Windows serve as your house’s eyes aside from the opening where air and sunlight gets in. They also provide the house ventilation, privacy, and weather resistant functions. In times of emergency, they can also serve as your emergency exit. Windows, just like casements in houses, are available in different shapes and sizes. While shopping for one, among the biggest things that you need to consider should be function of the windows. Functionality is also usually the prime criterion in choosing the right window type for a home. This is also the very criterion that is used to differentiate the several types of windows from one another.

Casements

These are usually used as a single or paired window treatment. They are hinged treatments that open by cranks, which allow the sash to open both inward and outward. Cleaning them only means opening the sash fully. This also gives them good ventilation.

Horizontal Slider

These are available in single or multiple fixed panels aside from the other panels that do the sliding in the horizontal tracks. For better ventilation, half of the window can be slid to let air in.

Double-hung

These are popular choices for windows. They are notable for their upper, outer sash and the lower, inner sash. There are even sashes which can be titled or rotated to help facilitate cleaning.

Jalousie

These are also known as “louvers.” They have glass slats that are held together by metal clips, which facilitate the opening/closing mechanism. Both clips can be opened and closed simultaneously. There should be a warning to those who live in colder areas though, because these windows are not efficient for keeping off the cold air.

Awning

These are almost similar to casement windows, but these are wider and taller. They are mostly installed below or above another window or door. They are mostly used for ventilation only. Awning windows are best used in combination with double hung windows because they let light in.

Bay

These are usually made of three small windows to make a big one. This construction makes these windows ideal for large viewing. The centre window is usually a fixed frame while the others are usually casements or double hung.

Bow

These are almost similar to bay windows, but they are just made of four or more casements that are put together in a single window. They are also notable for the curve made by all the windows. Their form can help enhance the appearance of the home, especially from the outside. They are usually available in vented bow form or fixed frames but there are also windows that combine these two.

Aside from these types of windows, there are also others which are not mentioned above such as glass blocks, tilt turns, seamless bent-glass corners, siding, single hung, skylight, fixed frame, and garden windows. Choosing the right windows for your home would be a serious task because your choice will affect the ventilation and energy efficiency rate of the house, including its appearance.

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John from http://www.expressbifoldingdoors.co.uk

Author Bio: double glazed doors double glazing london wooden doors wooden french doors

Category: Advice
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