Different Types of Windows

If you’re thinking about modernising, updating or changing the windows in your home it can help to have a guide to the different types of window, what their functions are and where the best place in the house is to put them.

When considering a new style of window for your home, you’ll need to take into account the age and style of your home, the existing windows that are in there and what you want in terms of aesthetics and also economics. Poorly fitted windows can cause unnecessary heat loss and make your home much less secure than it could be.

Here’s a handy guide to seven of the main different types of window, their functions and the types of homes they would be suitable for.

Double hung windows

This window’s main feature is that the bottom pane of glass slides up over the front pane. On selected types of double hung window the top pane will also slide which can offer you some added ventilation if your rooms are particularly warm or for in summer when some extra air is required in the house. Typically, a double hung window does tend to have more of a vintage appearance making it better suited to an old style house, perhaps from the Victorian or Edwardian era.

Side-hinged windows

A traditional staple of British window design, the side hinged window is one that opens from one side or the other. They typically come with either 12” or 16” hinges and are defined as side hung if your window casing swings from one side with the handle on the opposite side to it. In many ways it is the same as a casement window, however, where the casement window is often hung from the top, this is hung from the side instead.

Casement windows

A more modern type of window for a modern property. Here, the window will crank open at the sides rather than sliding up and down as with a double hung window. They’re held open by casement stays. They can be made to look traditional if your property does happen to be slightly older, or can be made to fit in with modern interiors. They’re useful for most types of home no matter what the age is, but are still typically found on post World War Two builds.

Awning windows

These have been replaced by the casement window in terms of popularity, and are more likely to be found on homes built in the 1970s than any other era. Like a casement window, they crank open, but from the bottom rather than the side. You can still find these windows occasionally, but they’re generally not favoured as much as the casement window is now.

Sliding sash windows

Like a double hung window, a sliding sash window uses a panel to open – but this time from left to right rather than up and down. It’s generally one of the more common types of windows for modern homes and very easy to fit things like insect screens to, so that they can be open all the time in warm weather without lots of creepy crawlies getting into your home.

Bay windows

A bay window is one that will offer you a more expansive view from whichever room (typically living room) it is placed in. Even if you live in a house with limited wall space, they will give you a greater feeling of light and room. More often than not seen on Victorian terraced houses, though not exclusively, they’re a feature that often help to sell a house because of the light and space they offer.

Shop front windows

These are tough, durable windows often made with metal casings and thickened, tough glass that can be frosted if need be and fitted with other fixings like grilles or bars. Many fitters recommend aluminium casings for the exterior for maximum protection but a lightweight feeling.

Roof windows

A roof window is useful in a loft space or top floor flat where it might not always be possible to get enough light in. If designed and fitted properly, they should ensure that a good amount of light is let through without any additional heat loss from the house.

Window Cleaners

We are able to providing window cleaning services for all of the above window types for both domestic and commercial clients based in the London area. Please contact us if you would like more information or a quotation.