From classic to contemporary, historic to innovative, Window Outfitters, Inc., has a wide range of replacement window styles for Minneapolis-area home owners. We can help you select just the right solution for your home, whether you’re looking to preserve its architectural design or update and modernize its exterior, you’ll find that we have just the right window for your home.
With so many options to choose from, we thought it would be helpful for you to have a basic overview of window styles. Maintenance-free vinyl, aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, or wood windows are available (in standard and custom-manufactured sizes), in these basic configurations:
Single-Hung: This is a traditional window style. If you have an older or historic home, most likely your windows are single-hung. They open only from the bottom; the top sash is fixed. Single-hung windows are available with either clear panes or mullions. (Mullions are the set of boards that divide a window into a set of smaller panes.)
Double-Hung: Double-hung windows are nearly identical in shape and construction to single-hung. In fact, most people couldn’t tell the difference without opening the window. However, unlike the single-hung fixed upper sash, in a double-hung window both the upper and lower portions of the window are movable. This makes for easier window cleaning and maintenance.
Casement and Awning: While single- and double-hung windows can be raised or lowered, casement and awning windows open toward the outside via a cranking mechanism. Casement windows are installed vertically, are hinged on one side, and open out on the other side. (You can choose a left-hand or right-hand opening.) Awning windows are installed horizontally; they are hinged near the top and open out from the bottom. The exterior glass section is easy to clean from the inside. Only fixed (inoperable) windows are more draft-resistant than casement and awning windows. The disadvantage, however, is that the window protrudes out from the exterior of the structure, which could be a safety issue in lower-level and high traffic areas around your home. However,
Sliding: Sliding windows consist of two vertical sections of windows. One sash is fixed, and the other slides open over it. Like casement and awning windows, sliding windows are more contemporary in appearance than double-hung and single-hung windows. They offer an advantage over casement windows in that the window section does not extend out from the home’s exterior. However, the exterior glass surface of the sliding section cannot be cleaned from the inside.
Picture: Picture windows are constructed in over sized single glass sections. They provide the advantage of increased natural light to the interior of the room. These windows are inoperable, and consequently they are often flanked by either casement or double-hung windows to provide ventilation.
Bay and Bow: Bay and bow windows extend outward from the exterior wall of the home, providing additional lighting as well as decorative and architectural interest on the interior and exterior of the home. (Most people use the terms interchangeably; however, there are design differences. Bay windows are shaped in a rectangle or polygon; bow windows are semi-circular.) They are usually constructed in three or more sections, the middle inoperable section being the largest. In older and historic homes, these windows often incorporate mullions, either on the entire window system or on the side windows which can be opened. Bay windows make a beautiful focal point for a formal living or dining room.
Specialty Windows: In addition to traditional window designs and configurations, many premium window companies offer custom-manufactured specialty windows. (Think half-rounds above entry and patio doors, round windows in stairwells, triangular windows flanking picture windows, etc.) Your design options are endless, and often several designs can be combined. Most specialty windows are fixed; they provide light but no ventilation. They add design interest and are among the most versatile architectural elements to modernize your home’s appearance as well as providing illumination in areas where traditional windows will not work.
Whatever style you prefer, you can find the premium-quality windows you need at Window Outfitters, Inc., Minneapolis MN replacement window contractor. Call us today to see what the best solution is for you and your home.
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.
