windows are hung horizontally. These are hinged at the top in order to swing outward. They are called 'awning' windows because their outward swinging action opens like an awning.
Hopper casement windows
Hopper windows are windows that have a bottom-swiveling action. Hopper casement windows open by tilting them vertically, usually toward the inside. These windows often can be found in schools.
Sash windows
Sash windows, also referred to as hung windows, are made of one or more glass (or other material such as vinyl) panels, or sashes. This sash forms a frame that holds the window's panes. These panes are separated from each other by strips of wood or metal, typically referred to as 'muntins.' Although, technically, all windows with panels are sash windows, the term is widely used for hung windows that are opened and closed by sliding the sash.
Single-hung sash windows
Single-hung sash windows are windows that contain a top and a bottom sash. In single-hung sash windows, one panel is fixed, meaning it is not able to be opened, while the other panel is movable and able to be opened and closed. In single-hung windows, typically the bottom sash is the fixed panel. Single-hung windows are not as popular as they once were because double-hung windows offer more features. Single-hung windows, however, are cheaper, and for this reason are still used.
Double-hung sash windows
Double-hung windows are like single-hung, only they consist of two sashes that can both be opened. As with single-hung, the two sashes are typically one on top of the other. Unlike single-hung windows, double-hung windows have gained in popularity because they are easier to clean and more convenient than single-hung.
Bay and bow windows
Bay and bow windows are often added to a room in order to expand its living space. Bay windows are large, angled windows that have three or more panels. Both bay and bow windows protrude from a home's surface, but a bow window has a semicircular shape to it. These types of windows are great for adding more light in addition to more space in a room.
Today's window industry is broadening possibilities for Arundel County consumers in a big way. That's why there are so many more options today than ever before. As more homeowners are insisting on windows that create more illuminated and harmonious living areas, more window manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with a wider array of window designs.