Windows 101: Types, Materials, and Tips for Homeowners

11/21/2024

Windows are more than just glass panes—they enhance your home’s natural light, insulate your home, and can even reduce your energy bills. Whether you’re replacing old windows or adding new windows to a home addition, understanding the types, materials, and benefits can help you make the best choice. Here’s a guide for choosing the windows for your remodel, from materials to styles and energy-saving features.

Window Materials

Selecting the right window is key for durability, insulation, the style you want, and your budget.

  • Vinyl (Good): Vinyl windows are most affordable and require minimal maintenance. Vinyl resists warping and rotting over time. Vinyl is available in several colors, but generally offers fewer options for customization compared to other materials. Some manufacturers will even do a split color frame option (ex. black exterior with white interior).

  • Fiberglass (Better): Fiberglass windows are extremely durable and resist expanding or contracting with temperature changes, making them great for Utah’s climate. They’re also eco-friendly and provide better insulation than vinyl. Fiberglass can be painted or finished to suit different styles, and can do split color frame options. Fiberglass windows cost more than vinyl windows, but are generally superior to vinyl in terms of quality and durability.

  • Aluminum Clad Wood (Best): These windows combine a wood frame and wood interior finish with an aluminum exterior cladding for added durability and weather resistance. The wood frame offers natural insulation and a customizable finish on the interior (can be painted or stained). The aluminum cladding on the exterior protects against the elements, reducing the maintenance required for traditional wood windows. The aluminum cladding exterior comes in a range of standard colors. These windows are more expensive than fiberglass, but are generally superior in terms of quality, durability, and efficiency.

  • Wood: You could also do 100% wood windows without the aluminum cladding on the exterior. However, wood windows will require significant maintenance on the exterior, which is why we don’t typically recommend this option.

Types of Windows

Different window types offer distinct aesthetics and functions.

  • Single and Double-Hung Windows: These windows open vertically. In single-hung windows, only the bottom sash slides upward, while double-hung windows allow both the top and bottom sashes to slide. They’re versatile and fit well in many home styles, providing good ventilation. Single-hung is less expensive on average than double-hung.

  • Casement Windows: Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward using a crank handle. Casement windows are a good option for areas that require maximum airflow, like kitchens or bathrooms. These can also be a great solution for egress windows in bedrooms. These are typically used with aluminum clad wood windows.

  • Sliding Windows: Sliding windows move horizontally along a track and are easy to operate. Sliding windows are typically less expensive than casement windows. However, sliders are usually only available with vinyl and fiberglass windows.

  • Awning Windows: Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, creating an awning-like effect that can help keep rain out while allowing ventilation. These can be installed in combination with larger fixed windows to bring in light and airflow without compromising privacy.

  • Fixed Picture Windows: Picture windows are stationary and do not open. These are designed to let in light and provide unobstructed views. They’re ideal for rooms where ventilation isn’t a priority, but where natural light and scenery are. These windows are often larger and used to frame outdoor views.

Design Elements

Windows can significantly enhance a home’s design when paired with the right finishing touches.

  • Grilles/Grid Patterns: Window grids come in a variety of sizes and patterns to complement different architectural styles. Grids add a classic charm or a modern edge, depending on the style and pattern of grids used.

  • Frame Colors and Finishes: Most window manufacturers will have options to do a split color window so the interior and the exterior can be different colors. For example, it is common to have a black exterior with a white interior. This option is typically available with vinyl and fiberglass windows. With aluminum clad wood windows, the interior can be painted or stained any color, and the aluminum exterior color is selected from a range of standard colors.

  • Hardware: The vinyl and fiberglass hardware typically matches the color of the window frame and there are few/no options on style. For wood windows, there are more choices for hardware styles ranging from minimal to ornate.

  • Glass Options: Window manufacturers offer different types of glass. Window glass can be ordered as follows:

    • Obscured: Used primarily for privacy (ex. bathroom windows), as well as decorative glass (ex. front entry side lights). Obscure glass can either be frosted or use a variety of different obscure patterns.

    • Tinted: Used to reduce solar heat gain and for UV protection.

    • Mirror Finish: Used for privacy.

    These options are permanent features for the glass and are selected when ordering the windows. There is also the option to apply an aftermarket film to your windows if needed for obscurity, tinting, mirror finish, or even safety glass. Window film can be done as an afterthought and can be removed if needed.

Discovering What’s Best for You and Your Home

Choosing the right windows for your home remodel can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about finding the option that best suits your style, needs, and budget. Use this guide to help walk you through the options. If you have more questions, we’re always happy to help!

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