Choosing a Replacement Window Style
What’s the Best Window Replacement Style for Me?
Learning about window styles is an important and fun part of window replacement. However, with so many to choose from selecting one style over another can be challenging. Common options include single hung, double hung, horizontal slider, casement, awning, and picture windows of different shapes. But there are many variations of these as well. This post covers some of the popular style questions that come up during window replacement and the solutions we recommend.
Before we get started please know that Ringer Windows loves building the perfect replacement windows for your Austin area home! From more comfort to better energy efficiency to an updated look, our unique solution will deliver great performance with the style you prefer.
What Questions Should I ask When Selecting Window Replacements?
- What are the differences between window styles and why would I select one over another?
- Does a particular window style like single hung differ between window series and if so, how?
- Are there any safety concerns I need to be aware of when selecting a style and series?
- Can I mix different window styles and series throughout my home?
- Should I use the same configurations or combinations of replacement window styles that were in my home?
What About Safety & Building Codes When Replacing Windows?
When replacing windows, homeowners often find they don’t meet current building codes for window opening size in sleeping areas. One way to correct this is to reframe wall openings and install larger windows of the same style that meet code. Unfortunately, some windows can’t be resized due to masonry or other permanent structures. When wall openings can be enlarged, homeowners should know that this will add to their window replacement cost. This is due to the additional trade work like interior carpentry, electrical, or plumbing that may be required. They should also know that a different replacement window style may provide a larger escape opening without reframing. Thus, it’s always good to ask about this option first.
What’s a Good Example of Modifying Window Styles to Meet Code?
Here’s a good example for you to consider of style modification to meet code when replacing windows. We worked with a client who had a bedroom window opening consisting of two short, side by side (or mulled) single hung windows. Windows of this style can have either upper or lower operable sashes, but in neither case can they open to the full height of the window. When the home was built, building codes dictating window height requirements for escape were not in effect. However, they were when the client replaced their windows. Thus, an easy way to meet the needed opening height egress was to replace the single hung windows with a single horizontal slider. With this change opening the movable sash captured the full height of the window. Therefore, the height was large enough to meet the new updated building codes.
Mulled single hung windows in a single opening
A new Ringer horizontal slider in the same space
Is the Casement Window Style Helpful in Meeting Building Codes?
Casements are a window style with a crank that opens an operable sash the size of the entire window opening. Thus, they can replace a small single hung or picture window allowing egress to meet updated building codes. Casement windows are often slightly more expensive than single hung or picture windows. However, the extra cost of providing egress for small window sizes should be considered in their purchase.
Combination windows like these may not meet egress requirements
However, they can be replaced by picture windows and a single casement (on far right)
What About Window Styles & New Construction Building Codes?
When designing a new home be sure to understand your city or international building codes before purchasing windows. You should also discuss specific window opening size requirements with us prior to ordering any windows. That’s because building codes may need to be met with specific replacement window styles or sizes. Finally, please be aware that not every window style and size will meet the building code you’re working with. We’ll help determine final window opening sizes and style(s) to meet code so be sure to provide your requirements!
What About Mixing Window Styles When Replacing Windows?
A common question I often get, “Is it OK to mix different window styles on the front elevation of a home?” The answer is most definitely yes. Window combinations mixing picture windows, horizontal sliding windows, and hung style windows allow a deviation from the standard single hung operable window style on every window opening. Window cleaning on multi-story homes may also be a concern when selecting windows styles. Double hung windows are easy to clean with dual tilting sashes. Single hung windows have a screen just on the lower operable portion leaving the top crystal clear! Picture windows provide the largest, clearest views imaginable. Create the best set of custom windows for your home for the way you live.
Interior window coverings such as blinds or plantation shutters are often used to help reduce oppressive heat issues. Ringer Windows incredible Low-E coatings will cut out excess heat. If you need to eliminate people peeking into windows, consider privacy glass solutions. Plantation shutters are often hinged within the interior window jamb. Non-tilt-in single hung windows or fixed picture windows are ideal replacement window styles for use with plantation shutters.
Consider Double Hung With Tilt-in Sashes for easy clean windows
Mix multiple styles on Front Elevations
Fixed picture windows and low modified sash single hung allow for giant views and ventilation
Unique Replacement Window Styles include replacement windows on Bow Style windows. Combinations of Picture Window and single hungs
Don’t Be Afraid of Grids! If you like them, then include them in your replacement window styles
How Do I Balance Ventilation, Operability, & Grand View Needs When Selecting a Window Style?
Consider how you want your home to get fresh air. Cross ventilation may be important. Selecting window styles over kitchen sinks, tubs, or in difficult to reach locations are worth consideration. There’s a trade-off of being able to reach locks, pull rails, to easily open a hard to reach window. Horizontal sliding are easy to slide windows, but place the meeting rail (sash line) vertically down the center of the window. Replacing builder grade single hung windows in second story, non-reachable foyer locations is a fundamental change that makes sense, but always consider the exterior elevation styling for balance. Casement and awning window styles allow for larger vented openings than single hung or horizontal sliding windows but have limited window size restrictions. Pairing operable windows with fixed picture windows can offer great ventilation opportunities and allow great views as well. Creating special shapes with center operating arch top single hung windows with fixed side windows or with large center picture windows with side operable single hung windows can create unique combinations of replacement window styles for that perfect window solution.
Are There Window Options Available to Suit My Particular Taste?
Replacement Window Styles shouldn’t end with the operability of the window. Frame color, glass efficiency and obscurity, noise control, security, and Window Grids should also be considered when selecting custom window configurations. I am often asked “what’s popular?” or “what do most people get?”. I can give you the answer of the day, however, tomorrow may be a different story. Not everybody has large sums of disposable income to replace their windows every few years. Ringer Windows are built to last, therefore, options for replacement windows styles should come down to these considerations. What are the biggest issues that need to be solved by replacing windows? What style do you like? What’s the style or architecture style of your home? What is the configuration of your home for east/west/north/south exposure? Do you have issues with glare? Do you have issues with noise?
Our Replacement Windows Styles & Options will Fit Your Needs
Ringer Windows has many replacement window styles and options for creating the best solution for you. When meeting with a Ringer Windows consultant let us help to create that perfect set of windows for your home!
Give us a call (512) 989-7000 or send a contact form to schedule with one of our professional window consultants!
