The exterior of your home protects you and all within from the elements that flow and blow around it. The façade of your home is also an expression of your style that everyone can see. Part of the face your home presents to the external world is the windows. The windows for a home need to provide a continuation of the style if you want to complete the look.
Windows and the Style of Your Home
Homes come in many different architectural styles. If you are considering installing new or replacement windows for a home in a specific design, try to choose a match. Opt for something that will either integrate into the architectural statement or provide a focal point that complements the overall look. Consider the following:
- Colonial-Style or Traditional Homes: Your best choice may be small and double-hung windows (moveable sash slides vertical within the frame). The panes in each sash should be “six-over-six” or “eight-over-eight”.
- Ranch-Style Homes: with such homes, the best choice is to have solid single panes with a casement that swings outwards.
- Prairie-Style Homes: Window styles tend to be the same as those for Ranch-style homes.
- Modern Homes: Large windows are often the favorite. They often feature metal frames. The classic picture window is a frequent staple of this design.
- Contemporary Homes: The windows, depending upon the era, may be small. They are always energy efficient and security conscious.
- Large Estate Homes: Windows vary, depending upon the style and or era of construction. One of the more common features, however, are specialty windows such as round or half-round designs.
Be certain you also understand where such things as glazed windows, gliding, awning, grilles and muntins may help you achieve the look you and your home require.
If you are not certain, talk to a contractor or a windows manufacturer or dealer. You can also look at the windows in design books or on the net and compare the ones currently in your home to those found in homes of a similar style. This can act as a guide.
Shopping for Windows
One way to help you decide is to go shopping. Look at all the windows available online and in person. Not all windows are created equal. By looking at the various models, styles and materials, you will get a good idea of not only what is available but also of its quality and worth. Some companies carry lines that, while modern in many important ways (e.g. energy efficiency and ease of installation and use) are suitable stylistically to older homes.
Windows for Home Installation
If you are thinking about installing new or replacement windows, take the time to consider your options. While such factors as energy efficiency are important, so is stylistic accord with your home’s façade. With today’s product availability, you should be able to have both. Talk to a manufacturer and/or retailer about exactly what you need before you select the right windows for home installation.
If you are looking for high-quality windows for home use, contact the professionals at Best Windows, Inc. For more than 15 years, they have been providing their residential and commercial customers with superior energy-efficient products at affordable prices. To learn more about why their clients recommend them, visit them online at www.bestwindows.net.
