10 Common Types of Windows for Your Home
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Windows are integral to your home. They set each room’s style and control the amount of natural light and ventilation. If you’re remodeling your home, consider installing new windows to match your new aesthetic. Here are the most common types of windows and window frames you’ll encounter during your search.
What to Consider When Choosing Types of Windows for Your Home
Windows are mainly categorized by function and appearance. While this list isn’t comprehensive, most windows fall into at least one of the following categories.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, allowing rainwater to glide off and away from the side of the house. They may open manually or require a crank. These windows are typically for function over aesthetics. They’re often installed high on walls for privacy, allowing increased ventilation and airflow. The sash, or the part of the window that holds the panes together, presses against the frame, resulting in minimal air leakage.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Awning Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Increase your homes security, as they’re difficult to break into | Are difficult to clean |
| Provide increased ventilation | Feature low noise reduction |
| Provide a striking way to add natural sunlight | Have high pricing |
Bay and Bow Windows
Both of these window styles extend past the exterior wall of a house, creating an interior nook for a bench seat or shelving. Bay windows typically consist of three angled rectangular windows, whereas bow windows have at least five tall panes set in a semi-circular curve. Bow windows are generally larger and protrude more. Both create a distinctive look often associated with Victorian and cottage homes, but many contemporary homes use modernized versions to increase floor space and natural light.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Bay and Bow Window
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provide elevated look | Difficult to find quality blinds and other window treatments |
| Can be converted into unique sitting spaces | Have high pricing |
| Increase your home’s value | Will have decreased energy performance unless you add energy-efficient features |
Casement Windows
Another type of functional window, casement windows are hinged on one side and open manually or via a crank. They open outward to the left or right, allowing lots of fresh air while occupying minimal wall space. They have no sashes and seal tightly even in high winds, making them highly energy-efficient and low-maintenance.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Casement Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Match many home styles | Pose a security risk |
| Are easy to clean | Have less versatile sizing options |
| Offer some of the best ventilation | Have higher pricing than other window types |
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are standard windows with two sashes, both of which can move up and down to open. These are inexpensive windows, but they’re also some of the least energy-efficient. You can increase their efficiency by using special coatings or multiple panes of glass.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Double-Hung Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provide a simple, timeless style | Feature limited style options |
| Easy to use and clean | Pose a risk of air leaks |
| Are cost-effective | Require more frequent maintenance compared to other window types |
Glass Block Windows
These windows use thick frosted or textured blocks of glass to preserve privacy while allowing light in. The blocks may be stacked to create a rectangular or custom window design, and they’re typically joined with masonry. Although glass blocks are often found in bathrooms, they can be installed anywhere natural light is essential, but a view isn’t. Since the blocks are thick and shatter-resistant, they’re also useful for allowing light into basements and garages.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Glass Block Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Increase your home’s privacy | Do not open or close |
| Are highly durable | Provide no extra ventilation |
| Are energy-efficient | Sometimes require extra support structures |
Picture Windows
A picture window is often the best choice if you want an unobstructed view of your lawn or garden. The simplest type of window, it is a single sheet of glass with no sash, often cut in a custom size or shape. This fixed window doesn’t open but does let in plenty of sunlight.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Picture Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provide ample natural sunlight | Create heat gain unless you add energy-efficient features |
| Easy to clean from the inside | Difficult to clean from the exterior |
| Have a sleek, simple design | Don’t provide ventilation |
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows differ from double-hung ones in that only the bottom sash opens while the upper sash is fixed. They’re typically the least expensive type of window. They provide more security for first-floor rooms since only one sash opens, but they share the same energy efficiency problems as double-hung windows.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Single-Hung Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Allow for easy hardware customization | Has higher heat gain unless you add energy-efficient features |
