Pros and Cons of Common Window Types in Colorado
When shopping for new windows, it’s good to know what window types are available, today. You may currently have sliding windows, but want something different. Below are the common window types, the pros and cons of each, and where each is used, (and shouldn’t be used.)
Common Types or Styles of Windows
- Awning Window
- Casement
- Custom/Specialty
- Double-Hung
- Fixed Window
- Pass-Through
- Picture
- Single-Hung
- Slider/Sliding/Gliding Windows
Awning Window Type
Awning windows are less common than other window types. They open outwards via a crank mechanism. The difference is that ventilation from an awning window comes from below – awning windows are hinged at the top of the frame. Also, like casement windows, they are secured close with a locking arm and handle. Although less common here in Colorado, they are available from Andersen, Marvin, and others.
Pros
Awning windows offer better security thanks to their locking mechanism. What’s more, when the wind blows, it blows down on the window encouraging the window closed. Another benefit to awning windows is that when it rains, you can leave an awning window open since the window acts as an awning or overhang protecting your window.
Cons
Because an awning window opens out, they’re easy to walk into or bump into. Awning windows don’t make good emergency exist windows as they don’t open wide enough. They also can be difficult to clean thanks to the tight angles created by their style.
Pros
✅ Better Security
✅ Better Rain and Wind Protection
Cons
❌ Could Walk Into When Opened
❌ Poor Egress
❌ Can Be Difficult to Clean
Where To Use/Not Use
Awning windows are great to use in an area where you often want ventilation even when it’s raining. However, they’re not great close to high traffic areas or above a hose bib/spigot as one could walk or bump into it. Awning windows also don’t work well in basement window wells since they’re often not enough room in the well for them to operate.
Casement Common Window Type
A very common window type here in Colorado is the casement window. A casement window is hinged on one side (left or right) of the frame and swings outwards. A crank is used to open it. Casement windows can open up to roughly 90º.
Pros
Casement windows are highly energy-efficient due to their tight seal. The windows are closed via the crank handle, then secured via the locking handle. When a casement window is closed and the wind blows, it improves the seal. Casement windows are also highly secure thanks to their multiple locking points. Casement windows also offer great ventilation since they open fairly wide.
Cons
Casement windows tend to cost more than other window types. They’re also have limited size options compared to other window types, such as sliding windows. Due to their outward opening, casement windows can interfere with close-by walkways and basement window wells.
Pros
✅ Better Security
✅ Energy-Efficient
✅ Great Ventilation
Cons
❌ Could Walk Into When Opened
❌ Expensive
❌ Limited Sizes Available
Where To Use or Not Use
Casement windows are not recommended in basement window wells, since there’s often not enough room in the well. A casement window is also not recommended where there’s a close walkway or sidewalk by the window, since it can interfere with traffic when open. Above an outside hose bib is also a bad location for a casement window, as is behind a plant such as a shrub or bush. A good location for a casement window is where there isn’t anything in front of or below it, such as a walkway or plant.
Custom or Specialty Windows
Custom or specialty windows are a very common window type in Colorado. They are exactly what the name implies – a custom built window built to your specifications and desires. A custom window is one that’s different from common window dimensions or shape. A custom window can also include custom glass, such as decorative or tinted glass. Custom or specialty windows can operational or fixed.
Pros
The advantage of a custom window is that you get exactly what you need to fit a unique space or your unique style.
Cons
The disadvantage of custom windows is cost. Being part of a cookie-cutter process means the cost is down. Stepping outside of this streamlined process means undivided attention is given to your custom window. As a result, additional time and cost.
Pros
✅ You Get Exactly What You Want
✅ Unique Style, Size, etc.
Cons
❌ Cost
Where To Use or Not Use
When you want to be different, when you want a truely unique window, is when you want a custom window. Perhaps you want a casement window with a radius on the top, or a window with an unusual shape. Whatever the reason, you can probably have a custom window. If you need a custom window, schedule a free consultation with us so we can help you determine the right window type for your location.
Double-Hung Type Window
A double-hung window is a popular window type. They two sashes that both slide up and down. This type of window allows for ventilation through the top and/or the bottom of the window – the bottom sash can move up, the top sash can move down, or both can be moved at the same time. The choice is yours.
Pros
With a double-hung window, the choice is yours whether you want the bottom part of it opened or the top. Because the window doesn’t open outwards, it’s no problem if there’s a hose bib, bush, or walkway outside the window – you’re not going to bump into the window or walk into it.
Cons
Double-hung windows are more expensive since they have more moving parts. They’re also generally considered less secure since they’re harder to close properly.
Pros
✅ Open Top, Open Bottom – Your Choice
✅ No Outside Interference
Cons
❌ More Expensive
❌ Less Secure
Where To Use or Not Use
Single-hung windows are popular in most rooms of the house but especially in bathrooms since the top sash can be open letting hot air and humidity out, while keeping the lower sash closed for security and privacy purposes.
