Windows play a critical role in your home’s function and feel. If they’re old or damaged, replacements can bring a fresh aesthetic and lower your energy costs.
The best window installation companies offer high-quality, durable options that suit your home’s style and needs. Learn more about the different types of windows to make an informed choice for your project.
Awning Windows
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing windows in an existing one, finding the right type is crucial. Window installation pros can help you choose the best type for your needs and home style.
Hinged at the top, awning windows open outward and upward to allow natural light and ventilation into your home. They can be used with both traditional and modern homes, adding a unique touch to each.
Some reputable manufacturers of awning windows include Milgard and JELD-WEN. Both offer many customization options for your window, including frame colors and grid patterns, without sacrificing energy efficiency. Their windows meet or exceed Energy Star standards and offer Low-E glass with argon gas filling. They also have a tight seal to prevent air leaks and increase efficiency.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows can be a smart choice for larger window openings. They require minimal effort to operate and provide ample ventilation. You can easily open them a crack for light breezes, or slide them all the way open to clear out stale air and pollutants.
These window types don’t have complicated mechanisms like hand cranks, so they’re less likely to break down over time. They also offer a wide range of customization options to suit any style.
Regardless of the type of windows you choose, it’s important to hire a local window pro that has experience installing them. Homeowners can find vetted contractors through HomeAdvisor by answering a few questions about their project. Then, they’ll be matched with top-rated pros. Then, homeowners can compare quotes and select a contractor.
Picture Windows
Providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the outdoors with no grids, frames, or dividers to interfere with the viewlines, picture windows let copious amounts of natural light flood indoor living spaces. This reduces the need for artificial lighting throughout the day and leads to lower utility bills.
They’re also energy-efficient, since they don’t open and thus don’t allow air to escape, which helps prevent your home from heating up too quickly in the summer or cooling down too rapidly in the winter. Choose models that include insulated sashes and double or triple-glazed glass to boost energy efficiency even further.
However, their inability to open limits ventilation and can make it difficult to clean them from the outside. This may be a problem for homeowners who want to install them in rooms that require airflow.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows offer a quality aesthetic without the maintenance of wood or aluminum. They’re also affordable and energy efficient. They’re available with a variety of features, such as blinds-between-the-glass and wireless security sensors. They’re a good option for Talladega homeowners who want to boost the security of their homes, but they may not be worth the investment if your home doesn’t have a lot of exterior wood or brick.
When shopping for vinyl windows, look for ENERGY STAR qualified models. They will include low-E glass and possibly be filled with argon gas, which helps to reflect heat during the summer and keep it in during the winter – saving you money on your utility bills. They can also reduce noise and block harmful UV rays from damaging furniture, carpeting, and wall paint.
Single-Hung Windows
Single hung windows are an affordable and effective option when it comes to window replacement for your home or business. They come in a wide variety of styles and materials, making them versatile for residential and commercial settings alike.
While they look similar to double hung windows, the difference between the two lies in their operability and energy efficiency. Single hung windows have one operating sash that moves vertically up and down, while double-hung windows have two.
Single-hung windows are also easier to maintain. This is because you only have to open the bottom sash, which makes it easier to clean the exterior glass. Additionally, they are safer for children because you cannot access the upper sash through a window opening. This is especially helpful when you live in a high-rise building.