The right window styles can make a big difference in your home’s functionality, views, natural light, air flow and energy efficiency. Choosing the right style and material can also help you overcome unique challenges, such as Houston’s hot summers and severe weather events.
Double-hung windows feature two operating sashes that move up and down. Tilting sashes allow for easy ventilation.
Awning Windows
For homeowners looking for the perfect balance between natural light and easy-to-open functionality, awning windows are an excellent choice. Hinged at the top, these windows swing open and create a small awning space that helps keep rainwater out during heavy rainfall. They’re ideal for hard-to-reach locations like high walls or above large picture windows.
Awning window costs vary based on frame material, size, and brand, along with other customization options and energy-efficient features. Energy-efficient features can reduce your home’s carbon footprint and energy bills, but they may also add to the total project cost.
It’s important to hire a professional to install new or replacement awning windows in your home. This prevents potential complications during installation and ensures your windows are installed correctly. Proper installation reduces the risk of fall-related injuries, and it ensures your windows have a tight seal that maximizes energy savings.
Casement Windows
As their name suggests, casement windows are hinged at the side and open horizontally using a crank. Like awning windows, they offer superior ventilation and unobstructed views. They also combine easy operation with increased energy efficiency.
Unlike double-hung windows, which have muntons that block the view, casement replacement windows don’t have these lines, making them a great choice for modern homes. They’re also very weatherproof, with tight seals that keep wind, rain and other weather out of the house.
Casement windows are a great choice for hard-to-reach places because they swing out easily with the turn of a handle. They can also be opened fully, allowing fresher air and cool breezes into the home for better ventilation. This is especially important in Texas’ hot and humid climate. They’re also one of the highest-rated windows for energy efficiency. This makes them a smart and attractive upgrade for any Houston home. They’re also highly customizable to your unique needs and aesthetic preferences.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are the classic window style that is a staple of many homes. They slide vertically and have one operable sash (the lower) and a fixed upper sash. They provide ample ventilation, allowing hot air to release through the bottom and cool air to enter through the top.
They are a popular choice in many older homes, and they can easily be upgraded to newer features that improve functionality and durability. For example, homeowners can choose a tilt-in sash that makes cleaning the inside of the window easier.
Single-hung windows are also an affordable option that can enhance your home’s visual appeal with a timeless look. Plus, they can help save you money on energy costs by minimizing air infiltration.
Bow Windows
Unlike bay windows, bow windows have more panes of glass that create a more curved appearance. They may also have four or more angled projections, which can allow for increased natural light infiltration into your Houston home.
The result is a dramatic new look that can transform the exterior of your home and add space to interior rooms. Expanded interior space can provide a cozy reading nook, extra storage, or a place to showcase special home decor items. They also increase the amount of sunlight that enters a room and create an attractive focal point in your home.