Choose Window Styles With Care

Modern window designs cover a wide range of sizes and styles. Though primarily meant to facilitate light and penetration, they add to the looks and value of your home. Primarily they are available in five basic designs that include: single or double hung window, sliding window, casement or roll out window, awning or hopper window and louvered windows.

The most traditional pattern is incorporated in single or double hung design wherein the window opens up vertically. The sash itself is used as a frame for housing the windowpanes. The bottom sash of such windows moves up only, keeping the upper half fixed all the time. On the other hand, a double hung window, the sash can slide either way, meaning the window can be left open from the top as well the bottom, thus giving improved circulation. The outer frames may be provided with screens to prevent insects from coming in.



Sliding windows, as gets apparent from the name, have sashes that can only be moved horizontally. There are double sliding windows too, which have movable sashes. Such windows have arrangement for having the screens on the exterior or the interior of their frames. Casement windows have hinges and are provided with crank handles to open them outwardly. As they open out, they provide ventilation but in the process restrict a good part of circulation. The utility of rollout windows also called casement windows is generally confined to bathrooms and has handles for opening them.

Awning windows provided with a hinge at the top, open outwards and have screens on the inner side. On opening, the glass pane works as an awning and saves the interior from rain. The hopper window has a similar design but opens inward. Generally these are patronized in the basements.

You would have certainly noticed a window that has a number of tilted glasses. These are called Louvered windows and are provided with a lever to keep them open. It’s not difficult to make such windows airtight for the space needed for movement of glass strips provides an outlet for air, thus making it difficult for rooms with such windows to retain heat during winters. One may not feel really secured with such windows as those strips of glass get easily broken or might easily be removed to gain entry to the house.

While continuing to perform the basic functions of providing natural light and ventilation, present day designs of windows give dimension to your place and add to its beauty. Single pane windows are being replaced with multi panes that are manufactured from energy efficient materials and have a coated glass to reflect heat. You get beautifully designed windows that are economical, energy efficient and add to your comfort.

As you would have known, homes have more of windows than doors. It’s therefore imperative to select an appropriate design that looks good and is helpful to conservation of energy, a subject of prime importance these days. Modern designs and materials are carefully chosen to conserve energy. A suitably designed window not only facilitates natural light and ventilation, but adds to the decor of your home too.