| Easy to clean from the inside | Feature basic style options |
| Have a sleek, simple design that’s more compact than double-hung windows | Difficult to clean from the exterior |
Sliding Windows
You can think of sliding windows as sliding glass doors on a smaller scale. They open horizontally on a track and have multiple sashes; one or more may be moveable. Sliding windows can have leakage problems but offer more light on long walls, such as in a large living room.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Sliding Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provide ventilation without sacrificing style | Can be difficult to clean, depending on the hardware |
| Increase your home’s security | Pose an air leak risk |
| Have a space-saving design | Most don’t feature screens |
Storm Windows
Storm windows are made of special shatter-resistant glass useful for high-wind regions. They may be permanently installed or put up temporarily when the threat of a storm is high. They’re most common in coastal homes that may be subject to hurricanes.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Storm Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Provide extra protection against the elements | Detract from your window’s style |
| Increase security | Require routine maintenance and replacement |
| Increase soundproofing | Make your existing windows more difficult to clean |
Transom Windows
Transom windows sit above other windows and doors. They used to be made to open on hinges for extra ventilation, but they’re usually fixed and decorative in contemporary homes. They can be rectangular or semi-circular and may be made of frosted or stained glass. Side windows found to the left or right of a door are similar to transoms and typically called sidelights.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Transom Windows
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Increase natural lighting | Have limited functionality |
| Are cost-effective | Difficult to clean and maintain |
| Enhance style and widen a room’s appearance | Increase heat gain unless you add energy-efficient features |
Less Common Window Types to Consider
Here are some less common window types you may encounter while shopping.
- Arched windows: The “arch” in the name comes from this window’s rounded top.. Some arched windows open—usually via a hinge or crank—and some are fixed. Although an arch shape is not uncommon, a large arched window will likely need to be custom-cut and framed.
- Circle windows: Circle windows don’t open and aren’t always a full circle shape. Half-circles, ovals, and ellipses are all considered circle windows. These windows must usually be customized, but they create a unique focal point in any room.
- Egress windows: “Egress” means to exit, which is the purpose these windows serve. They must meet specific size requirements to qualify as an emergency exit, usually for a finished basement or attic. The United States requires egress windows in basements or attics to consider the space a bedroom. Basement egress windows are typically casement-style windows set in window wells dug next to the home’s foundation.
- Garden windows: These windows protrude from an exterior wall. They form a small, greenhouse-like box with windows at the top, front, and sides, allowing maximum sunlight to shine on a small interior shelf meant for plants. These windows are often found above the kitchen sink.
- Hopper windows: Hopper windows are small, rectangular windows intended primarily for ventilation. They only open partially at the top or bottom. Unlike awning or casement windows, hopper windows open inward, making them easier to clean but unsuitable to keep open in the rain. They’re often installed at the top of basement walls, but they don’t use window wells like egress windows.
- Jalousie windows: Jalousie windows have wide horizontal blinds made from glass. The panes hinge or rotate open in unison, usually with a crank. These windows are most common in warm, tropical climates since they maximize ventilation and can be opened without letting rain in. However, they’re less secure and energy-efficient, so they’re best in only specific circumstances.
- Skylight windows: Skylight windows can be a great option if you have limited wall space. However, they involve cutting into the roof, making them one of the most expensive options to install and maintain.
Types of Window Frame Materials
In addition to different window styles, you’ll often have your choice of window frames. Some styles require specific frames, but common styles such as single- and double-hung windows are usually available in many frame materials.
Aluminum is a lightweight, cost-effective material that resists warping and corrosion. However, it’s a poor insulator and is susceptible to dents and condensation. Aluminum typically looks best in contemporary homes, particularly in window frames that need a slim profile. Be aware that aluminum windows won’t meet energy codes in some places in the United States.
Composite window frames are usually a combination of wood particles, aluminum, and resin, making them stronger and more water-resistant than wood alone. Composite window frames are designed to mimic the appearance of wood and can often be stained and painted to match your design. They’re typically energy-efficient and recyclable, though the quality can vary by the exact ratio of materials in the composite.
