Our homes have many important parts. Some of these are invisible. These could be things like small nails. Others are obvious, such as windows. Windows are significant because they serve both practical and aesthetic functions. Practically, they allow light into the home. Aesthetically, the style and frame of the windows help complete the home’s exterior appearance.

Since the windows are so important, you must choose the right type of windows for your home. Making the right decision comes down to the window style, the type of frame, and the energy efficiency of the glass.

Look at Various Styles

One of the first choices you can make when picking out windows is the style you want. Windows come in many styles, from historic single-hung rectangles to beautiful modern arches and more. If you’re looking at window replacements, you may not have as many styles to pick from. You must select a window that can fit in the same space as your old one. However, if you’re willing to take on an extra construction project or are building a new space, you can choose any style you want.

Single-Hung

The single-hung window style features a two-part window split vertically into two panes. The top half includes an immobile upper sash and a mobile lower sash. This means you can push the lower part of the window up to overlap the upper part of the window. You cannot pull the upper part of the window down to overlap the lower part of the window. Some historic homes feature single-hung windows, and you can still find them if this is the style you prefer. However, most people favor more mobile window styles.

Double-Hung

Double-hung windows are the more mobile alternative to single-hung ones. Like the single-hung windows, double-hung windows features a two-part design split vertically into two panes. However, both the upper half and lower half are mobile. You can slide the lower part up to overlap the upper part and slide the upper part down to overlap the lower section. You can even push the lower part up and pull the upper part down so that each half overlaps in the middle of the frame. Many people enjoy this versatile style.

Awning

Awning windows look a lot like a retractable awning you’d attach on the side of your home. They’re often a single pane window with a hinge on the top or side of the frame. Many come with a crank mechanism connected to the hinge that allows you to open the window at multiple angles. Unfortunately, the hinge can require extra maintenance that single- or double-hung windows don’t need.

Arched

Although arched windows are a specialty shape, they’re very popular. They feature a semi-circle top section with a square or rectangular bottom section. The size of each section can vary depending on the needs of your home and what the manufacturer can craft. Most of these windows don’t open, so they can’t help with ventilation. However, they add a beautiful touch to both traditional and modern homes.

Bay

Bay windows are another popular specialty window. Their specialty goes beyond the window since the protruding nature of the bay requires structural support. Most bay windows have three sections, one on the front of the bay and two on the side. While you can customize some bay windows so that you can open them, most bays are like arched windows and do not open. Similar to the arched style, the lack of ventilation is unfortunate, but the style is beautiful.

Consider Frame Options

While the style of your window focuses on how it looks, the type of frame affects function. The function comes from the various materials of each frame. Some windows have a single material, while others combine more than one. No matter what type or how many materials are in the frame, each has its pros and cons.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows aren’t as energy efficient as other options since aluminum itself isn’t a good insulator. Many people in places with extreme heat or cold don’t pick aluminum because of its lack of natural insulation properties.

However, aluminum is lightweight, durable, and low maintenance. Many commercial properties use aluminum windows, but these great qualities make it an excellent choice for residential properties as well. At Scientific Home Services, we sweeten the aluminum deal with weather stripping, sloped sills, and insulated glass so that you can enjoy its pros to the fullest.

Vinyl

Some people don’t like the aesthetics of vinyl windows, especially since vinyl often comes in fewer color options than other materials. Vinyl also has a bad reputation for being the “cheap” frame.

However, construction improvements have made vinyl an affordable, low-maintenance choice. They are also more energy efficient than aluminum, which is a bonus. Scientific Home Services adds more bonuses onto vinyl windows with fusion-welding that strengthens this classic frame.

Wood-Clad Fiberglass

Wood windows are some of the best insulative frame types you’ll find on the market. They combine this great insulation with fiberglass so that you can reap multiple benefits. You get the insulative properties of the wood and extra energy efficiency from the fiberglass. They’re strong and durable with no cons except for the more expensive price tag.

Steel

Steel windows offer many of the benefits of wood-clad fiberglass, except they are also fire rated. A good fire-rated window should have at least a 45-minute fire rating or longer, which most steel windows do. They’re also energy efficient, strong, and durable. Steel is low maintenance as well. Unfortunately, like wood-clad fiberglass, steel frames are also more expensive than many other types.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Glass

The last vital element to consider when choosing the right type of window for your home is the glass. Properly sealed glass will improve the window’s energy efficiency so that you don’t gain or lose too much heat or feel air drafts. Scientific Home Services uses energy-efficient glass in all our windows.

There are many important parts of windows, just as there are many important parts of your home. If you’re looking for residential window replacement, Scientific Home Services can help. We offer high-quality windows in the styles listed above, as well as others. We also have all the frame types we discussed above. Contact us today to find the best windows for your home and trusted installers to do the job right.