The window style you choose will affect your home’s look from the inside and out. The right windows will complement your home’s architecture and boost its value when it comes time to sell.
Sliding windows are great for maximizing daylight exposure. Garden windows add space for plants or decorations. Bay and bow windows are combinations of multiple windows that create a curve. Muntins are dividers in windows that visually separate glass panes into sections called lites.
Double-Hung Windows
When homeowners and business owners are determining what type of windows they will use in a remodeling project, many choose double-hung windows. These windows provide a variety of benefits, including improved airflow and easy maintenance. They also offer a range of customization options to help make the window match any aesthetic.
Unlike single-hung windows, double-hung windows can open from both the top and bottom, allowing warm air to escape or cool air to enter based on your preference. This type of window also provides exceptional ventilation, making it a great option for rooms that need frequent air circulation.
Another advantage of double-hung windows is that they are energy efficient. By utilizing a specialized insulated glass that contains argon gas, these windows will prevent heat transfer and reduce your utility bills.
Casement Windows
Unlike double-hung windows that open from the bottom and top, casement windows open outward with the crank of a handle. These versatile windows let in fresh air and give you wide-open views without compromising privacy or security. They’re a popular choice for hard-to-reach spaces, like over a kitchen sink or in a finished basement.
Often paired with a sliding window or door, bay and bow windows accentuate a home’s exterior and add dimension to a room. They work well with a variety of styles, including Craftsman and Victorian homes.
New window installation can be a simple replacement process or a more involved retrofit. Insert installation involves fitting new windows into the existing frame, while full-frame installation replaces the entire window and frame. Both methods can save on energy costs.
Bay Windows
A bay window can provide a dramatic focal point that elevates the appearance of your home. It also adds value because it maximizes natural light and offers a panoramic view of the neighborhood.
You can find this window type in a range of materials and colors. Aluminum windows are a popular option because they are affordable and resistant to moisture. They also offer a wide selection of colors and frames to fit your style.
Clad-wood bow windows combine a wooden interior with an exterior cladding of aluminum or vinyl. They are ideal for Hawthorne homes that want traditional aesthetics with modern performance. They also provide good air and water resistance. Other choices include the prairie grid, which has a pattern of small panes, and the ‘three over two’, which has two smaller panes above one larger one.
Bow Windows
Bow windows protrude out from your walls like bay windows but are curved with more window panes and offer a softer look than the more angular bay option. They add dimension to your home and can be outfitted with a bench to create a seating area.
Bow and bay windows can be custom-designed in many ways. The prairie grid design, for instance, is a unique style that showcases small panes around a larger central frame. This is ideal for homes in Hawthorne FL that seek a blend of artistic design and clear views.
Hurricane impact bow windows are another popular choice that can stand up to high wind speeds during Florida’s stormy weather. They feature a unique design that provides protection from debris and prevents intruders from breaking into your home.
Egress Windows
Egress windows are essential safety features that meet local building codes for homes. They help lower level living areas feel more spacious and allow natural light to flood these rooms. Egress windows can also add value to your home, particularly if you use them to convert your basement into an extra bedroom.
In Florida, you can install egress windows through both a full-frame installation or an insert installation. The former involves fitting new windows into a preexisting frame, while the latter offers more cost-effective options.
To comply with egress window requirements, you must have a minimum net-clear opening of 5.0 square feet for first-floor windows and 5.7 square feet for second-floor windows. To meet these minimum size requirements, you can choose between awning, casement, or sliding egress windows.