Fixed Type Window
The fixed window is another common window type in Colorado. It’s a window that doesn’t open. Many fixed window manufacturers offer them in wood, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Pros
Because a fixed window can’t be opened it’s considered more secure than a window that does open. Also, because a fixed window doesn’t have any moving parts, such as a sash inside a frame, it allows for more visability and light into your home. Because they can’t be opened, they’re more energy-efficient.
Cons
The obvious disadvantage of a fixed window is the lack of ventilation – you cannot open a fixed window to allow the passage of air.
Pros
✅ Very Secure
✅ Better Visibility
✅ Better Security
✅ More Energy-Efficient
Cons
❌ No Ventilation
Where To Use or Not Use
Fixed windows are common in many parts of the home, including by themselves, as part of a bay window set, in doors, and more.
Pass-Through Window
A common window type in larger, more expensive homes in Colorado, the pass-through window is a window without a screen and allows you to pass items through it once opened. Insect screens are available as either retractable or gliding. Opening options include folding accordion, slide stacking, slide and hide into the wall. Double casement pass-through windows are also an option.
Pros
The obvious advantage of a pass-through window is that you can pass items, such as food and drinks through them. They’re great for parties and gatherings, and are a great way for those in the kitchen to stay connected to those outside, or in the other room.
Cons
Pass-through windows are generally more expensive than other window types. They generally require more space than other window types, also, to allow for the window to either stack or hide in the wall. Custom construction may be required to accomodate a pass-through window.
Pros
✅ Can Pass Items Through It
Cons
❌ More Expensive
❌ Requires More Space
❌ Might Require Custom Construction
Where To Use or Not Use
Pass-through windows are most popular between kitchens and outdoor living spaces, such as decks and patios.
Picture Type Window
Picture windows are another common window type in Colorado. They’re non-operable and similar to fixed windows except they usually have thinner frames allowing even more light in.
Pros
Picture windows are more secure since they cannot be opened. They’re also more energy-efficient for the same reason.
Cons
The disadvantage of a picture window is that you can’t open them to let air in or out.
Pros
✅ Secure
✅ Energy-Efficient
Cons
❌ No Ventilation
Where To Use or Not Use
Picture windows are common as part of a bay window set, or other window sets, such as between two casement or sliding/gliding windows in a dining room, living room, or family room.
Picture windows are ideal in great rooms or any room with a view. They’re also common in hard-to-light areas, such as staircases or rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Single-Hung Window – A Common Window Type
A single-hung window features a top immovable sash and a bottom movable sash. The bottom sash slides up and down allowing for air flow. Single-hung windows are among the most common window types in the U.S.
Pros
Single-hung windows are less expensive than double-hung windows. They’re also more energy-efficient since the top sash is immovable. For the same reason, single-hung windows are considered more secure.
Cons
Because single-hung windows only feature one movable sash, they offer less ventilation. They also aren’t available in larger double-hung sizes.
Pros
✅ Less Expensive
✅ Energy-Efficient
✅ Secure
Cons
❌ Less Ventilation
Where To Use or Not Use
Single-hung windows are popular in most rooms of a house. However, they’re less common in most basements and not recommended where there’s a window well.
Slider/Sliding/Gliding Common Type Window
Another common window type in Colorado is the sliding window. A sliding window, also called a slider or gliding window, is a window with one or two sashes that slide horizontally in a track. Sliding/gliding windows are among the most popular window type in the U.S.
Pros
Availability is one huge advantage of the sliding/gliding window type. All window manufacturers offer them. You can also find them at most hardware stores, used marketplaces, and repurpose centers, such as Habitat ReStore.
Sliding windows also have fewer parts so they’re considered more maintenance-free and durable than other window types.
Cons
Sliding windows can be opened from outside if they’re not locked. Compared to casement and awning windows, sliding windows offer less energy-efficiency. Debris can collect in the track, which can be difficult to clean.
Pros
✅ Widely Available
✅ Low Maintenance
Cons
❌ Less Secure
❌ Less Energy-Efficient
❌ Track Collects Debris
Where To Use or Not Use
Sliding windows are common in every room of the house, including kitchens, dining rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, garages, even sheds. Most egress windows are sliding since they’re easy to open and can accommodate a person.
Common Window Types FAQ
Q. Can you turn an awning window on its side and use it as a casement or upside-down, or vice versa?
A. No, you shouldn’t do that as there are weep holes that are fabricated into the frame that only allow them to be used the way they are made.
Q. Can you turn a single-hung window on its side and use it as a slider, or turn a sliding window on its side and use it as a single-hung?
A. No. Sliders have rollers and rely on gravity to keep them in the pocket of the frame. Hung windows have sash balances that bind up if not set vertically.