A hopper window is hinged on the bottom and tilts open at the top so the entire window can be opened. It has a crank handle and a mechanism that holds the window in place, preventing it from slamming shut in the wind. The window screen attaches on the outside. People usually confuse awning windows with hopper windows. When either a hopper or awning window is positioned over a door, it is called a transom window.
Hopper windows are typically used in areas that require small openings, like basements and bathrooms, that also need as much ventilation as possible, for which a hopper window is ideally suited since, unlike windows that slide, it opens completely and requires a limited amount of space. The hopper window accommodates a full window screen because the window opens inward, away from the screen.
A hopper window is more effective at preventing air leakage than other standard window types because the sash presses against the frame when it is closed. These windows seal more tightly than is possible for the sliding seals in traditional windows, keeping heat or air conditioning in and the elements, out. Windows with compression seals allow about half as much air leakage as double-hung windows and horizontal sliding windows with sliding seals.
Benefits
• Because it opens outward at an angle, it helps prevent debris like leaves and paper from blowing into your basement
• Hinged design provides maximum ventilation in a minimal space
• Energy efficient because of the tight seal
• Easy to open because you only have to be able to reach the handle and not the entire window
• Since the corners of the window are on the top, there is no danger of accidentally banging your head
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Arched Windows
If there is anything that can make a home stand out, it is a beautiful, arched window. While there are many other types of decorative accents that make a home, an arched window can add something unusual to the home. Not only are these types of windows unique, but they add a certain level of sophistication to the home that might not have existed with your previous window type.
Reputable replacement window specialists know that arched windows add prominence and class to the home. There are a number of different shapes from which to choose, depending on the overall look you are trying to achieve for the home. After all, homeowners enjoy knowing they have options when they are in the midst of a replacement window process, and an arched window is just one additional option for homeowners looking to add some excitement to their décor.
A circlehead window, which is another way to refer to arched windows, is often used in conjunction with other decorative window and door types. They can be matched with just about any style of window accessory, including grilles and dividing bars (horizontal, vertical and diagonal).
They can range in shape from soft curves to tall, sharp peaks. They come in a range of angles and ellipses that can be custom designed and constructed to fit the overall look of your home. They can be installed to add pizzazz to an existing room or as a way to allow in extra light to a newly constructed home. They are a beautiful accent and serve the dual purpose of being cosmetically appealing and effective.
There is no shortage of arched window designs that you can incorporate into your home, particularly if you are looking for a more uniquely shaped window design.
Reputable replacement window specialists know that arched windows add prominence and class to the home. There are a number of different shapes from which to choose, depending on the overall look you are trying to achieve for the home. After all, homeowners enjoy knowing they have options when they are in the midst of a replacement window process, and an arched window is just one additional option for homeowners looking to add some excitement to their décor.
A circlehead window, which is another way to refer to arched windows, is often used in conjunction with other decorative window and door types. They can be matched with just about any style of window accessory, including grilles and dividing bars (horizontal, vertical and diagonal).
They can range in shape from soft curves to tall, sharp peaks. They come in a range of angles and ellipses that can be custom designed and constructed to fit the overall look of your home. They can be installed to add pizzazz to an existing room or as a way to allow in extra light to a newly constructed home. They are a beautiful accent and serve the dual purpose of being cosmetically appealing and effective.
There is no shortage of arched window designs that you can incorporate into your home, particularly if you are looking for a more uniquely shaped window design.
The U-Factor
An organization called the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) has developed a rating system based on the U factor. The U factor is the rating most homeowners look at first, and for good reason. This rating measures the heat-loss that occurs through the window. Most homeowners choose to install thermal replacement windows because of the heat-loss that occurs in the winter with their old windows. Most windows now carry this rating so it's becoming easy to make comparisons. Generally speaking, windows all have a U factor between .2 and 1.3; the lower the number, the better.
• Old metal casement window: 1.3
• Good quality single-pane window: 1.0
• Good single-pane with storm window: .6
• Double-pane with Low-E glass: .4
• Triple-pane with Low-E glass: .25
Air leakage: This rating measures how much outside air will infiltrate through your window installation. Fixed- and awning-style windows are usually the best. The range is typically between .1 and .3.
Solar-heat gain coefficient: Naturally, this is the exact opposite of the U factor. It measures the windows heat gain during the summer months. It's expressed as a number between 0 and 1 and, again, the lower the number, the better.
Condensation resistance: This rating measures the window's ability to resist the formation of condensation. As ventilation and insulation continues to be geared more toward energy-efficiency, condensation is becoming more and more of an issue in homes. In this case, a higher condensation resistance number is actually better.
Visible transmittance (VT): This window rating has more to do with homeowner preference than superior performance. VT measures the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window. The higher the number, the more daylight you can expect in your home.
• Old metal casement window: 1.3
• Good quality single-pane window: 1.0
• Good single-pane with storm window: .6
• Double-pane with Low-E glass: .4
• Triple-pane with Low-E glass: .25
Air leakage: This rating measures how much outside air will infiltrate through your window installation. Fixed- and awning-style windows are usually the best. The range is typically between .1 and .3.
Solar-heat gain coefficient: Naturally, this is the exact opposite of the U factor. It measures the windows heat gain during the summer months. It's expressed as a number between 0 and 1 and, again, the lower the number, the better.
Condensation resistance: This rating measures the window's ability to resist the formation of condensation. As ventilation and insulation continues to be geared more toward energy-efficiency, condensation is becoming more and more of an issue in homes. In this case, a higher condensation resistance number is actually better.
Visible transmittance (VT): This window rating has more to do with homeowner preference than superior performance. VT measures the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window. The higher the number, the more daylight you can expect in your home.
Thermal Windows
Thermal windows are always double- or triple-paned. Thermal replacement windows allow far less heat to escape your home in the winter and less heat to get in during the summer, lowering your fuel bills considerably. Most thermal windows also eliminate the need for painting.
Thermal windows are typically two to four times more efficient than older single-pane windows. That means you can expect your winter heating bills to drop, on average, about 20 to 30 percent. The bigger your fuel bills and the draftier your old windows, the quicker your new replacement windows will pay for themselves.
Modern windows rely on a wide array of technologies to achieve a level of energy efficiency as high as five times that of traditional windows. All that technology can be confusing. Terms like “Low-E glass” and “argon gas” don't mean much to the average consumer. While you needn't feel overwhelmed by these terms, a basic understanding of thermal replacement window ratings will help you choose the window that's best for you without blindly relying on a sales pitch.
An organization called the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) has developed a rating system based on the U factor. The U factor is the rating most homeowners look at first, and for good reason. This rating measures the heat-loss that occurs through the window. Most homeowners choose to install thermal replacement windows because of the heat-loss that occurs in the winter with their old windows. Most windows now carry this rating so it's becoming easy to make comparisons. Generally speaking, windows all have a U factor between .2 and 1.3; the lower the number, the better.
Thermal windows are typically two to four times more efficient than older single-pane windows. That means you can expect your winter heating bills to drop, on average, about 20 to 30 percent. The bigger your fuel bills and the draftier your old windows, the quicker your new replacement windows will pay for themselves.
Modern windows rely on a wide array of technologies to achieve a level of energy efficiency as high as five times that of traditional windows. All that technology can be confusing. Terms like “Low-E glass” and “argon gas” don't mean much to the average consumer. While you needn't feel overwhelmed by these terms, a basic understanding of thermal replacement window ratings will help you choose the window that's best for you without blindly relying on a sales pitch.
An organization called the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) has developed a rating system based on the U factor. The U factor is the rating most homeowners look at first, and for good reason. This rating measures the heat-loss that occurs through the window. Most homeowners choose to install thermal replacement windows because of the heat-loss that occurs in the winter with their old windows. Most windows now carry this rating so it's becoming easy to make comparisons. Generally speaking, windows all have a U factor between .2 and 1.3; the lower the number, the better.
Factors to Consider with Green Windows
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting green windows to replace your home’s existing windows:
Number of Window Panes – Going from a single pane window to a double pane window can reduce your heating bills by as much as 15 percent. Over the life of the window, that can add up to almost $2,000, which is more than the added cost of the window in the first place. Selecting triple paned windows or super windows, or adding gas fill between the panes, can increase efficiency even more, but there may be a tradeoff between how much more efficient they are in comparison to the extra cost. This is a place where you can compromise if budget is an issue, as long as you at least go with a double paned window.
Window Frames – Some frames are more energy efficient than others. Stick with wood, fiberglass or vinyl window frames over aluminum or steel frames. If available, you may even be able to choose insulated frames which will add to the efficiency of the window.
Coatings – Low-e coatings can make a significant difference in the energy efficiency of a window. Low-e coatings prevent heat from entering your home through the window in the heat of the summer and reduce the amount of heat lost during the colder winter months. There are different types of low-e coatings that are appropriate depending on the climate in which you live, but having the right coating on your windows will keep your home more comfortable all year round and the cost of adding the coating will typically pay for itself in reduced energy bills within a few years.
There are other ways as well to make your windows more energy efficient. Consider the types of window coverings you place over your windows and the landscaping outside your home. Exterior blinds and window awnings can limit the amount of sun, and therefore the heat that enters your home during the summer. Planting trees outside of your window will also make your home more energy efficient by reducing the wind and sun that hits your windows. Interior insulated window shades are a great way to keep the heat in your home during the winter and will help to reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs through your windows.
Another aspect that makes windows green is how much they reduce your reliance on electricity because they reduce your need to turn on the lights. If the design of your windows is optimized to absorb natural light within your home, you can keep your lights off as much as possible, thus reducing your electric bills.
The true value of green windows cannot be simply measured by the cost of the windows or the reduction in your utility bills. In addition to any financial impact, green windows can also make your home more comfortable and healthier and can require less maintenance. The value of green windows far surpasses what you see in your checkbook.
Number of Window Panes – Going from a single pane window to a double pane window can reduce your heating bills by as much as 15 percent. Over the life of the window, that can add up to almost $2,000, which is more than the added cost of the window in the first place. Selecting triple paned windows or super windows, or adding gas fill between the panes, can increase efficiency even more, but there may be a tradeoff between how much more efficient they are in comparison to the extra cost. This is a place where you can compromise if budget is an issue, as long as you at least go with a double paned window.
Window Frames – Some frames are more energy efficient than others. Stick with wood, fiberglass or vinyl window frames over aluminum or steel frames. If available, you may even be able to choose insulated frames which will add to the efficiency of the window.
Coatings – Low-e coatings can make a significant difference in the energy efficiency of a window. Low-e coatings prevent heat from entering your home through the window in the heat of the summer and reduce the amount of heat lost during the colder winter months. There are different types of low-e coatings that are appropriate depending on the climate in which you live, but having the right coating on your windows will keep your home more comfortable all year round and the cost of adding the coating will typically pay for itself in reduced energy bills within a few years.
There are other ways as well to make your windows more energy efficient. Consider the types of window coverings you place over your windows and the landscaping outside your home. Exterior blinds and window awnings can limit the amount of sun, and therefore the heat that enters your home during the summer. Planting trees outside of your window will also make your home more energy efficient by reducing the wind and sun that hits your windows. Interior insulated window shades are a great way to keep the heat in your home during the winter and will help to reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs through your windows.
Another aspect that makes windows green is how much they reduce your reliance on electricity because they reduce your need to turn on the lights. If the design of your windows is optimized to absorb natural light within your home, you can keep your lights off as much as possible, thus reducing your electric bills.
The true value of green windows cannot be simply measured by the cost of the windows or the reduction in your utility bills. In addition to any financial impact, green windows can also make your home more comfortable and healthier and can require less maintenance. The value of green windows far surpasses what you see in your checkbook.
Windows Now Going Green!
There is lots of talk these days about going green and how to best select eco-friendly products without breaking the bank. Well, if you are in the market to replace your current windows, then replacing them with “green windows” is a great way to make your home more eco-friendly without it costing you a ton of extra money. Energy efficient windows will cost more up front than less efficient windows, but the savings you will recoup in energy costs over the life of the windows will more than make up for the extra upfront cost. There are also added benefits to installing green windows in addition to the green it will save you in the future.
Replacing your current old and drafty windows with more energy efficient green windows is one of the best investments you can make in turning your home into a more energy efficient place. Windows are the largest culprit in energy loss in homes, accounting for as much as 25% of the heat lost during the winter months, and older models that allow a lot of solar energy into the home during the warm summer months make your air conditioning work overtime as well.
