When someone was the word ‘window,’ you’re likely to picture the most common style – the double hung window. This style window has traditionally been the most popular, but other styles such as the casement window are gaining in popularity. (Casement windows, that swing on hinges and open much like doors, are in the #2 spot and may soon pass double hungs.) Other popular window styles around the Twin Cities include:
Awning windows are a variation of the casement window, just mounted horizontally rather than vertically. Both of these window types are very easy to operate. Their only drawback is that there needs to be sufficient clearance on your home’s exterior for the windows to open out. So they might not work in spots where landscaping is close to your house. There is a variation that opens inward rather than out, but these can be a little harder to find. One reason we believe awning and casement windows are gaining in popularity is their ease of operation. Rather than requiring lifting the sash to open, these windows make use of a crank. Homeowners remodeling their houses to facilitate aging-in-place are turning to casement and awning windows as a better alternative to double hung windows. They are also easier to operate where you need to lean over something like a sink to open the window.
Though not as popular as the casement window, a glider or slider window is also a good option in hard-to-reach areas. Rather than cranking out, these windows slide to one side. They usually are crafted in a set of two windows, with one pane fixed and the other sliding over it. So the glider window won’t work in a tight spot where you only have room for one panel.
Bay and bow windows are similar; the only difference is that bow windows are curved and bay windows are box-shaped. Both of these window types protrude out from the side of the house, giving you air and light from several directions instead of just one. Again, making sure you have enough clearance on the exterior is required.
Of course, there are multiple other styles of windows – the greenhouse (or garden), fixed windows like picture windows, and specialty shape. Most special shape windows are fixed, although Marvin does make round and oval windows that open.
So how do you decide which windows are right for your home? The first thing you should know is that there is no hard and fast rule that you need the same style window throughout your home. In fact, some window styles work better than others in particular rooms. (You can read this earlier post of ours for room-specific recommendations).
Helping customers decide on the best window styles for their homes here in the Twin Cities is something we do as part of our no-obligation consultations. We can offer a variety of options so that you can choose the perfect window solution for your home. We are THE replacement window company for the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, and we’re here for you. Contact us today for a free in-home quote or arrange for a personal appointment at our Savage showroom!
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
