How to Choose New Window Types And Upgrade Your House

Today's windows are more advanced than ever, with a range of different features, finishes, and styles. Because of this, choosing your next set of windows to upgrade your home is not as simple as it once was. You now have more considerations to take into account, especially as efficiency becomes an increasingly important factor for homeowners.

To make a good choice you will need to first know what the best options are out there and what benefits they can bring into your new home. Windows are a big part of any home. They can affect your home’s appearance and its value, so it only makes sense for your choice of new windows for houses to be measured and informed. 

Most Popular Window Types 

Picture windows allow for a beautiful panoramic view and extra natural light.

There are many house window types out there on the market today. These are just a few of the most popular ones that have made their way to millions of homes throughout the country. These window types are popular both for their appearance and the cool functionality that they incorporate. 

Double-Hung Windows 

These traditional house window types are can be found in homes across the country and their sheer practicality is a major reason for this popularity. They may be more old-fashioned than some of the other options here, but they remain quite reliable and cost-effective. Double-hung windows use a simple design with a bottom half that slides up to open the window. If you don’t have to contend with the extreme cold this window style is worth considering. 

Picture Windows 

Although these windows for houses do not open, their charm comes from how big they are. The size of the flat panes can really open up the room and let in a lot of natural light. Extra natural light is good for you and will make even a cramped home feel airy. Despite their size, these windows can be quite efficient thanks to gas-filling and double-glazing.

Bay windows can really spruce up your home’s facade.

Casement Windows 

If the wind is a major concern, casement windows are the perfect option. They are designed with a crank that allows them to open outwards to let air in. Once they are closed, casement windows are better at keeping things airtight because the wind blowing on them actually makes the window seals compress. This is all thanks to the casement window’s unique swing-open design. 

Bay Windows 

By far the most picturesque of the window types here, the bay window stands out for its unique design and its amazing aesthetic qualities. This custom window type is designed to curve outwards and form a semi-circle ‘bulge’. This bulge allows for a wider viewing frame, giving you a cool panoramic view that few other house window types can match. Because they expand outward, bay windows can also open things up by adding a bit more interior space. 

Window Frame Types 

Vinyl windows are famously durable and affordable, making them a solid choice for new windows.

As subtle as they may be, window finishes can really make or break your home’s facade. When window finishes are high quality, look good, and complement the home’s exterior they can give your home’s curb appeal a nice boost. They can also make your interior feel more premium with quality materials. 

Vinyl 

By far the most popular choice, vinyl is well known for being durable and affordable. When well made and properly installed these window finishes offer reliable insulation and good energy efficiency at a reasonable price. Of course, the plain white look of most vinyl is not that stylish, and vinyl tends to be somewhat limited in color options and finishes. 

Wood-Clad

For a best of both worlds solution, this is one of the best options you will find. Wood-clad windows are vinyl window frames but with wood cladding on the outside. So you’re still getting the dependable protection that vinyl frames provide, but you’re adding some style to your windows as well. The crucial thing with windows like this however is that they must be well sealed to prevent water leaking in and causing wood rot.

Wood-clad windows offer the best worlds with durability and style.

Hardwood 

There’s a reason people still pay the premium for full hardwood window frames. They look good sure, but a well-made hardwood window frame is also something solid. It feels good to the touch and will last a long time, providing excellent insulation. Certain woods such as cedar, fir, and pine offer good moisture resistance as well, allowing hardwood windows to last longer. 

Aluminum 

When you need something really strong, you will find no better option than this. Smooth and sleek, aluminum window frames provide a modern facade to any home all while giving you excellent storm protection. Aluminum windows are an especially good investment for those living on the coast or in areas with hurricane seasons since they stand up to these extreme conditions exceptionally well. 

Fiberglass 

An alternative to vinyl window frames is composite ones. Composites include a wide range of windows for houses made of various materials such as wood shavings and plastic resins. Fiberglass is also a composite as it is made of a combination of glass and polyester resins. These can be pricier than vinyl window frames but they are nevertheless worth considering as they provide the same strength and durability but with added customizability for a better look. 

Window Features 

Tinted windows give you added privacy, perfect for windows that face the street.

Windows can also incorporate various added features that increase energy efficiency or provide added home security and sound retention. These upgrades make your windows more practical and therefore more usable.

Tinted

Darkened windows for houses provide the same benefit as tinted windows in a car, namely that you can still see outside but curious passersby can’t look in on you. This can be especially useful if you plan on installing large windows that face a public street since this can invite unwanted attention. Windows can be tinted for just $2 to $4 per square foot using aftermarket window film so this certainly is not a costly upgrade. It is in fact an easy DIY job as well. 

Heat Retention Window Type 

This refers to windows that are treated with heat retention film. This special film increases your home’s heat retention by keeping out the heat during the summer and keeping it in during the winter. Improving the thermal efficiency of your home, heat retention film give you lower energy bills and comfortable home for all seasons. This means fewer cold spots on your windows in winter and fewer hot stuffy days in your home during summer.

Triple glazing presents a new frontier in window heat retention designs.

Sound Retention 

If you live in a busy city you are no stranger to noise pollution. Everything from trains, emergency vehicles, or even your neighbor's loud music can easily make its way into your home. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can mitigate noise and keep the cacophony out of your home. Window inserts are one of the most effective solutions as they can cut down on the noise that makes into your home without breaking the bank. A good window insert can be found for as low as $350. 

Advanced Glazing 

If thermal efficiency is a top priority, advanced triple-glazed windows are by far the best option. This isn’t so much a window feature as a window type, but it nevertheless deserves a special mention as the ultimate green energy window. Triple-glazing offers unparalleled insulation and heat retention without the need for any film or other add-ons. Advanced triple-glazed window types also offer special coatings that keep out harmful UV rays and prevent furniture and fixtures from suffering sun fade.    

Windows Installation Tips 

Before you remove your old windows you should inspect your new windows for damage or defects.

Once you settle on a window type and a window style that fits best with your requirements, the next order of business is to prepare your home for new window installation. Here are just a few things to keep in mind as you go about putting in your modern windows. 

Installation Prep 

Before you take out your old windows, it’s a good idea to err on the side of safety by inspecting your new windows upon delivery. Mistakes happen and your upgraded windows may be damaged or could be the wrong size. This way you’ll be able to keep your old windows for longer if you need to send the new windows back for repairs. After removing the old windows, you will need to also to clean out the window reveals. This is the opening where the window will be installed. Any wall siding or bricks will need to be removed as well to clear the way for new windows. Also, even if you buy windows of a similar size, you may still need to add extra insulation and sealant to ensure that the window fits snugly.