Energy efficient windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency drastically and can also add to the value of your home. They can also make your home more comfortable to live in, add to the health and air quality in your home and they look nice as well.
Of course, some homeowners are concerned that green windows will cost too much to install and will be above their budget. There are all levels of energy efficiency and with that all price tags as well, but even if you can incorporate some green features into your windows but not others, you will benefit more than if you don’t select energy efficient windows at all. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the cost of installation for green windows is the same as for traditional windows, so the only added cost you will incur is in the cost of the windows themselves and not any additional installation costs. Since installation costs typically run about half of the finished cost of installing windows, the difference in selecting green windows will not be as drastic as you may have thought.
When you factor in how much you will be saving on energy costs by replacing green windows, you will soon see how quickly they will pay for themselves. Energy efficient windows can save a typical homeowner as much as 30 percent or more on their energy bills. In addition to decreased heating and cooling costs, homeowners can consider some other green design elements in their home when replacing windows which can reduce the need for electricity by providing natural light and can harness the benefits of passive solar heating and thermal mass.
Replacing your current old and drafty windows with more energy efficient green windows is one of the best investments you can make in turning your home into a more energy efficient place. Windows are the largest culprit in energy loss in homes, accounting for as much as 25% of the heat lost during the winter months, and older models that allow a lot of solar energy into the home during the warm summer months make your air conditioning work overtime as well.
Energy efficient windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency drastically and can also add to the value of your home. They can also make your home more comfortable to live in, add to the health and air quality in your home and they look nice as well.
Of course, some homeowners are concerned that green windows will cost too much to install and will be above their budget. There are all levels of energy efficiency and with that all price tags as well, but even if you can incorporate some green features into your windows but not others, you will benefit more than if you don’t select energy efficient windows at all. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the cost of installation for green windows is the same as for traditional windows, so the only added cost you will incur is in the cost of the windows themselves and not any additional installation costs. Since installation costs typically run about half of the finished cost of installing windows, the difference in selecting green windows will not be as drastic as you may have thought.
When you factor in how much you will be saving on energy costs by replacing green windows, you will soon see how quickly they will pay for themselves. Energy efficient windows can save a typical homeowner as much as 30 percent or more on their energy bills. In addition to decreased heating and cooling costs, homeowners can consider some other green design elements in their home when replacing windows which can reduce the need for electricity by providing natural light and can harness the benefits of passive solar heating and thermal mass.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Casement Replacement Windows
Windows are an often-overlooked aspect of your home's exterior. Homeowners too often think of windows only from an interior or performance perspective. They forget that windows offer more than a way to let in sunlight, experience a good view, or boost your home's energy efficiency.
Viewed from the curb, windows can say a lot about a home. They can provide a sharp visual focus. They can accentuate an architectural style or feature. Windows come in all sorts of styles, and choosing the right look can make a home really stand out and look appealing.
If you're buying replacement windows, now is the time to consider what style is the best fit for your home, as well as what energy efficiencies you can improve. There are so many options to choose from! You don't have to stay with the window style you have now. Take some time to investigate your options.
Casement windows have long been a favorite among homeowners. They are beautiful windows and can really transform a home. They're also easy to maintain, which certainly adds to their popularity. Anything that cuts down on time and effort is a good thing! Casement windows are also an excellent choice for those who want good ventilation, because they open wide and the angled window catches the air and draws it inside. For fresh air lovers, casement windows are an easy decision.
Casement windows are an excellent choice for any room of the house, from kitchens to bedrooms to dens. However, if the window looks out onto a pathway or well-trafficked area, a casement window might not be the best option. Casement windows open outward and could create a physical hazard if they conflict with foot traffic.
Casement windows, as with any modern window, can be customized to meet your unique needs for style, color, and performance. Multiple glazings, low-E coatings, gas fills, and the appropriate U-values can be combined with the color and finish of your choice and a remarkable variety of window hardware. The locks and handles, and type of grid finish, if you opt for it, can all help create a beautiful and sophisticated window that will give your home a graceful, more elegant look.
