Types of Replacement Windows

Types of Replacement Windows

Types of Replacement Windows: When preparing to buy replacement windows for your home, it can be difficult to decide between the various types of home windows on the market. This can be overwhelming for some. In the end the type of home window you need will depend on the type of home you have, the location of the windows on your house, and the style desired.

With this in mind, below, we summarize the most popular types of replacement windows in terms of style and material to make it easy for you when deciding what types of home windows you want for your home.

Bay Windows

Bay windows, like garden windows, protrude outwards. The difference between a garden window and a bay window is that of angle, and the fact that bay windows have two open-able panels on either side and one fixed central panel as opposed to a complete fixed closed structure of a garden window.

A bay window makes an angle of about 45 degrees with your outer walls and the two panels on the sides of a bay window can comprise either casement windows or single hung windows. The best use of a bay window is to create a little seating nook with a bench adjacent to the window. This window type adds character to your indoor space, as well as to the architectural appeal on the exteriors. And as it multiplies the amount of natural light entering your space, it makes the space appear bigger and aesthetically enhanced.

Bay Windows Prices

Bay windows prices vary significantly across window materials and brand lines. We highlight some of the major differences to cause such variations in the sections below. In terms of window material you can expect to pay more for fiberglass bay windows as opposed to vinyl bay windows. Many of the leading window brands highlighted on this site offer a number of discount bay windows price points to suit most homeowners’ budget. In general you should expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,700 for bay windows.

For more specific bay windows prices in your area simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Bow Windows

Similar to bay windows, bow windows are made up of configuration of four or more windows joined together to form an arch, projecting out from a home in a curved formation. Bow windows are designed to create space by projecting beyond the exterior wall of a building, and to provide a wider view of the yard, garden, or street outside. This replacement windows style offers a dramatic feel to your home. A bow window is perfect for those with space that want maximum natural light.

Bow Windows Prices

Bow window prices tend to vary across material and window brand lines. We highlight some of the key differences in the sections below. In terms of window material you can expect to pay more for fiberglass or wood bow windows as opposed to plain vinyl bow windows. Many of the leading brands highlighted on this site offer discount bow windows at multiple price points to suit homeowners’ needs. In general you should expect to pay between $3,250 and $5,250 for bow windows.

For more specific bow windows prices in your area simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Awning Windows

Awning windows have been around for ages and are still popular among homeowners in the US. Similar to casement windows in design being that they both only have one sash. But unlike casement windows  that are hinged on the side, awning windows are hinged on the top. A hand crank is used to open the window horizontally.

This design allows homeowners to leave their awning windows open during light rain storms as the horizontal open will protect the house from getting wet. The design also allows for maximum ventilation without obstructing views. Do keep in mind though that awning windows require some space for them to open out, so they are not good for very narrow spaces like passageways.

Awning Windows Prices

Awning windows prices vary significantly across material and brand lines. In terms of material you can expect to pay more for fiberglass awning windows versus aluminum awning windows. Either way many of the leading window brands highlighted on this site offer a number of discount awning windows price points. In general you can expect to pay between $225 and $475 for quality awning windows.

For more specific awning windows prices in your area simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are simple in construction and very convenient to use. They open and close on a hinge just like a French door. The window frame design is one of the oldest ones and has been tried and tested with all kinds of materials over time. Similar to an awning window, a casement window is one of the most popular window styles.

Casement windows open out wide and consequently allow a high degree of ventilation in whichever space they occupy. If you want reliable, fuss-free windows for your home, they are probably your best bet. Do keep in mind though that a casement replacement window requires some space for them to open out, so they are not good for very narrow spaces like passageways.

Casement Windows Prices

Casement windows prices vary across brand lines as well as material lines. We dive deeper into the brand price points below. In terms of material you can expect to pay more for wood casement windows for sale versus vinyl casement windows in general. Either way most of the leading window manufacturers highlighted on this site offer a variety of discount casement windows price points to suit anyone’s budget. Generally you can expect to pay between $325 and $605 for a quality casement window.

For more specific casement windows prices in your area and/or where to buy casement windows simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Single Hung Windows

Single hung windows are another very popular window type; they open and close on a slider that allows vertical movement. Single hung windows have only one moving panel that moves up and down in a sliding motion.

These windows seal well when they are closed, thereby allowing good insulation and open up wide enough to let the outside air in whenever you want to. Numerous homes have single hung windows for the ease and functionality they provide. You can get a small single hung replacement window or a large one based on your requirements.

Single Hung Windows Prices

Single Hung windows prices significantly vary across window materials and brands. We highlight many of the major differences in the sections below. In terms of window material fiberglass single hung windows will almost always cost much more than an equivalent vinyl single hung window. Either way most of the leading window brands highlighted on the site offer a number of discount single hung windows price points to suit most anyone’s budget. Generally expect to pay between $300 and $575 for quality single hung windows.

For more specific single hung windows prices in your area simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows are probably the most popular types of replacement windows. Double hung windows are similar to single hung windows, except that they have two moving panels instead of one. So you can open the window both ways, either from top or from the bottom, thereby adding to the versatility of how you can use your windows.

Double hung vinyl windows look polished, ventilate well, insulate well and at the same are very space-efficient. You do not need a very wide space, like you would for casement windows, in front or behind the window. You can get a double hung window in almost any room or passage of your house; a super easy window replacement project to undertake.

