House Windows

First, it helps to understand what it is that house windows do for your home. The main function of a window is to provide natural lighting to the interior of your home. Aside from making it easy to see things inside, natural lighting is important to human mental and physical health. The next function of house windows is also related to health; it is ventilation. In addition to germs and odors, houses without proper ventilation build up moisture. This moisture buildup can cause mold, which leads to a whole host of respiratory ailments. The final function of house windows is to provide a view of what’s outside.

Next, it’s useful to understand that the vast array of house windows can be broken down into five basic types of windows: casement, awning, sliding, hung and fixed. Casement windows use a crank system to open the entire sash out away from the window frame, allowing for the most ventilation of any type of window. Casement windows are often used to provide a traditional look. Awning windows, which swing open on hinges at the top of their sashes, also provide great ventilation and an old-fashioned look. Sliding house windows are often used in new construction homes. They have two sashes, one that is stationary and one that slides back and forth across the other. Sliding windows do not provide as much ventilation as awning or casement windows, but they are generally more durable. Hung windows, usually used in colonial houses, have multiple sashes, usually only one of which moves. Some hung windows are “double hung” which means they work like vertical sliding windows. Hung windows provide comparatively little ventilation. The last type of house windows are fixed windows. They do not open at all, but provide wonderful views and lighting as they usually consist of large, single panes of glass.

Recognize that though house windows are expensive, you generally get what you pay for. A longer warranty for your windows may cost more, but it is worth it. Windows do break and need replacement from time to time. As well, look for windows rated for energy efficiency and, if you live in a very sunny climate, with tinting. These windows cost more, but will end up saving you money in the long run. For house windows, look for an E-rating between  -10 and +4 (positive numbers are better as a negative number means the window loses more heat than it gains).

Generally, purchasing house windows is a large investment but, if done properly, it is an investment that offers great returns for many years.