What Are The Different Home Window Types?
There are nine different types of standard windows for your home. Here is a short and simple guide to help you choose the right home window type.
This article covers window descriptions for:
- Double hung windows
- Single hung windows
- Picture windows
- Sliding windows
- Awning windows
- Casement windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Garden windows
- Most expensive type
- Least expensive type
Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows look similar to single-hung windows, except for the top and bottom sash move. You’ll typically get a full-screen, protecting you from insects when the top or bottom sashes are open. The double-hung window is our most popular window type.
At Window Depot of Dallas, we do not charge more for double-hung windows, unlike most other window replacement companies in DFW.
Single Hung Windows
Single-hung windows, also known as vertical sliders, are popular in North Texas. The bottom sash moves in a single hung window, but the top sash is fixed.
These windows are popular because they fit into most architectural home styles, are affordable, and can meet egress code requirements.
Picture Windows
Available in large sizes and distinct shapes, picture windows have no operable parts and don’t offer ventilation. Because they do not open, their NFRC ratings are typically better than operable windows like double-hung or sliding windows.
They offer unobstructed views because there is no mid-bar.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows, sometimes called horizontal sliders or gliding windows, offer an operable window that moves left or right. These windows are typically wider than tall and can come in two or three-sash configurations.
Gliding windows are affordable but are typically less efficient than their hung, casement, or picture windows.
Sliding windows can be found higher on a wall, like above a bed or a toilet in the bathroom. They can also be paired beneath a picture window for increased ventilation.
Awning Windows
Awning windows open from the bottom up and have a watertight seal around their perimeter. They are usually twice as wide as they are tall. They’re similar to casement windows, except they open up rather than to the left or right.
Awning windows are the perfect choice for bedrooms and other small areas that need ventilation. These versatile casement-style openings swing open vertically, allowing easy access even when space is limited – great above doors or below fixed windows in narrow spots. Plus, they seal tightly to conserve energy while providing excellent airflow.
Casement Windows
Casement windows open to the left or right by way of a hand crank at the base of the window. They are typically off the ground by at least 18″ to avoid tempering the glass and can be paired with picture windows or other casements to form a window wall.
Casements have weatherstripping around all four sides, making them more efficient than hung or sliding windows. They are also more expensive and typically smaller. Because of the weight of the glass, most casement windows can’t be built wider than 36″ or taller than 72″. We wrote an article about replacement window sizes if you have more questions.
It is worth noting that casement window types require more maintenance and wear out before most other window types. The biggest problem with casement windows is that the hand crank breaks or stops working correctly.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are made of other window styles and extend outward to create an architectural feature. Commonly found in kitchens, bay windows with hung or casement windows offer increased ventilation and enhanced views.
Bow Windows
Similar to bay windows, bow windows can extend beyond your interior wall. However, bow windows are usually made of picture windows in a slight radius pattern to give the illusion of a semi-circle. Bow windows are built and shipped as one window unit, requiring skilled installation to weatherproof them effectively.
Garden Windows
Garden windows are usually found in a shop or kitchen, giving you a shelf to grow plants or display trinkets. They’re shipped and installed as one piece.
What is the most expensive home window type?
Casement windows are usually the most expensive standard windows because the parts that go into one are more complicated and support more stress than other types. Bay or bow windows are custom window configurations that will cost more than most single window types, even casements.
What is the cheapest home window type?
Picture windows without tempered glass are usually the least expensive window type. They have simple frames, no moving parts, and won’t wear out over time.
Do you recommend certain home window types?
In a bedroom, you have to have a window offering egress, so hung and casement windows are recommended.
How many home window types are there?
The nine common home window types are picture, casement, bay, single hung, double hung, awning, horizontal, garden, and bow.
In closing
Still have questions? We’re happy to help. At Window Depot of Dallas, we strive to make window buying easy and informative – our ultimate goal is to help you choose windows that you will be happy with for many years. Call us at 214-399-9592 or request a free window estimate anywhere in North Texas to get started.