Double Hung Windows Prices

Double Hung windows prices vary significantly across window material and brand lines. We highlight some of the major differences in the sections below. In terms of material you can expect to pay more for fiberglass double hung windows versus vinyl double hung windows in general. Either way most of the leading window manufacturers highlighted on this site offer a variety of discount double hung windows price points to suit most anyone’s budget. In general expect to pay between $400 and $600 for a quality double hung window.

For more specific double hung windows prices in your area simply click on the button below for an instant price quote.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are designed horizontally with sashes that slide back and forth. Most would say it is like a double hung window turned on its side. The sliding window opens by moving the window sashes to one side or the other.

Sliding windows work well on walls where there isn’t much vertical height, yet plenty of horizontal space. A sliding window offers a more contemporary look than the traditional colonial style windows.

Picture Windows

Picture replacement windows are fixed glass windows that do not open. Their purpose is to give you natural light in the indoors, capture a beautiful view of the outside and look like a grand frame on your walls imprinted with a scenery of what lies outdoors.

They have been a preferred choice for at least one portion of the house by many homeowners over the years. Where you need complete insulation and some sunlight streaming in, picture windows are your best bet. Owing to their fixed window glass, they insulate better than most other window types.

You can have an all glass picture replacement window, or one fitted with a wooden grid and glass in the gaps. Get further creative and get a line of picture windows in a row instead of only one big picture window. The possibilities are endless.

See also: Vinyl Replacement Windows

Garden Windows

Garden windows protrude outwards, providing a wide window ledge as an extension of the indoor space. You can use this ledge for a variety of purposes, like creating a reading nook, putting objects for decoration etc. Besides making your room look bigger, garden windows also look lovely from the outside. Decorate it well and it will add to the beauty of your house inside out.

The best space to install a garden window is a room or any area of the house that opens into a beautiful view – of your own home garden or the natural beauty outside. Use knick-knacks like pots, sculptures, flowers, creepers and herbs to get the best from your windows.

Jalousie Windows

A Jalousie window is a window composed of parallel glass, acrylic, or wooden louvres set in a frame. The louvres are joined onto a track so that they may be tilted open and shut in unison to control airflow, usually by turning a crank. Jalousie windows maximise natural ventilation by allowing airflow through the entire window area. Historically made only of wooden slats or glass panes, they are well suited to mild-winter climates. Jalousie wood windows is an interesting window style to say the least.

The window material you choose to frame your windows with is an extremely important decision and deserves to be more than just an afterthought in the window buying process. Your selection of framing material will impact the, energy efficiency, visual aesthetic, and maintenance needs of your windows throughout the lifetime of your home.

Let’s take a look at the 4 most popular types of home windows frame materials: vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum and examine window prices by size:

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl window frames are almost always the most affordable option when it comes to window frame materials. Vinyl windows also typically come in the widest range of shapes, sizes and styles, but tend to fall short from an aesthetic stand point when compared to wood windows.

Homeowners who purchase vinyl windows frames must also be aware that quality can vary dramatically among the various window brands. However, if the need arises, vinyl replacement windows are easy to find and often are pretty inexpensive:

Vinyl Window Prices by Size

Vinyl window prices generally range between $15 and $45 per square foot fully installed. The vinyl window itself will roughly cost $5/sqft up to $25/sqft. Installation is typically not calculated by the size of the vinyl window. Usually installation is priced based on difficulty and can run anywhere between $125 to $300 per window.

In comparison to other window frame materials, vinyl is the least expensive and has a huge range in terms of quality and pricing. Homeowners will get the best value for their money in the $20/sqft to $35/sqft range.

Wood Windows

In terms of longevity, wood based window frames have clearly been around the longest. In terms of pure beauty, there really is no competition! Every other type of window frame material tries to mimic the look of wood windows.  Wood windows are also extremely durable, with the ability to last decades when properly maintained.

Wood frame windows do require regular maintenance, much more so than other window frame types. Wood frames do not conduct heat or cold well, and hence are good insulators. From a pricing perspective wood windows tend to be on the higher side when compared with the other popular window frame material types.

Wood Window Prices by Size

Wood window prices generally range between $40 and $80 per square foot fully installed. The wood window itself will roughly cost $20/sqft up to $40/sqft. Do note wood windows require consistent maintenance which comes at a cost, so make sure you estimate that cost in when comparing it to other window frame materials.

In comparison to other window frame materials, wood is the most expensive and has a huge range in terms of quality and pricing. Homeowners will get the best value for their money in the $45/sqft to $55/sqft range.

Fiberglass Windows

The newest type of window frame material on the block, Fiberglass windows are now a very popular choice of window buying homeowners. Fiberglass windows’ popularity has increased over the past few years mainly due to its enhanced energy efficiency features and its ultra durability, being able to handle the most extreme of weather conditions without wear and tear. Fiberglass windows are phenomenal from a features standpoint when compared to other popular window frame materials but on the downside, fiberglass windows tend to be priced on the higher end.

Fiberglass Window Prices by Size

Fiberglass window prices generally range between $30 and $60 per square foot fully installed. In comparison to other window frame materials, fiberglass is one of the more expensive window frame material types only lagging behind wood in terms of cost.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows are a pretty good choice for strength, durability and low maintenance. Aluminum windows do need to be treated with a powder coating to reduce the effects of exposure to weather conditions. However, even with treatment, the windows are prone to corrosion over time. On the downside, aluminum windows are very poor insulators, making these the worst type window frame materials in terms of energy  efficiency.

Aluminum Window Prices by Size

Aluminum window prices generally range between $15 and $45 per square foot fully installed. In comparison to other window frame materials, aluminum is one of the least expensive, roughly on par with vinyl window costs.