Your Handy Guide to Picking the Perfect Windows for Your Home
Hello, my dear DIYers! Ever glanced at other people’s houses and been wowed by their windows? Surprisingly, they do a lot more than let in sunshine and show you the world outside.
Choosing the right style of home windows is just as exciting as picking out a new power tool set. It’s a chance to give your home a facelift, or arm it with better insulation. Sounds daunting? Well, do not fret. Here’s a fun, handy guide straight from your favorite repairman’s toolbox.
Window Style: Function Meets Beauty
Ever look out a picture window during snowfall? Peaceful, isn’t it? Yet, if you have privacy concerns, you may want frosted or stained glass over the bathroom window. Your window choice should meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Here are some popular styles worth considering:
Double-Hung Windows
With two operable sashes, these are a hit for traditional styles. The upper and lower halves slide vertically, providing good ventilation and easy cleaning.
Casement Windows
They open outward away from the house with a crank, offering excellent view and ventilation. These are best suited for windy areas.
Bay/Bow Windows
A set of three windows, with the middle one being larger, these add a dramatic statement to your home’s exterior. They provide panoramic views and natural light.
Materials Matter: The Building Blocks of Your Windows
Now that you've figured out the "Who's Who" of window styles, let's focus on their wardrobes. The material you choose for your window frame is just as essential as the style.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are affordable, low-maintenance, and provide good insulation. Their downside is a limited range of colors.
Wood
Wood provides a traditional, high-end look and excellent insulation. However, it needs regular painting or staining to prevent decaying and warping.
Aluminum
Aluminum windows are strong, affordable, and require little maintenance. They lack, however, insulation properties.
Glass Type: Let’s Clear Things Up
Glass mechanisms have evolved from the days of chilly drafts and foggy condensation. Here are the one’s that’ll let in sunshine, minus the extra heat or cold:
Double / Triple Glazing
Two, or even three panes of glass sandwiching an insulating gas layer — they provide excellent sound and heat insulation.
Low-E Glass
These are coated with a thin layer of metal oxide to prevent heat transfer, providing excellent energy efficiency.
Tinted / Frosted Glass
These compromise on natural light to provide privacy, and reduce solar heat gain. Ideal for bathrooms or windows facing the sun.
What Hits Your Wallet: Costs and Energy Efficiency
After counting your tools, it's time to count the costs. Remember, cheap isn’t always best. Consider the window’s life-cycle cost and energy efficiency.
Look for windows with ENERGY STAR certification. Also, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) are your indicators for energy-efficient windows. Low values of both indicate better insulation.
Hire a Pro or DIY?
Some renovations are a fun DIY project, while others are best left to professionals. You might be thinking, "But, I am a DIYer!" And yes, you certainly are! But remember, installing windows needs precision and skill. An incorrect installation could lead to drafts, leaks, and more.
Windows to Your World
Choosing the right style of home windows becomes less overwhelming when you view it as an adventure rather than a task. Always remember to balance functionality, aesthetics, budget, and energy efficiency.
Hope this guide equips you better for your journey. As your trusty virtual repairman, I’ll love to share more tips and tricks. Stay tuned to find out how to transform your house into an inviting home.