Viewed from the curb, windows can say a lot about a home. They can provide a sharp visual focus. They can accentuate an architectural style or feature. Windows come in all sorts of styles, and choosing the right look can make a home really stand out and look appealing.
If you're buying replacement windows, now is the time to consider what style is the best fit for your home, as well as what energy efficiencies you can improve. There are so many options to choose from! You don't have to stay with the window style you have now. Take some time to investigate your options.
Casement windows have long been a favorite among homeowners. They are beautiful windows and can really transform a home. They're also easy to maintain, which certainly adds to their popularity. Anything that cuts down on time and effort is a good thing! Casement windows are also an excellent choice for those who want good ventilation, because they open wide and the angled window catches the air and draws it inside. For fresh air lovers, casement windows are an easy decision.
Casement windows are an excellent choice for any room of the house, from kitchens to bedrooms to dens. However, if the window looks out onto a pathway or well-trafficked area, a casement window might not be the best option. Casement windows open outward and could create a physical hazard if they conflict with foot traffic.
Casement windows, as with any modern window, can be customized to meet your unique needs for style, color, and performance. Multiple glazings, low-E coatings, gas fills, and the appropriate U-values can be combined with the color and finish of your choice and a remarkable variety of window hardware. The locks and handles, and type of grid finish, if you opt for it, can all help create a beautiful and sophisticated window that will give your home a graceful, more elegant look.
Double Hung Replacement Windows
The double-hung window might be the most common type of window and is so named because it has an upper and lower sash. One or both sashes can be moved up and down in separate grooves in the side jambs, the vertical pieces at the edges of the window frame. Only the top or bottom half of the window can be open at a time.
Each sash consist of framework of stiles, rails, and mullions, horizontal and vertical wooden slats, in which panes of glass, sometimes called lights or lites, are set. Some window manufacturers provide pre-assembled dividers that snap in place over a single light, dividing it into six or eight lights, facilitating painting and other maintenance.
Double–hung widows include balance springs that counterbalance the sliding sash to hold it in place at the desired spot. Compression weather-stripping seals off drafts and acts as a counterweight and some varieties allow the sashes to be removed for easy painting or repair.
Hardware for double-hung windows often includes the sash lifts or handles that are fastened to the bottom rail if there is no finger groove in the rail. Sash locks or fasteners are installed on the meeting rail, which is the part of the window where the two sets of panes meet and overlap. They not only lock the window but also draw the sash together to provide a tight seal.
To install double hung windows, fully assembled frames are placed in the rough opening that is lined with strips of building paper to minimize draft. The frame is then leveled and nailed, using corrosion-resistant nails if they are exposed, to side studs and header through the casings or the blind stops, the frame pieces located between the jamb and the casing forming a ridge that supports either a storm sash or screen, at the sides.
Double-hung windows can be arranged in a number of ways – as a single unit, in sets of two (mullion), or in groups of three or more. One or two double-hung windows on each side of a large stationary insulated window are often used to create the effect of a window wall but the surrounding headers must be large enough to carry roof loads.
While the primary purpose of windows is to allow the entry of light and air, they may also influence the architectural design of a building. For example, window replacements with the top and bottom sash divided into two horizontal lights nicely complement a ranch-type house. On the other hand, the windows in a colonial or Cape Code house quite often have each sash divided into six or eight lights.
Each sash consist of framework of stiles, rails, and mullions, horizontal and vertical wooden slats, in which panes of glass, sometimes called lights or lites, are set. Some window manufacturers provide pre-assembled dividers that snap in place over a single light, dividing it into six or eight lights, facilitating painting and other maintenance.
Double–hung widows include balance springs that counterbalance the sliding sash to hold it in place at the desired spot. Compression weather-stripping seals off drafts and acts as a counterweight and some varieties allow the sashes to be removed for easy painting or repair.
Hardware for double-hung windows often includes the sash lifts or handles that are fastened to the bottom rail if there is no finger groove in the rail. Sash locks or fasteners are installed on the meeting rail, which is the part of the window where the two sets of panes meet and overlap. They not only lock the window but also draw the sash together to provide a tight seal.
To install double hung windows, fully assembled frames are placed in the rough opening that is lined with strips of building paper to minimize draft. The frame is then leveled and nailed, using corrosion-resistant nails if they are exposed, to side studs and header through the casings or the blind stops, the frame pieces located between the jamb and the casing forming a ridge that supports either a storm sash or screen, at the sides.
