What To Look For When Choosing New Windows For Your Home

Windows are such a crucial aspect of your home. With the right set of windows, you can add a lot of value to your property without a large investment. Plus, windows carry many other benefits – such as saving money through improved energy efficiency. 

As a result, you need to know what to look for when choosing new windows for your home. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Window style

You will find a whole variety of window styles to choose from, making this a much harder decision than you initially expected. Most people will agree that there are eight different window styles seen in most homes. Let’s go through them all!

Casement windows are the most traditional of all. These tend to have a hinge on the side or top/bottom, opening up like a door. You probably have lots of windows in your house that fit this description already. 

Sash windows are usually very popular in high-rise buildings because they don’t force you to hang out of your open window to grab a handle and close it. Here, you have two panels that slide up and down, opening and closing the window. Normally, the front panel does the sliding, while the back one stays put at the top of the window. 

Sliding windows are similar to this, only they slide open to the side like a patio door. 

Tilt and turn windows are also fairly traditional, and you may see them in your home as well. With these windows, they open at the side like a casement window. However, they can also open from the bottom, hinging open to let in a bit of air. The idea is that you choose how to open them depending on how much air you want in your home. 

Bay windows are usually fixed windows that project out from the wall and go all the way to the floor with extra brickwork. They are typically seen at the front of houses for aesthetic reasons. 

Bow windows are identical to bay ones, only they don’t extend all the way to the floor with extra bricks. Instead, the windows stop at the sill. 

Finally, you have the last two window styles. A skylight is a window that’s in the roof, and a transom is a window above a doorway. 

Evidently, you need to learn all these different styles before deciding which one is the right one for you. Each style may suit a different room in your home, so this is a big decision for you to make. Also, that brings us nicely to the next point!

Room choice

What room in your home will have replacement windows? If all of your rooms are getting new ones put in, then you may need different styles for different rooms. As an example, the rooms at the front of your house overlook the street. These rooms can be seen by people as they walk by. Therefore, this is usually where you see some statement windows used – like bow or bay windows. You want to choose options that look good and catch people’s attention. 

By contrast, rooms towards the back of your home don’t need very fancy windows. Here, you tend to see flat windows instead of a bay or bow. As such, your only decision is how the window will open and close. 

Window size

How big are your windows going to be? Will they be a standard size, or are you looking for some floor-to-ceiling windows to really make a statement?

Again, the room choice has a huge impact here. For example, in a room that overlooks your garden on the ground floor, you might be inclined to install a patio door instead of a conventional window. As a result, you have a large glass pane that goes from floor to ceiling, letting you see out into your beautiful backyard. 

Window frame material

Generally, you have three main window frame types on the market. Timber frames are traditional, using timber wood as the material. They have strength benefits, but they are definitely the hardest for you to maintain and clean. They are also less versatile in terms of the styles you can choose from. 

Next, you have uPVC windows, which are highly popular. This material is durable, easy to clean, traps in a lot of heat, and comes in different colors and style varieties. So, it’s no wonder this is the frame of choice for many households. 

Then, you have aluminum frames, which give you slimmer frame designs, letting you have much larger window panes. They are very durable, but the downside is they lack the energy efficiency of uPVC windows. 

It’s also worth noting an underdog in the window frame world: composite frames. These are usually made of different materials blended together. Companies that offer Renewal by Andersen window solutions are good options if you want composite frames as this manufacturer uses a special composite material for theirs. The benefit of composite is you get the advantages of uPVC, but with a much slimmer frame design. 

Privacy features

Lastly, you have to give some consideration to the privacy features of the windows. Normally, most of the windows in your home can be regular windows. The glass is normal, and you can see in or out with relative ease. 

However, there are times when you want windows with more privacy – such as windows for your bathroom. In this case, you need to consider how the window will be manufactured in terms of privacy. One common idea is to get frosted windows. Here, the windows are slightly frosted in their design, so you can’t see through them. They still allow light through the windows, but people outside can’t look through and see what’s going on inside. 

All of these elements must be considered when replacing your windows. As a consequence, you will be able to make a better decision for yourself and your property. It will mean you end up with perfect windows that provide loads of benefits!