Summary: Whether your home is 5 years old or 100 years old, the builder got to choose the windows based on economies of scale. Depending on the era your home was built you may have solid wood windows, aluminum windows, or vinyl. If the builder built 500 homes in a community it’s likely that all 500 homes have the exact same windows. It does not have to remain that way! You have choices!
What are the Available Window Styles?
Single Hung Windows
- One sash operates and one is stationery.
- Built in lift rails, hidden balance mechanism, one to two locks.
- Operating sash tilts in for cleaning and screen removal.
- Available in all materials and several colors.
- Double-Pane Cardinal 366 LoE3 glass recommended. Argon, Kryton optional.
- Ease of operation and maintenance free.
Picture Windows
- Non-operating window.
- Available in all materials and several colors.
- Efficient Cardinal LoE3 366 (top of the line) glass package.
- Can be combined (mulled) to additional window styles for wider openings.
- Uninterrupted view due to no locking rail and no screens.
Slider Windows
- These windows slide open horizontally.
- Usually one fixed pane and one sliding pane.
- Easy rolling/effortless operation.
- Available from all manufacturers in all materials and several color choices.
- Custom ordered for exact fit.
- Popular for wide locations – mull a picture window in the middle with a slider on each side.
Casement Windows
- Opens out via hinges on the side and a crank mechanism.
- Creates a great seal for additional weather protection and energy efficiency.
- Sturdy framing available in many different material and color combinations.
- Great security features.
Hopper and Awning Windows
- Hopper and awning windows are “casement” style windows with different operation methods.
- Awning windows are crank operated with the hinges on top with an outward swing.
- Hoppers are commonly used in industrial environments.
- Crank operated with hinges on bottom, they tilt into the room.
Geometric Shape Windows
- Geometric shaped windows are usually “picture” windows (non-operational).
- Shapes are square, round, curved, and multi-sided (square, pentagram, hexagonal, etc.
- Often, smaller windows elevated from ground level for natural light.
- Round and curve tops can be mulled together with picture windows and other styles.
With So Many Choices, How Do You Choose?
Many homeowners simply don’t choose when it’s time to replace windows. That’s why you will see so many homes with white vinyl windows. All the homes on the street have the same grid pattern and opening style.
Don’t settle for the same old, same old!
Materials: Houston Window Experts has a very high quality vinyl window. All installers have at least one manufacturer of white vinyl windows. There are other colors available like tan and bronze and some custom colors available in special order. Besides Vinyl, which is a good window, we have thermally broken aluminum windows. These have a composite insulator between aluminum structures to prevent heat transfer.
Real Wood is an option as is real wood interior with aluminum framing on the exterior. Sierra Pacific is our favorite brand of aluminum clad wood and they have several combinations of colors and wood species to choose from. Wood surfaces are also paintable so if you change your mind on the color, paint or re-stain for the look you want.
At the top end of the window materials is composite and fiberglass windows. Infinity by Marvin is a great fiberglass frame made from a super strong “pultrated” method of embedding fiber strands in resin.
Glass Choices
Windows would not be windows without glass, right! Let’s start with what you may have now. Single pane annealed glass. Very fragile and the worst possible scores on both insulation, heat and UV reflection, and sound transmission value.
We don’t use any of that. Nearly all of our residential windows always contain glass made by the Cardinal Glass Company. Starting with double-strength glass that is then coated with three coats of low emissivity oxides. These coatings block out UV rays…the kind that fades your flooring and furniture! It also reflects solar energy away from your home keeping your home cooler and your A/C bill lower.
Double pane glass is built into what is called an insulating glass unit (IGU) which is two sheets of the Cardinal glass separated by a rubber or composite spacer. The gap between the glass is what constitutes its R value (called U-Factor in window speak) helping to insulated your home from cold air and heat loss on cold days. This gap can optionally be filled with an inert gas like Argon or Krypton gas for an even better U-Factor (insulating) number.
Besides clear glass, there are a number of different obscured glass options like rain glass, pebble texture, and frosted glass. Always check local building code to see if the use of tempered glass near all exit points is required. Use laminated glass for superior security and sound reduction.
Which Style Window for Which Style House?
While most of the opening styles can go with any home, there are some exceptions. One exception is with older victorian style homes. You may not want or may not be able to change window styles. Single hung with traditional grids or diamond pattern grids fit well here.
Generally, Ranch style homes look proper with sliding windows and picture windows. Traditional grid patterns fit well here. Craftsman bungalow and Hill Country styles look great with single-hung windows with prairie grid styles. Modern contemporary styling works well with casements and very large uninterrupted views with picture windows and no grid patterns.
Compare window frame colors to your home’s color motif. A contrasting color may complement the style or your home and increase curb appeal!
The Bottom Line
Regardless of the opening style of windows you choose and in which type of material, always rest assured you’ll get the same courteous, professional service from all our staff and your installation will be covered by out exclusive Leak-Free Guarantee!
Give us a call and talk to one of our no-pressure, no-obligation consultants today!
