Replacement Window Types

Frame Material

• Replacement windows are available in four different materials: wood, aluminum, fiberglass and vinyl. Wood provides an aesthetically pleasing option, especially in older homes. Aluminum is durable and light, with less maintenance and expense than wood frames. According to Window Replacement, an informational website, fiberglass has the best combination of durability, insulation and moisture resistance. It can be painted but is a more expensive option. Vinyl provides durability with little to no maintenance at the lowest cost. A combination known as wood-clad allows homeowners the look of wood with the lessened expense and ease of maintenance found in vinyl or aluminum. The exterior of the window is made of either vinyl or aluminum with a traditional wood interior.

Glass Options

• Replacement windows may have different types and arrangements of glass. Single pane windows are the most inexpensive option, but they allow the highest transfer of heat into and out of the home. The majority of replacement windows offer double or triple pane arrangements. These windows feature two or three panes of glass per glass panel. The more panes, the more efficiency and the higher the cost. Specialized coatings and tinting allow for lower energy costs and are ideal for windows receiving direct sunlight. The addition of a filling gas, such as argon, between the layers of glass increases the efficiency of the window by reducing the loss of heat, according to the Kansas State University Engineering Extension.

Tilting Windows

• Awning, casement and hopper windows all feature a solid window that swings or tilts to open. Awning windows tilt out from the bottom of the window, providing light and breeze. They are often frosted to provide privacy while letting in air. Casement windows open out from one side by using a hand crank. CalFinders, a national remodeling company, recommends casement windows for hard-to-reach areas, such as over the kitchen sink or over appliances. Hopper windows are usually found in basements. The window tilts in from the top, allowing for ventilation and privacy.

Hung and Sliding Windows

• Windows that function by sliding up and down are known as single-hung or double-hung windows. Single-hung windows open with the bottom sash sliding upwards. Double-hung windows feature both top and bottom sashes that both slide up and down. The double-hung window can be opened at the top and the bottom. Sliding windows that slide from side to side feature tracks that hold the window as it slides.

Specialty Shapes

• Many different types of specialty replacement windows are available for homeowners. Picture windows feature a large solid pane of glass that does not open. Bay windows combine a picture window in the middle with side windows that open. They provide a visual interest to both the inside and outside of the home. Bow windows imitate the look of a bay window but feature curved glass instead of solid glass panels. According to the Window Replacement Center, the shape of the bow window enlarges the feel of a room. Jalousie windows work as glass shutters, with many slats that open and close within panels. They do not seal like a traditional window, making them more appropriate for temperate climates. Palladian windows consist of a large center window with an arched window on top and smaller side windows on each side. Often seen in Federal-style homes, most palladian windows must be custom ordered.