PART 1: NICE TO MEET YOU - GETTING TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT WINDOW STYLES

Your home is uniquely you and this translates to every part, including your windows. More than just choosing a window that suits your preferences, however, picking out a replacement is about addressing your needs as well. Finding the right window then is about addressing both your wants and needs, and to do that, knowing your options is an important step. Window styles available to you include:

AWNING WINDOWS

Hinged at the top, awning windows are usually used in basements and bathrooms to promote ventilation and air flow. Like any window, however, they can also aid in bringing in natural light into a room and improving illumination.

BAY OR BOW WINDOWS

Bay or bow windows are characterized by several windows grouped together, typically projecting from the wall to give a room a sense of added space. You can differentiate bay and bow windows depending on the number of units a configuration has. If it has three and forms an angled curve, it’s a bay window. If it has four or five units and forms a more circular curve, it’s a bow window.

CASEMENT WINDOWS

Casement windows are hinged on the side and are operated with the help of a crank. They open their entire size and can be angled to catch a breeze, offering excellent ventilation control. Casement windows also feature expansive glass areas so they are great for taking in outdoor views.

PART 1: NICE TO MEET YOU - GETTING TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT WINDOW STYLES

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

Double hungs consist of two operable sashes sliding vertically. As they boast of a timeless design, double hung windows work well with a number of architectural styles. For easier cleaning, newer models are designed to tilt-in.

SLIDING WINDOWS

Thanks to rails on a track, sliding windows are incredibly easy to operate. They can be made to have one or two sashes operable, depending on your preference, and work best with contemporary homes.

PICTURE WINDOWS

Picture windows are inoperable so they are also known as fixed windows. What they can’t offer in ventilation they make up for in offering amazing outdoor views and great insulation, thanks to expansive glass areas and the lack of gaps in design.

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Found a window style you like? Turn your choice into the perfect window replacement by taking advantage of features and options. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more!

PART 2: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME - FEATURES AND OPTIONS

Sometimes the little things make the biggest difference. From adding a touch of elegance to enhancing your home’s curb appeal, the right features and options for your new window replacement can make a huge impact on your choice.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

When it comes to design, cladding, casings, trims and subsills add much needed detail to your windows. Color, texture, and finishing help make your both interior home decor and exterior facade come alive. Choose from wood grains and clean classic painted colors to match your home’s style, while playing up your curb appeal with exterior color options that draw the eye. You can also enhance your home’s architectural details by adding clad casing.

GLAZING OPTIONS

Don’t be afraid to explore combinations of shape and divided lite or grille configurations with your window. From contemporary to the more traditional, decorator grid and grooved glass designs are good options for any home style. Typically, however, divided lites complement traditional home styles while more expansive glass options work well with contemporary properties.

PART 2: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME - FEATURES AND OPTIONS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Replacing your windows is one of the easiest ways by which you can improve energy efficiency in your home. Thanks to technological advancements, both window glass and frames can contribute to making your home more energy-efficient. Low-emissivity coating, for instance, helps to stabilize indoor temperature, preventing your HVAC system from working overtime, by keeping heat let in by a window to a minimum. Natural light is not impeded, however, so you can still take advantage of daylighting and reduce your dependence on artificial lighting.

As for frames, composite materials are now available, taking on the appearance of wood while offering long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance. Unlike wooden ones, composite frames will not expand or contract with temperature changes, helping ensure the integrity of window seals, which assures insulation remains top-notch. With top-notch insulation, indoor temperature remains stable, keeping heating and cooling needs at bay.

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With all your options, there’s no such thing as a minor detail. Head on over to Part 3 to put everything together (with the help of some tips!) and pick out the right window replacement for you.

PART 3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOW - SOME TIPS

You’re just about ready to make your window selection. In Part 1, you got to know the different window styles, while Part 2 was all about finding the features and options to tailor a replacement to your needs. Now, it’s time to consider all the factors and pick out the right window replacement for you.

Keep in mind the following:

• It’s important that your windows match with your home’s style, but don’t forget about function. Ask yourself what you want to get out of a replacement given the room it will be installed in. Are you looking to bring in more light? To improve ventilation? You have a number of options available to you so there’s sure to be a replacement window that can provide you with the perfect blend of form and function you’re looking for.

• Make sure you also understand how a window operates, as well as the level of maintenance it requires. Wood windows, for instance, will need more maintenance and refinishing than others to keep them protected from wear and the weather. Taking note of how easy it is to operate and maintain a window will tell you if a certain replacement will be a convenient addition to your home or not.

PART 3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOW - SOME TIPS

• Look for the Energy Star label. Whether or not improving energy efficiency in the home is a priority for you, you’ll stand to gain from getting an energy-efficient replacement window. It’s always a good thing, after all, to save on costs, plus you’ll be doing your bit for the environment by making wiser use of energy in your home.

The right window is relative. What is right for you might not be the same for another and what works for them might not be suitable for you. Making the most out of a window replacement entails having a good grasp of what you want and need. Should you need any help in choosing the right replacement, don’t hesitate to give your local window contractor a call.

Bee Window

115 Shadowlawn Dr.,Fishers, IN 46038

(800) 233-0169

Beewindow.com