Your windows are a crucial part of your home. They impact its curb appeal, how much light the interior gets, its energy efficiency, its security, and more. When buying windows, there are many factors you’ll need to take into consideration in order to ensure that you select the right windows for you and your home. Here are some useful tips we’ve compiled for buying windows that will suit the way you want the interior and the exterior of your home to look, as well as its overall comfort levels.
#1. Consider How It Looks
The type of windows you select can majorly affect how your house looks. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your current home, when buying windows, you want to ensure that the style works for the type of appearance you want. There are so many different factors to consider in how windows look, from their shape, to their style, to their frame, to their color, and more.
When buying windows, you’ll want to work with an experienced professional who will be able to help you understand all of the different options available to you and what would work best for your specific needs.
Shapes
Windows come in many different shapes, such as:
- Arches
- Quarter arches
- Eyebrow
- Oval
- Cathedral
- Circle
- Triangle
- Pentagon
- Square
- Rectangle
- And much, much more
Style
Different styles of windows are better for different functions and areas of the home. Some of the different styles of windows available to you include:
- Awning. These are horizontal windows that are hinged on the top and open outwards.
- Casement. These are vertical windows that open out, like a door.
- Single-hung. These have two horizontal sashes, with the top sash remaining fixed while you can open the bottom sash.
- Double-hung. These have two horizontal sashes, but you can open either the top or the bottom as you wish.
- Sliding. These open by sliding from side to side, rather than moving up and down.
- Hopper. These are the opposite of an awning window, opening inward and being hinged on the bottom.
- Bay. These are protruding windows that form a half-relieved hexagonal shape from the side of your home. They typically consist of three horizontal windows.
- Bow. These are like bay windows, but rounded, with more windows in order to have that smoother curve.
- Fixed. These can’t be opened and are usually decorative, such as round windows.
- Custom. You can customize your windows to look however you please when you work with a window manufacturer like Peak Windows.
Frame
There are four main types of frames you can choose from:
- Wood. These are classic and the most energy efficient, but require the most upkeep, as they can rot.
- Fiberglass. These are durable, insulate well, and have many style options, but are expensive.
- Vinyl. These are energy efficient, durable, and low-cost, but limited in designs.
- Aluminum. These are affordable and durable, but not the most energy efficient.
Color
The color you choose for your frames greatly impacts your home’s appearance. You can have color infused right into the frame material, such as is the case with black windows, or have them painted or decide to leave them as they are.
#2. What’s Your Budget?
When buying windows, it’s vital to keep your budget in mind, especially if you’re having a major project done. It’s best to work with a window manufacturer like Peak Windows that can work with your budget in order to ensure that no matter what it is, you receive high quality windows that will be installed properly so that they’ll last you for years to come. There are many different factors that can influence the price of your windows.
When buying windows, you’ll want to get the professionals involved from the get-go, as they’ll be able to consult with you and help you find options that work with your budget.
#3. Opt For Energy Efficiency
Your windows majorly impact the energy efficiency of your home, so when buying windows, opt for energy efficient options. Windows that lack energy efficiency can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, as they allow energy to escape from your home and outside air in. The best way to ensure you’re receiving energy efficient windows is to look for the ENERGY STAR rating. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed trademark that dictates windows perform well and are reliable in regards to energy efficiency.
If you’re looking into buying windows that are energy efficient, Peak Windows is ENERGY STAR certified. Our professionals will be able to walk you through all the categories in order to ensure you receive the best option for you.
Are You Looking Into Buying Windows?
These are but three of our tips for buying windows. Watch this space, as we will do a future blog with more tips about buying windows that you can use. If you’re looking into buying windows, Peak Windows is one of the only window companies in Utah that not only sells and installs windows, but also manufactures them, in order to ensure they’re of optimal quality. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.