Double-hung windows can be arranged in a number of ways – as a single unit, in sets of two (mullion), or in groups of three or more. One or two double-hung windows on each side of a large stationary insulated window are often used to create the effect of a window wall but the surrounding headers must be large enough to carry roof loads.
While the primary purpose of windows is to allow the entry of light and air, they may also influence the architectural design of a building. For example, window replacements with the top and bottom sash divided into two horizontal lights nicely complement a ranch-type house. On the other hand, the windows in a colonial or Cape Code house quite often have each sash divided into six or eight lights.
Awning Window Replacements
Awning windows are hinged on the top side and open outward and upward. This type of window is often considered a traditional one that is associated with older and historic homes, although they are regularly used in modern homes, especially above doors for ventilation. Awning windows are often described as the perfect window to keep out the rain, while allowing in the fresh air. Awning windows are relatively affordable and are one of the easiest windows to replace and install.
Awning replacement windows are a great choice if you want to increase a home's ventilation options. Frequently placed above a door, they can also be joined to another window style as well. Awning windows are also good for locations where opening a window requires reaching, such as over a sink or counter. They are much easier to open than sliding or lifting windows; all you do is turn a handle.
Awning windows are similar in design to casement windows, although they are often wider than they are tall. In addiiton, they provide more light than casement windows and are common in homes that already have traditional double-hung windows. Like casement windows, awning windows use compression seals and are extremely energy efficient. A hopper window is similar to an awning window, except it is hinged on the bottom and opens inward. They are often found over doors, or in basements.
In older homes, awning windows were often a main type of window. Today, new awning windows are often placed above doors to provide added ventilation. You can use them singly or combine them with other windows for extra ventilation and light.
Awning replacement windows are a great choice if you want to increase a home's ventilation options. Frequently placed above a door, they can also be joined to another window style as well. Awning windows are also good for locations where opening a window requires reaching, such as over a sink or counter. They are much easier to open than sliding or lifting windows; all you do is turn a handle.
Awning windows are similar in design to casement windows, although they are often wider than they are tall. In addiiton, they provide more light than casement windows and are common in homes that already have traditional double-hung windows. Like casement windows, awning windows use compression seals and are extremely energy efficient. A hopper window is similar to an awning window, except it is hinged on the bottom and opens inward. They are often found over doors, or in basements.
In older homes, awning windows were often a main type of window. Today, new awning windows are often placed above doors to provide added ventilation. You can use them singly or combine them with other windows for extra ventilation and light.
Double Pane Windows
Do you need to replace your old-fashioned, damaged, leaky windows? While replacement windows provide views, daylight, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter, they can also account for up to twenty-five percent of your heating bill and during the summer, sunny windows make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
Currently, energy-efficient double pane windows are the most popular replacement choice. They’ll help to cut down your energy bills in the winter and the summer. If you are building a new home, you can compensate for some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because doing so allows you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.
Among the advantages that double paned windows have over standard windows are better insulation, noise reduction, and ease of cleaning. A quality dual paned can greatly reduce energy loss. Double paned windows also block street noise more efficiently than traditional windows. Decorative inset frames make double pane windows very easy to clean. Since the glass is one solid panel, a swipe of a squeegee is all you need. The inset frames are protected from the elements and stay spotless for the life of the window. Double paned windows can also protect items in the house from sun damage. High UV coatings on double paned windows protect floors, rugs, and photographs from sun damage.
Although all double paned windows are energy-efficient, modern advances in technology have created many levels of effectiveness. Picking the right windows depends a lot on the prevalent local weather conditions. Since framing contribute greatly to the insulation properties of windows, you need to consider frame materials as well as what goes between the panes. In extremely cold climates, gas-filled windows are the best choice and the outer frame on double paned windows should ideally be wood, vinyl, or fiberglass windows. However, in areas that have warmer weather year round, air-filled windows are fine and aluminum frames will work just as well.
Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features. Double paned glass windows provide a cost-effective way to complement the beauty with energy efficiency.