Fiberglass window frames can be expensive and difficult to find, but fiberglass is a strong material that requires little maintenance. It’s a great insulator, can withstand high heat without warping, and is highly customizable. It can even be made to look like wood grain.
Vinyl windows are affordable and energy-efficient, making them the most popular choice. PVC vinyl is highly flexible, durable, and easy to maintain. It offers about as much insulation as wood. Vinyl is available in various colors, and though it’s not quite as customizable as fiberglass, it’s much easier to find.
Wood-clad windows have a wood core with a fiberglass or aluminum coating. They offer the insulating properties of wood but with less maintenance, though they still require occasional repair and refinishing. They’re comparable in price to wood windows.
The most traditional window frame material, solid wood provides a distinctive, classic appearance that many other materials try to mimic. It’s also a reasonably good insulator that doesn’t expand or contract in changing temperatures. The downside is the upkeep: You’ll need to refinish it occasionally, and wood can warp and rot while synthetic materials won’t.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Different types of windows have different efficiency levels, but it’s possible to purchase energy-efficient models of most styles and materials on the above list. Windows with an Energy Star rating can save you anywhere from $27 to $583 per year on your utility bills, which is why 92% of homeowners we surveyed said that Energy Star certification was important. These windows have a low-emissivity (low-E) coating that blocks a substantial amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting your indoor belongings from sun damage.
Energy-efficient windows also prevent thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere and help preserve your home’s temperature.
Here are some of the most common energy-efficient window features and upgrades:
- Closures: Though single- and double-hung windows are the most common, they aren’t very efficient because wind and air can leak in perpendicular to the direction of the window closure. Awning, casement, and other hinged windows allow less leakage because the sash closes by pressing directly against the frame.
- Frame materials: Windows with vinyl, composite, and fiberglass frames do the most to reduce heat transfer and increase energy efficiency.
- Insulation: Insulated windows have two or more panes of glass with argon or krypton gas in the hermetically sealed space between them. This gas dramatically reduces heat transfer, maintaining the temperature inside your home.
- Low-E coating: This invisible metal or metallic oxide coating blocks UV rays and reduces heat transfer. If your current windows don’t already have this coating, you can apply it yourself with a special film.
- Spectrally selective coating: Some Low-E coatings filter out parts of the visible light spectrum to keep conditioned air in the home as cool as possible. These coatings are designed specifically for hot climates.
- Seals and weatherstripping: All windows have a seal, though it will degrade and become less effective over time. If you’re not ready for total window replacement, you can make your existing windows more efficient by adding new weatherstripping.
Our Recommendation
The best windows for your home depend on your desired look and function. We recommend looking for Energy Star-rated windows, doors, and skylights, which are available in many different styles and sizes. You can also save money on your electric bill by opting for efficient windows.
Once you’ve decided which type of window best suits your needs, you can choose the frame material and any energy efficiency upgrades. We recommend working with a professional window installation company for the best results.
Get your quote on window installation today
Types of Windows FAQ
What is the difference between a casement window and a double-hung window?
A casement window has one sash and opens outward via a hinge on one side. A double-hung window has two sashes—one upper and one lower—that can both slide up or down. Double-hung windows also typically have a screen attached to the outside, while casement windows have it on the inside.
What makes windows energy-efficient?
An energy-efficient window has at least two panes of glass with an insulating gas in between and spacers keeping the panes at the correct distance. The frame is made of a material that minimizes heat transfer, such as vinyl, composite, or fiberglass, and the glass is covered with a low-E coating.
What is the most common type of window?
Double- and single-hung windows are the most common types of windows. Double-hung windows may be opened by moving either the upper or lower sash, but single-hung windows can only be opened by lifting the lower sash.
What is the most energy-efficient window frame material?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulated vinyl and fiberglass window frames are the best at minimizing heat transfer and air leakage. Insulated vinyl frames have special insulating materials in their hollow spaces.