Windows are an important part of any home. Here at Advanced Auto Glass, our goal is to make our Tarrant County home window installation services as easy to take advantage of as possible. Whether you are replacing an old window or picking windows for a new house, it helps to know what to look for before you make a purchase. This guide will walk you through the materials, styles, and other considerations that you will see when you make your selection.
Materials
Windows, more specifically their frames, are made from a few common materials: fiberglass, vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Vinyl is by far the most common. It’s a low-maintenance material that hits all of the major points. It comes in a wide range of colors, lasts a long time, and does well as an insulator. It’s also very affordable.
Fiberglass is a little tougher than vinyl and a little more expensive. It’s another low-maintenance option that comes in a wide range of aesthetics. As an insulator, it is comparable to vinyl, making it a good all-around choice.
Wood is a classic option and often chosen for the unique aesthetic options it can provide. Wood insulates as well as fiberglass and vinyl. Its price is a little less stable, so sometimes it costs more. While wood is durable, it will require treatments every few years to maintain its look, making it an option with greater maintenance requirements.
Aluminum is by far the most durable of these materials. It also achieves aesthetics remarkably different from the others. It requires basically no maintenance at all, and it’s quite affordable. The drawback is that aluminum is not a good insulator. This makes it great in moderate climates where the extra durability can go a long way. If you live in the path of hurricanes, aluminum is an enticing option.
Style
Aside from the material used to frame the window, you have a ton of options when it comes to style. Do you want the windows to open or remain static? Are you looking for bay windows? Something original? The options are vast, but you will find that the most common, listed below, usually get the job done:
- Single-hung. Single-hung windows are the most common. This is where one sash is hung above the other. The top sash is immobile, and the bottom sash can be raised to open the window.
- Double-hung. Double-hung windows look exactly like single-hung windows, but with this style, both sashes can move. You can open the window at the top and the bottom. These are better for air circulation.
- Sliding. Sliding windows open from side to side instead of top to bottom. They’re common among windows in kitchens and large living spaces.
- Casement. Casement windows involve a single “sash.” Sometimes the window has grills, and it opens by sliding outward. Usually, casement windows will have a crank, and they only open a small amount.
- Awning. An awning window has a hinge and opens at the bottom.
- Hopper. Hopper windows are just like awnings, but they open at the top.
- Bay. Bay windows stick out over the side of the building. You can put sitting, storage, or other types of space in the bay extension.
- Bow. Bow windows are like bay windows, but they are more rounded. As a result, they usually take up a larger portion of the exterior wall.
- Fixed. Fixed windows don’t open. They are usually decorative and can help with natural lighting and energy efficiency.
Panes
Once you pick your frame material and style, there is a third option to consider. How many panes do you want? In general, adding panes increases the insulation value you get from your windows.
Single-pane windows cost less, but they let a lot of heat and sound transfer through.
For most homes, double-pane windows are the standard. The space between the two panes is usually filled with argon. This helps to prevent heat and cold from transferring across the window. It also silences a lot of outside noise.
For a hefty increase in price, you can upgrade to triple-pane windows. As the name implies, you get an additional layer of glass and air. That third layer is great for blocking sound, which makes triple-pane windows ideal for houses by a highway or airport.
Price
Lastly, you want to consider the price of your options. Price comes into all of these kinds of decisions, and home windows are no exception. You can compare different providers to get a better deal, but for the most part, you’re going to weigh the cost of the options you like against your budget. When you strike the right balance, you can get amazing windows that check your boxes without breaking the bank.
Whatever windows you pick, professional installation is the only way to be sure they are put in correctly and safely. Contact Advanced Auto Glass for home window installation in Tarrant and Parker Counties.
