Choosing the type of window to have installed in your home can be a daunting experience. You not only want the window to serve its purpose, but you also have to be concerned with how it looks from the curb and how easy or difficult it will be to install.
Most window manufacturers offer five different types of windows to choose from. These include:
Fixed
Sliding
Casement
Awning
Double-hung
Perhaps one of the common misconceptions homeowners have is that they have to pick one type and stick with it throughout the house, but that’s not always the case. Therefore, it’s important to know the differences between these window types so you can best determine which type (or types) of window will best suit your needs.
Fixed Windows
A fixed window is only used for light and aesthetics reasons. This type of window does not open, so it should not be considered if you are looking for your window to be fully-functional. A fixed window is simply one or more panes of glass installed in a frame and it is usually installed higher up in a room or in the wall opposite the top of a staircase. In some cases, fixed windows are installed directly above another type of window, like a double-hung. This maximizes the light that’s brought into the room but only the lower window is capable of being opened.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are similar in design to double-hung windows with the exception that they open horizontally rather than vertically. Sliding windows are usually preferred for rooms that require the window to wider than it is tall, like in a finished basement. Tall and thin variations of sliding windows are also available and these are commonly used in bathrooms and other small rooms where wall space is lacking.
Casement Windows
Casement windows open out and away from the building using a side-hinge system. They are usually operated by a hand crank in which the window opens outward as the crank is turned. Reversing the crank’s direction closes the window and it will usually have a latch-lock that prevents it from being opened by the wind. This type of window is most popular in single and double casement variations and they’re commonly found above kitchen sinks.
Awning Windows
An awning window is similar in function to a casement window with the exception that this type is hinged along the top of the window. As the crank is turned, the window swings outward from the bottom. Because the glass pane is facing upward when fully open, awning windows should not be installed in areas where falling tree limbs might be a concern. Awning windows are commonly combined with fixed windows, or it may feature one as part of its design.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are the most common type of window used in most American homes today. These windows feature two framed panels of glass that slide vertically along a track. Most models offer the capability of opening either the top or the bottom pane and therefore feature a sliding screen that can be moved to whichever part of the window is being opened. Double-hung windows are very popular in virtually every room of the house, with the exception of areas where installation will place them too high to operate easily.
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