Buying new windows for your home is a significant investment that can help improve overall energy efficiency, aesthetics, and security. Whether you are upgrading existing frames, getting new soundproof glass for windows, or wanting windows for a new build, you should ponder over a few factors to make an informed choice. You must select the right material for the window frame, go through window operating types, and check its energy efficiency, before making any decision. Here are some key elements to pay attention to before selecting windows for your home: –
Window Material
When installing new windows at home, you must start by determining the frame material that best suits your needs. Traditionally, most homes had wooden doors and windows. However, today, uPVC and aluminium doors and windows are common.
Wooden windows are certainly aesthetically pleasing and have a distinctive, rustic charm, they also have multiple disadvantageous features.
- Wooden frames are prone to damage in highly humid environments and incur high maintenance expenses.
- Wooden windows require regular upkeep to stay in good condition and to protect them from the elements. The upkeep efforts needed for these windows are relatively more demanding than most of the other window materials.
- Quality wooden windows have a higher upfront cost than uPVC or aluminium windows.
Due to these issues, it is better to go for uPVC or aluminium frames, as both materials have a variety of advantageous features.
- Aluminium is a strong and lightweight metal. So, window frames made of it last for several years without requiring much effort in terms of maintenance. Unlike several other types of metals, aluminium does not rust. Therefore, after installing aluminium doors and windows, you do not have to worry about its frames sustaining unattractive patches of rust over time.
- Just like their aluminium counterparts, uPVC window frames are strong and sturdy. They are not prone to rusting, corroding or flaking. uPVC is a poor conductor of heat, and hence does not heat loss or heat gain within the interiors. Its thermal insulation is among the most attractive aspects of uPVC frames.
You need to think about your specific needs and budget and select the material for your window frame accordingly.
Window Style
After selecting the window frame material, your next decision should be to choose the window style you prefer. Regardless of whether you are building a new home or replacing old windows, you need to understand the features of varied window styles prior to making a decision.
- Sliding Windows
They are among the most common window styles available today. As their name suggests, these windows operate by sliding either vertically or horizontally. Vertical sliding windows are also known as single-hung windows when there is just a single movable sash or double-hung when both sashes can be opened. Sliding windows are easy to operate; they are perfect for homes with young kids or elderly people. They provide expansive views as there are no hinges or handles to obstruct the glass. Hence, installing sliding windows would be ideal for rooms overlooking a garden or swimming pool.
- Casement Windows
Another popular window style is casement windows. They are hinged on the window frame side and tend to open outwards by turning a crank. These windows are ideal for hot and humid Indian cities as they effectively facilitate natural ventilation when opened. Casement windows can also offer excellent energy efficiency when kept closed. Their seal is compressed tightly against the frame when the window is closed, which helps reduce air leakage.
- Tilt and Turn Windows
A relatively new window style, tilt and turn windows are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique opening mechanisms. These windows can typically open in two ways. They either tilt inward from the top for ventilation or swing inward quite like a casement window. These windows can provide adequate space without fully opening the window. Their inward swing additionally makes cleaning easy from the inside.
Window Glass
After you select the window material and style that is best for your home, you will have to proceed to consider the type of glass ideal for the window. Common window glass options available: –
- Clear glass: Clear toughened glass is the most widely used glass for modern windows. It provides a clear inside and outside view. Clear toughened glass is available in a variety of thicknesses.
- Frosted glass: This is a translucent glass that provides a blurry image but still transmits light. Frosted glass is used when visual privacy is required while admitting light inside the space. It would be prudent to use frosted glass with double glazing at home.
- Tinted glass: This light-coloured glass lowers the direct glare of sunlight and adds to the aesthetic appeal of your space.
In case you stay on a busy road, you may choose to install soundproof glass for your windows to maintain a peaceful ambience at home.
Selecting the right windows for a home involves a balance of budget, functionality and aesthetics. You need to carefully evaluate the options in terms of their materials, styles and glass and subsequently make a choice that elevates the appearance of your home and contributes to long-term savings.
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