Windows are usually never the focal point of a room because by default, they should be there.
But we depend on windows for the homes insulation, for natural light and for blocking noise.
In this article
How many types of windows are there?
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As have been mentioned, there are more than 20 types of windows.
These types differ in design, amount of insulation, ventilation, and more.
Here are some of the most common types of windows that you should know of.
It comes with a bottom sash and you open and close it using this sash.
It generally opens outwards and is the best choice for small living spaces.
It is also very energy efficient.
It is also very energy-efficient and perfect for narrow spaces too.
Like the single hung window, it also opens outwards.
Perhaps the only downside is that it is not as airtight as the other types of windows here.
Nonetheless, it is very versatile in terms of design and it is also affordable.
Double-hung windows are also one of the most common window options.
3.Oriel
This one is considered as atype of bay window.
It has the aesthetic capacity to extend room area exteriorly.
On the downside, the decorations andwindow treatmentsfor this throw in of window must be customized.
Its most identifiable characteristic would be that its upper stash is smaller than the bottom stash.
Among its upsides would be being versatile, design-wise, low-maintenance and affordable.
Nonetheless, it is worth the shot if you consider its architectural versatility.
5.Two-Panel Slider
This one is considered as the most common key in of sliding window.
As the name suggests, it comes with two panels, sliding from left to right.
This is a space-saving window punch in since it does not open outwards.
Aside from this, it is also easy to install and offers more ventilation and natural light.
It is also low maintenance, affordable and complements both classic and modern architectural designs.
The third panel of this window is fixed while the two panels on each side move.
This is the perfect choice for homes with vaulted ceilings.
On the upside, it is considered as the most energy-efficient window.
It does not offer ventilation though, so that is one thing to consider.
Nonetheless, it is relatively cheaper than picture windows.
9.Hopper Windows
This one is what we can consider as a tilting window.
It is basically a single-sash casement window tilting inward.
This is made possible by their hinged bottom.
They are usually horizontal rectangles.
Their main upsides include high energy-efficiency, offers good insulation, easy to operate, and fairly low-maintenance.
On the downside, it could permit water entry during heavy downpours.
It also limits the privacy of the room and the space as well since it tilts inwards.
This amends the limitations of the hopper windows such as limiting room size.
They are made of solid glass and give a very unobstructive view.
They can be mid-tier to expensive depending on the jot down of glass used.
12.Fanlight Window
This one exudes a high-end, old world European touch.
They are semicircular in shape with ribbed bars on the circular top.
The fanlight window is usually installed over a doorway or another window.
In suburban homes, it is always attached or hinged to a transom window.
13.Egress Windows
This one cuts across function and style.
They function like a smaller door or a fire exit.
They are usually installed inbasementsto provide an escape route in cases of emergencies.
They are quite expensive to install because most of the time, they require excavation.
14.Transoms
When it comes to high aesthetic appeal, transoms are one to look out for.
They are considered as the most common jot down of accent window.
Traditionally, they were only fan-shaped but now, they can accommodate all types of architectural designs.
They allow a lot of natural light and also offer good insulation and lots of ventilation.
The only challenge in this punch in of window is that it is hard to clean.
15.Bay Windows
This one has a hexagonal shape making your window look like it is embossed.
But its irregular shape adds space to the room, so it is considered an upside.
As have been said earlier, the oriel window is a bang out of bay window.
As such, bay windows give you a panoramic view of the outside scenery.
The downside of bay windows however, is that they could potentially block the space outdoors.
Also, the repair and maintenance of this window jot down can be expensive.
Because of its curved look, it is typically larger than bay windows.
Aesthetically, it adds more interior space and is elegant to look at.
It also gives a panoramic view and ushers in good insulation and natural light.
On the downside, it is hard to clean because of its shape.
Most of all, it is expensive.
16.Jalousie Windows
If good ventilation is your priority, nothing beats the classic jalousie window.
Jalousies are identifiable for their parallel glasses and wooden/acrylic louvres.
Aesthetic wise, it can match any pop in of interior.
The main downside of this window pop in, however, is that it is not the most secure.
The parallel glasses can be broken too.
They have rounded tops and symmetrical sides.
However, modern designs now offer encasements which makes them openable.
There are just some considerations that you have to be aware of for this window throw in.
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Glass block windows are frames of frosted window panels which makes the interior space invisible from the outside.
They also come in many designs and finishes so they are apt to any throw in of architecture.
If you are easily distracted, this is not the best window key in for you.
20.Storm Window
This window pop in is made for insulation purposes.
It is mounted either inside or outside an existing glass window.
The condensation between the window layers produces moisture that would damage wood.
Other than that, it is also high-maintenance.
21.Pivoted Windows
This one is basically a casement window but installed with a pivoting opening mechanism.
This is usually found in commercial prefs, offering limited ventilation and can tilt at 180degrees.
