“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.”
Edith Wharton
Contemporary, transitional, cottage or coastal. You know what your dream home should look like. You know your style.
But what about all those windows? You’ll want to stay true to your home’s architectural style and decor. But so many choices.
If you’ve started looking, you’ve got a lot of questions. How important is energy efficiency? Which types of windows are best? Which materials work best with my style? What about grilles, screens and hardware?
Energy Efficiency
For optimum energy efficiency, choose two or three panes of glass. For maximum energy performance, choose products that meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.
Frames
Window frames can be made of wood (which may be clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior portions), vinyl, fiberglass, or metal. Window glass may be single-, double-, or even triple-paned, and may be treated with a coating that keeps warmth inside during the winter and outside in summer.
Nearly every window seals out wind when the temperature is comfortable. But when the mercury drops well below freezing, only the highest-quality windows perform well.
Wood can be used on both the interior and exterior of a window, maintaining its properties throughout drastic temperature changes and providing exceptional insulation. Suitable for custom finishes, wood creates a warm feeling in both contemporary and traditional homes.
Extruded aluminum is used on window exteriors to provide additional protection and to minimize maintenance. Custom profiles are possible, offering flexibility in matching details without compromising performance.
Fiberglass, a composite material, is highly durable, strong as steel, and extremely reliable. It maintains shape even in harsh climates with regular exposure to temperature variation, wind, rain, or snow. Non-conductive and non-corrosive, fiberglass is designed to look the same years after installation.
Types
Double hung, single hung, casement, awning, glider, bay & bow, specialty, round top, tilt turn & hopper!
A series of windows creating a curve, a bay or bow window may be the perfect selection for a cozy reading nook.
Casement windows with concealed multi-point locks, recessed sashes, and durable hardware for easy opening and smooth operation, work almost anywhere, even on larger-sized windows.
A glider may be the right choice over your kitchen sink, with its contemporary styling, sleek hardware and ergonomic handles.
Chances are, you’ll want to select different types of window for your great room than your spa bath or media room.
It’s time to brainstorm with your design-build team.
Photos: www.marvin.com
