There are many different styles of windows. Sliders, hung, casement, awning, and hopper. All of which open in one fashion or another. But, there are two specific types that do not open at all. Fixed and picture windows.
So, why would you want a window that does not open? Usually the answer to this question is for the view! Fixed windows and picture windows are often used as part of a wall of windows which will create an open air and bright feeling room.
How Are Picture Windows Made?
Just like all other window styles, all picture windows are made up of an insulated glass unit “IGU” (two sheets of glass with an insulating spacer in between), and a thermally efficient frame. The only major difference is that there are no locks and no operating mechanicals. Simply an IGU and frame.
Since they are fairly simple in design – without cranks, locks, balance bars, etc., picture windows are usually less expensive than other types of windows.
There are some minor differences between “fixed windows” and picture windows styles. It’s mostly in the thickness of the framing. When you are trying to exactly match the same frame thicknesses on adjacent windows, technically they are referred to as fixed windows. When the window stands alone and apart from all other windows on that wall, the same window is referred to as a picture window and may have thinner frames compared to other windows in the home.
How Do I Get Ventilation Into a Room?
A popular choice when using picture windows in a lower ceiling home is to “mull” windows together. One example would be to have a picture window in the middle and flank it with two operable windows. We’ve done sliders, hung windows and casements paired with picture windows for a great look while still allowing ample ventilation.
There are exceptions to where you can use a picture window. The most obvious and critical place picture windows are unacceptable (and against building codes) is if it is the solo window in a bedroom. Bedrooms must have as exit (regress) for fire escape and access for rescue emergency personnel.
Picture Windows Sound So Plain. Can They Be Stylish? Who Makes Them?
When they are described as simply glass and frame, they do sound rather plain. But, yes, they can be very stylish. First of all, they can have the full array of divided lights…simulated divided lights and surface exterior grids. Grids can be of a variety of profiles and widths and can be the same color or a complementary color to the frames themselves.
Pretty much every window manufacturer makes a picture window. Houston Window Experts offers vinyl picture windows from Anlin Windows, aluminum windows by Don Young Windows, and fiberglass windows by Infinity from Marvin. If you prefer wood or wood clad, check out Windsor Windows. These are just four of the popular picture windows brands we offer from our curated selection of nearly 2 dozen manufacturer brands.
In addition to grids, frame colors and materials, picture windows are also available in all the popular glass configurations. Our favorite being the Cardinal Low-e 366 super energy efficient glass package. Tempered glass, laminated glass, and of course either air filled or gas filled for additional efficiency.
Are Y’all Really Experts?
With our combined experience and training in the industry, we have developed these three areas of focus to become the best in the industry: Best Products, Best Processes, Best People!
We have evaluated, installed and tested many different window brands, caulk brands, screw lengths and diameter…you name it…so the we have arrived at the Best Products in order to arrive at the highest quality installation available. So good that we offer a Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee!
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