Window installation styles have a major impact on your home’s aesthetic and function. Choose a style that complements your home’s existing color scheme and is compatible with Birmingham’s climate considerations.
Choose a company that offers color matching services to ensure your new windows blend seamlessly with your home’s existing color palette. Also, look for a company that provides NFRC-rated windows that align with Alabama’s energy efficiency standards.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows have one or two sashes that slide horizontally along tracks on the top and bottom of the frame. They’re easy to open, which makes them a good choice for homeowners who want to enjoy natural light without sacrificing security and ventilation.
Sliding windows have large glass panes and create a seamless connection with the outdoors. However, their track system is prone to collecting dirt over time and requires regular cleaning and lubrication. It can be difficult to comply with ventilation laws in homes that only have sliding windows.
Picture windows
Picture windows are a great way to showcase beautiful scenery without compromising your home’s privacy. They can be combined with casement, gliding, awning, or specialty windows to create specific window configurations.
These large expanses of glass allow sunlight to flood interior spaces, brightening living rooms and creating a more inviting atmosphere. They also minimize the need for artificial lighting, which helps lower energy bills.
However, since they do not open or close, they do not provide ventilation. This can be a problem in rooms that rely on cross-ventilation.
Casement windows
Energizing, aesthetically pleasing and easy to operate, casement windows offer a seamless blend of functionality and sustainability. When closed, they create a tight seal that minimizes energy leakage and drafts while maximizing thermal performance.
Unlike double-hung windows that have sashes that slide up and down, casement windows open wide to allow for efficient ventilation and unobstructed views. They also allow for easy cleaning from inside the home. Stanek offers casement windows in a variety of framing materials and decorative glass patterns and custom grille designs to match your style.
Awning windows
Awning windows are top-hinged and open outward from the bottom, resembling awnings and providing excellent ventilation while protecting against rain and direct sunlight. They’re also a great solution for hard-to-reach areas.
However, like all window types, awning windows come with pros and cons. They can offer improved airflow, energy efficiency, and sleek design, but they’re not ideal for emergency exit safety and can block outdoor space when opened. They’re also prone to moisture and require regular maintenance.
Wood windows
Wood windows add a natural richness to homes. They also provide good insulation and a classic, timeless appeal. However, they require heavy maintenance on the exterior to prevent water infiltration and rot. In addition, they need to be sanded and repainted at least twice a year.
Understanding the window terminology can help Birmingham homeowners make a more informed decision about their purchase. It can also save them from deceptive sales pitches and a poor installation experience. Some of the important window terms include: weep holes, sill, and window rails.
Aluminum windows
Aluminum windows are popular for their aesthetics and durability. They can be painted in a variety of colors and styles and blend well with most home designs. They offer more glazing area and are better insulated than vinyl windows. However, they can corrode in coastal areas and are more susceptible to scratches than other materials.
They can be repaired easily by filling dents and sanding down scratches. The repairing process may also involve lubricating moving parts. They are less energy-efficient than vinyl but can be improved with thermal breaks.
Fiberglass windows
Fiberglass windows are long-lasting and resistant to rust and corrosion. They also resist warping and rot. They are a smart choice for Birmingham, Alabama, homeowners who want energy efficiency. They have low thermal expansion, which means that the frames and glass will not expand or contract significantly during temperature fluctuations.
They are durable and can be customized to match the style of your home. You can even choose energy-efficient options like Low-E glass and triple pane options.
Composite windows
Composite windows are made of a blend of materials that offers the look of wood but without the fragility and high maintenance. They can be purchased in a variety of colors and styles and are resistant to warping, fading, and rotting. They are also less likely to expand or contract due to temperature fluctuations.
These windows are available in a variety of frame options, including Low-E glass and triple pane options that meet Alabama’s energy efficiency standards. They can also be customized with various hardware choices to suit your home’s aesthetic.