Currently, energy-efficient double pane windows are the most popular replacement choice. They’ll help to cut down your energy bills in the winter and the summer. If you are building a new home, you can compensate for some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because doing so allows you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.
Among the advantages that double paned windows have over standard windows are better insulation, noise reduction, and ease of cleaning. A quality dual paned can greatly reduce energy loss. Double paned windows also block street noise more efficiently than traditional windows. Decorative inset frames make double pane windows very easy to clean. Since the glass is one solid panel, a swipe of a squeegee is all you need. The inset frames are protected from the elements and stay spotless for the life of the window. Double paned windows can also protect items in the house from sun damage. High UV coatings on double paned windows protect floors, rugs, and photographs from sun damage.
Although all double paned windows are energy-efficient, modern advances in technology have created many levels of effectiveness. Picking the right windows depends a lot on the prevalent local weather conditions. Since framing contribute greatly to the insulation properties of windows, you need to consider frame materials as well as what goes between the panes. In extremely cold climates, gas-filled windows are the best choice and the outer frame on double paned windows should ideally be wood, vinyl, or fiberglass windows. However, in areas that have warmer weather year round, air-filled windows are fine and aluminum frames will work just as well.
Windows can be one of your home’s most attractive features. Double paned glass windows provide a cost-effective way to complement the beauty with energy efficiency.
Bow Replacement Windows
Bow windows are curved windows, close cousins to bay windows. They first appeared in eighteenth century Britain, crossed the ocean to the United States during the Federal period, and enjoyed renewed popularity in both countries in the 1970s and 1980s. Bow windows provide enormous possibilities for expanding a living area with an elegant, gentle arch that makes your home feel larger and brighter. One of the many advantages these windows have is that they provide added ventilation and light to any room.
Bow windows aren’t installed in line with the wall in which they are contained but consist of window combinations that project out from the wall to provide a more of a panoramic view of the outdoors. Bow windows are designed to create space by projecting beyond the exterior wall of a building and provide a wider view of the yard, garden, or street outside. In the process, the graceful curved design becomes the focal point of your living room or family room.
A bow window typically combines four or more casement windows arranged in a half-circle configuration, which joins together to form an arch and gradually protrude from the wall of a building, creating a gentler curve than a bay window. Bow windows consist of multiple equal lites, which give it an arch-like shape. The lites may be any combination of fixed lites and casement windows. The bow window may have a roof system, head, and seat boards, and/or edge banding. They are often formed of the window glass itself and do not have any structure beneath them. Center windows are generally fixed and the side sashes are typically casement windows. Typically, only the end casements are operable.
Since a bow window is such a focal point from both the exterior and the interior, you should pay special attention to the treatment you use to achieve the effect you desire. Basically, there are two main ways to treat your bow windows. The simplest is to provide individual drop down shades for each window. The colors should be complimentary and consistent to avoid clutter and also match the motif of the room. The location of your bow windows may also heavily influence your window treatment choices. If it is a show window on the ground floor, pick window shades that provide privacy. At the same time, you should consider how these window treatments look from the outside as well. One possibility is to select a customized cloth roller shade with two separate, differently colored fabrics with one harmonizing with the outside while the other complements the inside.
A bow window opens up any room with a view of the outside that creates a more visually pleasing environment. Not only will it make the room seem brighter, it will also add warmth while it gives the illusion of more space, adding an enchanting third dimension to your living area. Inside and out, a bow window can produce a magical effect on your home’s appearance and value.
Bow windows aren’t installed in line with the wall in which they are contained but consist of window combinations that project out from the wall to provide a more of a panoramic view of the outdoors. Bow windows are designed to create space by projecting beyond the exterior wall of a building and provide a wider view of the yard, garden, or street outside. In the process, the graceful curved design becomes the focal point of your living room or family room.
A bow window typically combines four or more casement windows arranged in a half-circle configuration, which joins together to form an arch and gradually protrude from the wall of a building, creating a gentler curve than a bay window. Bow windows consist of multiple equal lites, which give it an arch-like shape. The lites may be any combination of fixed lites and casement windows. The bow window may have a roof system, head, and seat boards, and/or edge banding. They are often formed of the window glass itself and do not have any structure beneath them. Center windows are generally fixed and the side sashes are typically casement windows. Typically, only the end casements are operable.
