Your Windows Are The Eyes Of Your Home
How true is the proverbial saying that windows are the eyes of a home! From the inside of your home, you watch the world outside, just as your eyes do. They light up the front of your home, like eyes do to your face. If eyes were the windows of the soul, the windows help the viewer to get a foretaste of the character of the house owner.
The functional utility of windows may be confined to providing light and ventilation, but their contribution to making a room lively and giving it a character can’t be overlooked. An appropriate selection of windows adds to the beauty of any room. That makes it all the more important to spend sometime while considering replacement windows. Apart from the functional utility and the character that they bring to a room, windows go a long way to help saving energy costs. Above all, they are known to add value to your home. There is a very vast variety of replacement windows and you are sure to find one that suits you style and also takes into consideration the architecture of the building. Some of the more popular varieties are described here.
Fixed windows: True to their word, they remain fixed and can’t be opened any time. While preventing ventilation, they offer extra security.
Jalousie Windows: They comprise of metal clips and glass slats, which can be opened or closed. They provide a high level of light and ventilation. Because of their shape they are often used at place that do not permit the installation of regular windows. One big limitation is that these can’t be made airtight.
Bay Windows: Enclosed in the alcove of a room, these windows are glazed on three sides, so that they can collect light from different angles, almost during the whole day when the sun is around. Having them in the living room enables you to enjoy and appreciate the outside views for long hours. They certainly add style to any residence.
Casement Windows: Unlike sash windows that move up and down, these windows open outward. These are better suited for situations that are difficult to reach, Sashes, as you know, are difficult to open unless you are properly positioned.
Gliding Windows: These windows slide laterally rather than opening outwards, thereby not causing any obstruction when space is limited. But, compared to other windows, it’s difficult to seal such windows for the purpose of insulation.
Sliding Windows: Akin to gliding windows and offer the same advantages.
Awning Windows: Such window frames have one or more sashes hinged at the top and swing outwards. They are designed to permit more light and are operated by swinging the sash out. When positioned properly, they let in plenty of light and air. They help maintaining your privacy.
Palladian Windows: These come in the form of a round-headed archway including a single double hung window that’s joined by a double hung narrower window on either side.
Picture Windows: As the name suggests such windows are provided to get a picturesque view of the world from your room. So, they need to be very large, almost dominating the room. Being bigger in size they let in more of light. The limitations are that they do not allow any ventilation and are very expensive to repair, if broken.
Windowscapes: “WIndowscape” refers to an entire wall made of windows. The views are magnificent and so is the price.
Single Hung Windows: These windows slide up and down like a sash window but the difference is that their upper half remains fixed.
Double Hung Window: In this case the tope portion may be opened while the bottom part remains closed. They are quite stylish and promote ventilation. That makes them popular for being installed in the kitchen. Another reason adding to their popularity is the safety angle, specially suited for children’s bedroom.
Hopper Windows: Hopper window is a casement window with a sash hinged at the bottom. They open into the room and provide excellent ventilation but pose a problem as for as fixing or moving of curtains or blinds is concerned. Generally such windows are popular with basements.
Rotating Windows: These windows are provided with a central pivot that enables them to move on either side and top or bottom. The outstanding feature of this design is the ease of cleaning.
Bow windows: These are quite like bay windows but with reduced angles for viewing.
Oriel Windows: These are also akin to bay windows but much smaller. They have brackets underneath to support them.
This list is not complete as there are other designs too. However, it should suffice to help you choose the most suitable design for a new house or replacing and repairing of your existing windows or even while deciding between an uPVC and wooden window.
Before I conclude, here is a word of caution. Don’t get carried away by sales personnel who may call upon you personally or on telephone trying to sell replacement windows. Most of the time they are trying to push you with a product of dubious quality at inflated prices. With so many reliable marketers of replacement windows around, why would one fall for such suppliers?
It will be desirable to spend sometime to assess your requirements in terms of lighting, ventilation and looks before coming to a final decision. Remember that you are not buying a consumable item and replacements are not cheap. You may even hire professional help for deciding the matter.