When it comes to installing new windows, the installation style you choose will impact both aesthetics and functionality. Birmingham homeowners can select from a wide range of options to match their home’s design.
Integrated blinds built within the window panes serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, providing light control and privacy. Mullions also play a key role, adding visual intrigue to double-pane windows.
Casement Windows
Unlike picture windows that are fixed and do not open, casement windows hinge on either the left or right and feature a crank handle that you can turn to fully open them. This style allows for full ventilation and a tight seal, making them highly energy-efficient.
These windows also work well for homes that overlook the water or with high ceilings. They can be paired with simulated or true divided-light glazing to create a traditional, elegant aesthetic.
They are also easy to maintain, as you can easily distend and then remove the arm-hinge to gain access to the glass, hinges and tracks for cleaning (this is also how you access the crank handle when opening them). These windows do require more wall space than other styles, though.
Awning Windows
Designed to be lowered when closed and locked into place securely, awning windows are a popular option for Birmingham homes. They are easy to maintain and offer a beautiful aesthetic with increased security.
Choosing the right window material is essential to your Birmingham home’s longevity and energy efficiency. Whether you opt for aluminum clad wood, fiberglass or vinyl, each type has its own benefits.
Fiberglass is a good choice because it resists expanding and contracting with temperature changes. It is also a great choice for Birmingham’s climate because it is durable against humidity and heat. Vinyl is another versatile option because it is affordable and comes with Low-E glass with Argon gas spaces for enhanced insulation.
Bay or Bow Windows
With their gracefully curved structure, bay windows add dimension to your home and create an inviting space for sitting. This classic window style also accentuates your outdoor view, making it a great option for living rooms and master bedrooms.
Both bay and bow windows consist of three to six window panes positioned to each other in an angled or curved shape. They can be customized with a sizable ledge for decoration, as well as a variety of window treatments that complement any design style. When choosing a window brand, opt for one that offers region-specific ENERGY STAR ratings to ensure your Birmingham AL replacement windows align with local energy efficiency standards and climate considerations.
Sliding Doors
Rich in Southern history, Birmingham has a unique architectural style that is showcased by classic farmhouses, I-Style homes and cottages. These homes are typically adorned with beautiful front doors and windows that complement the overall aesthetic of the home.
Double hung windows are the epitome of traditional design and feature both upper and lower sashes that can open and close, allowing for excellent ventilation. This makes them the most popular window system for homeowners in Birmingham.
If energy efficiency is a priority, look for brands that offer high-performance options with Low-E glass and argon gas insulation. This type of technology reduces heat transfer and prevents condensation, which is important for Alabama’s climate.
Grid Patterns
When it comes to window grids, homeowners often have a lot of options. Also called muntins, these window implements help create the classic look of a traditional home and offer many different visual appeal.
Traditional grids divide windowpanes into even, well-proportioned lites. They are commonly seen in double-hung windows and provide a classic, timeless style.
Prairie grid patterns contrast the symmetrical design of Traditional grilles with an asymmetrical layout that leaves more glass unobstructed, ideal for modern ranch and rambler homes. These grids also showcase sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic that aligns with energy efficiency standards. These features make a fiberglass window a great choice for Birmingham, AL, homes.
Hardware Finishes
Window hardware finishes can either draw attention or tie in with existing fixtures, like doorknobs, hinges, and curtain rods. Whether you prefer oil-rubbed bronze for a rustic look or polished chrome for a modern expression, choosing compatible hardware can create consistency throughout your Birmingham home.
Composite windows are an excellent option for homes in Birmingham, Alabama, because they combine wood, vinyl, and aluminum to offer superior durability. They can withstand humidity and temperature fluctuations, which are significant considerations for the area’s climate.
Many energy-efficient window brands also offer Low-E glass and argon gas fillings to align with Birmingham’s strict energy efficiency standards. This means you can lower your monthly utility bills without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort.