Windows contribute to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency; they are also considered a highly visible design element. In fact, if you’re planning for a window replacement this season, keep in mind that choosing the right windows can help your home make a bigger impression from the curb. More importantly, choosing the appropriate style can also contribute towards achieving architectural accuracy which, in turn, can significantly help boost your home’s value. The Importance of Matching Window Style with the Right Architecture When your windows are able to enhance the beauty of your home, making it stand out from the rest, that’s a good thing. But if your windows are completely out of place with your home’s architectural style, then “unique” might not be as flattering a description as you’d like to think. The fact is, windows can define the overall look of your home; and some windows work better with specific architectural styles. In Modern and Contemporary homes, for instance, the staple options are picture and gliding windows. Picture units come with slim frames and a large glass area that provide expansive outdoor views and access to natural light. On the other hand, while smaller than picture windows, gliding units make up for it through their smooth operation. Aside from maximizing your home’s viewing area, they can let fresh, healthy air into your home. Both window styles have a streamlined design that goes well with the smooth lines and open layout typical of Modern and Contemporary architecture. How about older home styles? Which windows best suit vintage architecture like Victorian or Colonial? This ebook clues you in on the different window styles that best suit specific architectural options.
PART 1: DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS
The most popular sash window available today, double hung units are recognizable by their two operable sashes--an upper and lower one-which slide vertically. These windows have glass panels divided evenly by “muntins” for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Double hung windows may also come with tilt-in or removable sashes for easier cleaning and maintenance. PERFECT WINDOWS FOR COLONIAL, CRAFTSMAN, OR FARMHOUSE Double hung windows feature a clean, simple, yet elegant design that can boost the architectural and historical accuracy of the following home styles: cColonial, which originated back in the 1600s and resulted in many variations due to the diversity of early American settlers. Colonial homes are recognized for their symmetrical design. They usually come with evenly spaced double hung windows with shutters. Their dormers, columns, and chimneys follow the same balanced proportions typical of this dignified architectural style. • Craftsman, which is reminiscent of the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th century. This home style feature exteriors in combinations of wood, stone, and brick. The focus on natural materials, wide front porches, and low-pitch roofing defines Craftsman homes. An open floor plan is further enhanced by double hung windows that allow for a better indoor-outdoor connection.
PART 1: DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS
• American Farmhouse, which emphasizes the agrarian lifestyle. Homes done in this style have large functional porches (some of them wraparound), a simple roofline, double hung windows for better air circulation, and a generally informal, inviting exterior. Double hung windows are versatile enough to complement modern home styles, adding a classic look to them. This provides homeowners with many opportunities for customization. With the right color, grille pattern, and hardware finish, double hung windows can help maximize your home’s good looks.
ON THE MORE PRACTICAL SIDE Opening both top and bottom sashes of a double hung window at the same time allows access to superior natural ventilation. Warm and stale indoor air exits the room via the top sash, while fresh, cooler air goes in through the bottom. Because these windows can cool your home without the aid of air conditioning, double hung windows can help you keep a more thermally comfortable and energy-efficient home. Stay tuned for the second installment of our ebook, where we discuss how casement windows help enhance Cabin and Cottage homes.
PART 2: CASEMENT WINDOWS
As the earliest type of movable window, casement units have been around for centuries. They are characterized by their single or double sashes, which are hinged at the side adjacent the wall. Casement windows open outwards along their entire length, operating much like a door. Because of their simple and functional design, these windows are often installed in small-scale rooms and hard-to-reach areas, such as over kitchen sinks, counters, appliances, and bathtubs. EXCEPTIONAL WINDOW CHOICE FOR COTTAGE AND CABIN HOMES Casement windows have a simple, charming design that further adds to the rustic vibe of the following home styles: • Cottage, which features details from the 1920s via its generous front porch, stone or wood exterior in a vibrant palette, a curved entryway, casement windows, and gravel walkways. Most Cottage homes are small and highlight natural elements. The considerable greenery around this home style adds further to its curb appeal. • Cabin, which place the same emphasis on nature as do Cottage homes. This home style is recognizable by a log exterior, seamless indooroutdoor living, open kitchens, and wide porches. Casement windows add to its picturesque design.
PART 2: CASEMENT WINDOWS
There are many ways to customize your casement windows, but the design factor that best sets off their good looks is grille pattern. Casement windows may come with French, Prairie, flat top, pushout, top down, and even Colonial and Farmhouse grilles. You can choose not to put grilles at all, especially if you want your casements to look more modern. ON THE MORE PRACTICAL SIDE Casement units are second only to fixed windows in terms of energy efficiency. When they’re closed, these windows’ sashes presses firmly against the frame, creating a durable seal that prevents air leakage and significant energy loss. Opening them fully allows for great natural ventilation, ensuring better indoor air quality. You can even angle them to direct cool breezes into your home.
Casement windows are a great option for bathrooms because they help ventilate the space, removing lingering odors and humidity. As with double hung units, casement replacement windows will perform their best when installed properly and efficiently by a trusted contractor. Why are bay and bow windows the best option for Victorian homes? Find out in the final installment of our ebook.
PART 3: PICTURE WINDOWS
A staple in Victorian architecture, bay and bow are windows that protrude from your home, forming a curved shape. These units may appear to be the same, but they actually have some slight differences. Bays are more angular in appearance, consisting of a central window and two side units. Bows, on the other hand, have four or more windows joined together to form an arc. REMARKABLE WINDOW OPTION FOR VICTORIAN HOMES These windows are both a good fit for Victorian architecture, although bow windows are favored for their graceful shape. A Victorian home typically has ornate trim, a vibrant color scheme, and makes use of different textured surfaces, balconies, and porches. Victorian architecture puts more stock on beauty than on function, but the mix of these design elements come together to form a harmonic whole. Bay and bow windows contribute nicely to the asymmetry and the eclectic details typical of Victorian homes. You can customize your bay and bow windows with a trim color that best matches your Victorian home’s existing palette. If the exterior leans toward pastel colors like robin’s egg and peach, choose white to better accentuate the windows. Does the home favor earthy colors like green and brown? Incorporate wood finishes into the trim to add more warmth and vitality.
PART 3: PICTURE WINDOWS
ON THE MORE PRACTICAL SIDE Bay and bow windows feature a deep sill area, providing your home with extra square footage. This can be used in a number of ways. You can turn this into a breakfast nook--the curved shape allows for comfortable seating that you can place a nice table in front of. This results in a lightfilled, enjoyable space for meals with your family. You can also use this deep sill as a reading lounge. Invest in a good cushion and pillows, build a bench and install shelves underneath for your favorite reading materials. These windows let in considerable natural light from different angles, which can help you cut back on your lighting bills. You can also install operable units like casement or double hung windows on the sides to benefit from better natural ventilation. .
Once you take into account how the right window style can match specific architecture, choosing curb appeal-boosting replacement units should be easier. You can also consult a premier window contractor in your area to help you with the aesthetic factors of your window replacement.
Renewal by Andersen of Central PA 4856 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 591-4900 www.rbacentralpa.com