If you’re in the process of building a new home or undergoing renovations, you likely need to think about your windows. To many people, using commercial windows in a residential home doesn’t seem any different from sticking to windows designed for residential purposes. For those who know the differences between commercial and residential windows, they may want to put commercial windows in a residential home due to their increased durability. While technically, you often can use commercial windows in a residential home, building codes permitting, there are some factors to consider.
Here is what you need to know about why someone would want to use commercial windows in a residential home and the various factors to consider with this.
The Allure Of Using Commercial Windows In A Residential Home
Windows are just windows, right? So, what’s it matter whether you use commercial or residential windows in your home if they perform the same function? The truth is that there are actually quite a few differences between commercial and residential windows. You can learn more about this in our previous blog, Commercial Vs Residential Windows, but we’ll touch on it a bit here too, for your convenience.
Commercial windows tend to be bigger, more durable, and more expensive than residential windows. They are made to withstand solar heat gain, so that commercial spaces with lots of people can stay at a more comfortable temperature.
People tend to want to use commercial windows in residential spaces because of a few reasons.
- They want the increased durability commercial windows provide.
- They love the aesthetic of big windows with more industrial-style frames.
- They like the idea of increased thermal performance.
Can You Use Commercial Windows In A Residential Home?
In short: it depends. Technically, yes, you can use commercial windows in residential spaces. However, this can depend on the building codes where you live. This is because commercial windows tend to be quite big and thick. They can end up disrupting the heating in your home. While commercial windows are designed to function well for commercial spaces, they’re not the same as residential windows.
Residential windows are designed to meet the needs of residential spaces. There’s a reason why it’s generally advised that you use residential windows for residential spaces and commercial windows for commercial spaces – because that’s what each type of window is best suited to.
Should You Use Commercial Windows In A Residential Home?
Can and should are two entirely different questions. As previously mentioned, commercial and residential windows are both designed to be able to meet the needs of their specific spaces. In truth, you should stick to residential windows for residential spaces, because that’s what they’re made for.
What About Durability?
Residential windows may not be as durable as commercial windows, but that’s because they don’t need to be. Commercial windows need to be able to withstand high winds and the elements at greater heights than residential windows do. Both of them are made to be durable for their specific purposes.
What About The Aesthetic?
Residential windows can be customized in a variety of different ways. If you’re drawn to putting commercial windows in a residential home because you love big windows with more industrial frames, you can get big residential windows with more industrial-style frames. Floor-to-ceiling windows and picture windows are great options for your home.
What About Thermal Performance?
Commercial spaces tend to have a lot of people, and people generate heat. Commercial windows have special glazing to help prevent solar heat gain. Conversely, residential spaces tend to rely on sunlight to help generate heat, because homes have far, far less people in them than commercial buildings tend to. Plus, residential spaces are smaller than commercial spaces, so lower U-factor ratings actually work well for the energy efficiency of the space.
About The Cost Differential
Likely, you wouldn’t have any qualms about the fact that residential windows tend to be less expensive than commercial windows. This is because residential windows are both smaller and easier to install and replace than commercial windows tend to be. They also don’t need the special glazing that commercial windows do, which helps bring the cost down, as well.
Of course, residential windows can get expensive, depending on the add-ons, their materials, their size and shape, and how much you’re customizing them. Generally, though, residential windows tend to be less expensive than their commercial counterparts.
Quality Windows For Your Commercial And Residential Needs
So, can you put commercial windows in a residential home? Yes, depending on if your building codes allow it. However, you’d be better off sticking with residential windows for residential spaces.
Peak Windows provides high-quality commercial and residential windows to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our window services or to schedule a consultation!