Since a bow window is such a focal point from both the exterior and the interior, you should pay special attention to the treatment you use to achieve the effect you desire. Basically, there are two main ways to treat your bow windows. The simplest is to provide individual drop down shades for each window. The colors should be complimentary and consistent to avoid clutter and also match the motif of the room. The location of your bow windows may also heavily influence your window treatment choices. If it is a show window on the ground floor, pick window shades that provide privacy. At the same time, you should consider how these window treatments look from the outside as well. One possibility is to select a customized cloth roller shade with two separate, differently colored fabrics with one harmonizing with the outside while the other complements the inside.
A bow window opens up any room with a view of the outside that creates a more visually pleasing environment. Not only will it make the room seem brighter, it will also add warmth while it gives the illusion of more space, adding an enchanting third dimension to your living area. Inside and out, a bow window can produce a magical effect on your home’s appearance and value.
Bay Replacement Windows
Bay windows maximize space, provide multiple views, make a room appear more open and roomy, increase the flow of light into a home, and, depending upon the style, can add counter space. An elegant, angle bay window can make your home feel bigger and brighter. Bay windows create a light filled alcove in a home and typically increase the home's value.
A bay window is actually three windows joined to make a single large unit that projects outward from a room and from the house, forming a bay. The wide center window is bordered by narrower casement or double-hung windows. Two vertical uprights, known as mullion posts, separate the three.
Bay windows come in several styles. The most common is the angled bay window, which protrudes from the house at a 30 , 45, or even 90-degree angles. A box bay is square - the side sash come straight off the house at 90 degrees. Garden bay or greenhouse windows have a glass roof. Standard sizes typically vary in width from three and a half to ten and a half feet and in height from three and a half to six and a half feet.
The possibilities are endless. For example, you can choose double-hung, casement, picture, awning, or a combination of window styles for your own unique look. While the bay sash often matches those on the other windows on the home, there’s no hard and fast rule. However, keep in mind that taller, narrower bays usually look better with casement sash, while shorter units are generally most attractive with double-hung sash. Although the center window of a bay usually is fixed, it can be ordered with operable casement or double-hung sash in smaller sizes. Most bays come with insulated glazing, which separates two panes with an air space, but there are other options that provide greater energy efficiency, protection from UV rays, and enhanced appearance. Although prices vary widely depending on the size and window construction, bays usually run from $800 to $1,100 for a 3-feet-high by 6-feet-wide vinyl-clad 30-degree casement bay window.
If you want to add to the living space of your house without increasing the footings and foundation size, then a bay window is an attractive option. Think of adding a bay or bow window as a quick and easy room addition because they can be readily installed in most existing large window openings. You get more space, light, and value for less cost.
A bay window is actually three windows joined to make a single large unit that projects outward from a room and from the house, forming a bay. The wide center window is bordered by narrower casement or double-hung windows. Two vertical uprights, known as mullion posts, separate the three.
Bay windows come in several styles. The most common is the angled bay window, which protrudes from the house at a 30 , 45, or even 90-degree angles. A box bay is square - the side sash come straight off the house at 90 degrees. Garden bay or greenhouse windows have a glass roof. Standard sizes typically vary in width from three and a half to ten and a half feet and in height from three and a half to six and a half feet.
The possibilities are endless. For example, you can choose double-hung, casement, picture, awning, or a combination of window styles for your own unique look. While the bay sash often matches those on the other windows on the home, there’s no hard and fast rule. However, keep in mind that taller, narrower bays usually look better with casement sash, while shorter units are generally most attractive with double-hung sash. Although the center window of a bay usually is fixed, it can be ordered with operable casement or double-hung sash in smaller sizes. Most bays come with insulated glazing, which separates two panes with an air space, but there are other options that provide greater energy efficiency, protection from UV rays, and enhanced appearance. Although prices vary widely depending on the size and window construction, bays usually run from $800 to $1,100 for a 3-feet-high by 6-feet-wide vinyl-clad 30-degree casement bay window.
If you want to add to the living space of your house without increasing the footings and foundation size, then a bay window is an attractive option. Think of adding a bay or bow window as a quick and easy room addition because they can be readily installed in most existing large window openings. You get more space, light, and value for less cost.
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