The windows form an integral part in the construction of any building, and serve a practical purpose in allowing light into and a view out of a home. However, they also help to enhance the appearance of a property, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For a homeowner constructing a new-build, or considering a change of look for an existing home, the following are some of the popular types of windows for houses.
Single Hung
The single hung style is a common type of window for house and is used on many properties. It comprises an upper sash that remains fixed in place at all times and a lower sash that slides up and down to enable the window to be opened for ventilation purposes. In some cases the bottom sash may also tilt, which can be useful in making it a little easier to clean from the inside, although the fixed upper sash can be less easy to clean from the inside of a home. Typically a sash can feature a single pane of glass, or can have a frame which separates it into 2 or more panes of glass. They tend to be one of the more affordable options available, and can be suitable windows for many houses.
Double Hung
The double hung window is a similar style to the single hung in terms of the look of the window and the styles it comes in. However, the major advantage of this type of window is that both upper and lower sash can be moved up and down. This can help with ventilation and provides the option of opening the upper, lower or both sashes to suit the needs of the homeowner. Again, in many cases, double hung windows can tilt as well as slide, and this can help make cleaning the entire window from inside the home a little easier.
Bay Windows
Bay windows for houses can provide a property with an attractive appearance from the outside. The window is so named as it projects out a little from the wall of the house, with this creating a small bay in the room in which it is used. This can create a little more space and make a room appear larger in size. Most bay windows are relatively large in size, which has the advantage of increasing the amount of light coming into a room and they can also provide a more all-round view to the area outside a home. The bay window is generally seen as a Victorian style, and for those that want to bring a grander look to their home it is an option to consider.
Sliding Windows
Siding windows is generally the name given to those that slide from side to side, as opposed to up and down like the single/double hung style. Sliding windows come in a variety of sizes from smaller examples for ventilation and viewing, to larger sizes which can be used to gain entry to a home from a garden or patio. They tend to be most commonly fitted with a single pane of glass, although other styles can be found, and depending on preference one or both of the sashes can slide.
Louvered Windows
A popular style in warmer climates is the louvered or jalousie window. This comprises a series of horizontal glass or plastic slats that can be opened and closed in a style similar to a venetian blind. When opened they allow air to flow into a room for ventilation purposes, although they cannot be sealed air tight and even when closed will allow some air flow through them. While they tend not to be used as the main windows on a house, they can be useful for providing ventilation in rooms such as closed patios, basements and bathrooms.
Awning Windows
Awning windows for houses have a design that is hinged at the top and swings out and up from the bottom. Smaller styles are commonly placed above doors to provide some ventilation, although larger sizes can also be used as the main windows in a home. The width to which they open can be restricted, which can be useful for safety in homes with smaller children, although they can generally be fully opened if required for ventilation. Awning windows are a traditional style that have been used for many years and still feature in many homes today.
The windows of a home can add to its style and improve the appearance from inside and out. There are a variety of types to choose from, and most homeowners will likely have their own preference. Some of the popular windows for houses are shown above, and any of these can bring an attractive look to a home and make it a more appealing place in which to live.