Choosing the Right Window Style for Your Home
Hey everyone! Steve here from NRG Remodeling. With over 15 years as a contractor remodeling Dallas & Fort Worth homes, I’ve helped hundreds of families select beautiful new windows tailored to their needs.
And let me tell you, not all windows are created equal! Beyond dimensions, the type of window you choose dramatically impacts ventilation, lighting, aesthetics, cleaning ease, insulation capability and more.
In this home improvement blog, I’ll cover the most popular styles of residential windows available and provide insider guidance on picking what’s right for your space and lifestyle. Let’s dive in!
Double Hung Windows
The classic double hung is one of the most common windows installed in Dallas & Fort Worth homes, making up around 75% of all projects I handle.
So what exactly are double hung windows?
They feature an upper and lower sash ( glass plane) that both vertically slide up and down in place within the window frame. This provides great versatility for customizable ventilation (full open or just crack halfway etc).
Additionally, double hungs are:
- Available in almost endless size configurations to fit any wall shape/opening
- Offer easy DIY glass cleaning from indoor safety
- Require minimal roof overhang coverage due to vertical orientation
- Provide good background light diffusion into rooms
However, some downsides exist too:
- Limited unobstructed exterior view when closed due to substantial frame
- Glass/air leakage over time if not properly sealed
- Can allow dust infiltration around sliding mechanism
Bottom line – you can’t go wrong with the flexible functionality, cost-effectiveness and sleek modern aesthetics possible from quality double hung windows. They work great installed throughout most of your home.
Casement Windows
Another very common style – casements make up around 20% of my window jobs – leveraging side hinged panels that crank open outward from the window frame using a manual operator handle. Casements provide:
- Ability to capture full unobstructed exterior views when open
- Gathering of fresh external breeze sources for ventilation
- Convenient right or left side operator placement options for ease of use
- Higher energy efficiency ratings than double hungs
However, limitations exist around:
- Limited opening size/airflow in small spaces
- Exposed mechanical hardware can allow dust/moisture infiltration over time
- Not great for second story rooms due to limited ventilation control
If unobstructed light and panoramic views are important in areas like kitchens or living rooms, casements may be the perfect solution!
Slider Windows
In 10-15% of my Dallas & Fort Worth window jobs, we incorporate efficient sliding window panels which open by gliding horizontally sideways within tracks at the head and base of the frame.
Usually installed in pairs, sliders feature:
- Expansive opening potential critical for egress in bedrooms
- Streamlined, clean profiles that blend into modern exteriors
- Low maintenance and high durability over decades
- Cost savings over other architectural styles
Downsides of sliding windows involve:
- Airflow mostly limited to one side when open
- Some reduced structural integrity vs other styles
- Exposed tracks can allow dirt buildup over time
Sliding windows work fantastic for certain applications like first floor installations underneath higher openings that catch breezes or above other openings like patios/walkouts allowing concentrated airflow. They come in handy to meet emergency egress dimensional code requirements as well.
Bay and Bow Windows
For around 5% of high-end remodeling jobs focused on changing room dimensionality, we design stunning bay and bow windows that project outward from the wall plane, expanding interior space. These windows have shared traits like:
- Multi-panel configurations combining operating types
- Allowance of abundant natural light from more angles
- Visually expands cramped spaces for a luxury feel
- Focal point to build interior furnishings around
- Increased home resale value
Key Differences
Bow windows feature a continuous, sweeping curved glass design projecting gently from the center point. Bay windows have more pronounced angular facings, typically combining 3-5 individual windows in a boxed assembly.
Both make fantastic built-in seating options as well! Architectural style preferences typically dictate which gets chosen for a home.
Specialty Window Styles
Beyond the most popular options discussed already, nearly 10% of my jobs incorporate specialty window styles catered to unique needs, design tastes or challenging spaces including:
Picture Windows
What are picture windows? These specialty windows are stationary and do not open. They’re all about maximizing unobstructed exterior views without ventilation in mind. Picture windows make fantastic accompaniments to complement operable windows nearby.
Transom Windows
Transom windows are positioned above other windows or doors. They function like picture windows for Increased light infiltration but are more narrow. Transoms can ventilate indirectly from other lower openings. They also serve as interior design focal points.
Skylights
Skylights are essentially windows for ceilings, installed flush on angled planes. They harness natural daylight otherwise inaccessible to interior rooms. Skylight glazing can open via remotes for ventilation. Consider skylights for dark hallways, bathrooms and stairwells!
And there you have it – the most popular window types used in Dallas & Fort Worth remodeling projects like yours! As you evaluate replacements or new installs for your home, carefully consider how each architectural style aligns with your:
- Aesthetic tastes
- Ventilation patterns/airflow needs
- Room positioning/locations
- House dimensions and roof overhangs
- Budget for customized solutions
- Functional factors like emergency escape
We hope this overview better informs your window purchasing decisions. NRG Remodeling offers free consultations to match you with your dream window installations. Our 15 years of expertise guarantees exceptional fit, durability and enjoyment for decades to come!
