What window style is best for your house?

Styles for all tastes.

The type of window you choose for your home will largely be a question of taste and, in some cases, a question of local building codes. There are two main categories of window styles: sliding windows, which include sliders and single and double-hung windows, and projected windows, which include casement, awning and hopper windows. Understanding how these windows are different will help you may the right decision when replacing your windows.

There are two main differences between sliding windows and projected windows. Sliding window types include sliders, single-hung windows and double-hung windows. Projected windows include casement windows, awning windows and hoppers.

Firstly, projected windows tend to allow almost their entire area to be opened and therefore provide better ventilation, while slider windows generally offer an opening of no more than 50% of their total area. They can however be more precisely adjusted to control the amount of ventilation.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, when it comes to energy efficiency, projected windows tend to have less air leakage (the AL value) than sliding windows. This is because in the case of projected windows, the sash presses against the frame on closing. This is not to deny, however, that some manufacturers have achieved very low AL values for sliding windows.

Because projected windows project beyond the plane of the wall, they present problems when adding secondary glazing, such as storm windows, or insect screens, as they allow the homeowner only one option. Out-swinging windows must have interior screens, while in-swinging windows must have exterior screens. In-swinging windows will also affect how you decorate your room, as you will always have to accommodate the open sashes.

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