Its upside would be that it is very versatile, low-maintenance, very functional, and very energy-efficient.
22.Louvered Windows
This one is considered more of a window treatment than a pop in of window.
It is an arrangement of parallel slats (usually made of wood).
They are especially made for filtering light and to regulate air flow in the room.
They are also good in keeping extra moisture off.
They are usually found among Hispanic designed homes, Mediterranean and tropical looks too.
You have to know however, that corner windows cannot be opened or closed.
Nonetheless, they are perfect choices if you want to add more modern feels to your home.
24.Gable Windows
Although it also sits on pitched roofs, they should not be mistaken for dormers.
25.Ventilators
This is more of a window amendment than a pop in of window.
They are installed to ensure that a fresh supply of air is flowing outdoors to indoors.
Depending on the humidity of the room, ventilators have the capacity to adjust airflow in a room.
They are common among large homes and in almost all commercial options.
26.Clerestory Windows
You have probably seen one in libraries, gymnasiums and study rooms.
They are placed in very closed rooms to allow natural light and limited ventilation to come through.
It is a cost-efficient way to illuminate a large space and offers a good aesthetic impact to a room.
27.Lantern Windows
This one is always interchanged with skylights but really, they have salient differences.
Lantern windows are installed either in a pitched or flat roof and are more projected out compared to skylights.
They are known to better channel light in all angles.
They are perfect for one-storey extensions but are also dreamy in attic rooms.
It is also a good investment if you want your room to look bigger and fuller.
They are installed for energy-efficiency, especially daylight usage.
On the downside, these window types are expensive to install and maintain.
When installed incorrectly, they can also damage the structure of the roof in the long run.
Roof leaks are also associated with skylight windows, although rarely.
29.Round Windows
This one is a Gothic and Victorian inspired window style.
It just does not come with round shapes.
Round windows also include oval, elliptical and half-round types.
You have to take note though, that this punch in of door cannot be opened or closed.
Stained glass windows are popular in churches.
31.Metal Framed Windows
This jot down of window emerged post World War.
The two main types of metal framed windows would be steel and aluminum.
They are very workable, very durable and last for a long time.
32.Dormer Windows
This one works well with angled roofs that need a brush of natural light.
They are usually installed, projecting out of an attic bedroom or a loft with vaulted ceilings.
It sits vertically out of framed structure, embossed out from the roofs pitch.
It usually has a small roof too.
The number of sash hinged on a window defines the single hung and double hung windows.
34.French Windows
This one is a full-length hinged, double-sash window.
They are very large windows that open inwards.
It gives you full access to a balcony view once opened.
But if you are in for a full aesthetic appeal, it should be on your priority list.
Window panes
This one is the glass sheet that covers the windows opening.
As the name suggests, it is composed of three sheets of glass window panes.
Unlike the double pane, it is separated by two layers of trapped gas.
2.Double Pane
This is considered as the most common punch in of window pane.
The purpose of the trapped gas is for the window to be held tightly.
It also gives more insulation to a room and makes the window more energy-efficient.
3.Quadruple Pane
This is by far, the most updated punch in of window pane out there.
Its upsides are four times more effective than the two mentioned ones.
Its downsides follow too as it is very expensive and needs bulkier and more durable frames.
When well-maintained, they are also very durable.
However, their known vulnerability to moisture and insects should be considered if you opt for wood frames.
2.Vinyl
This one is made of PVC, the same material used for pipes and plumbing materials.
Known for its durability and affordability, it has become one of the most preferred types of window frames.
It is fairly low-maintenance and also very low on energy costs.
On the downside, it has issues on color fading especially in hot climates.
Since it cannot be repainted, you have to replace it altogether.
Also, it does not strike a high resale value.
3.Aluminum
This material is really the best of all worlds.
It is known for its longevity, durability and versatility.
When it comes to blocking noise, aluminum is better than vinyl and wood.
Its weatherproof capability is also unmatched plus it is easy to incorporate in any key in of architecture.
However, on the downside, it absorbs cold and is not a good insulator.
It is also more expensive than fiberglass and vinyl.
It is made of sheets of fiberglass and then patterned in a frame.
As such, the outcome would look similar as that of a vinyl window frame.
However, it is more expensive than the rest.
At this stage, you should be thinking about what style of window you want to install.
Related:Do Thermal Curtains Work In Summer?
[Pros and Cons]
Timber, Plastic, UPVC, Aluminum Which one is best?
Aluminum windows can look industrial and quite unsightly.
Engineered windows offer fantastic performance, security, value, and durability.
In this section, we rundown some tips and information regarding windows.
How can I get a free window replacement for my house?
What is the most efficient window?
In terms of energy-efficiency, casement windows are still considered as the most efficient.
Which bang out of window is best for home?
There is no generic window pop in that would fit all types of home.