The Pros and Cons of New Window Replacement Units

Installing new window replacement units is often the quickest and the most affordable way to solve the annoying window problems that come with old or worn out windows—but only if you choose the right fit.

However, choosing home windows can sometimes be challenging, especially for the “newbies”, who then need to do thorough research and get to know the ins and outs of windows before making the final purchase decision. This includes the types of windows, their pros, and cons as well as the pricing.

Below are some of the most popular window options, their pros, and cons, to help you make the right choice. Whether you need replacement windows in Boston, MA, London or Johannesburg, here are some worldwide favorites:

Bay windows

They’re commonly known for their panoramic view, which allows for more natural light thus keeping your home illuminated.

Though quite similar to bow windows, bay windows are unique in the manner in which they protrude farther into the exterior space to provide more interior floor space.

Pros

• Bay windows are a great option when it comes to aesthetic appeal—which is courtesy of the shimmering glass that gives your home a clean, cozy, and modern look.
• They’re also designed to project outward of your exterior wall thus providing more shelf space within the house, where you can display your plants.

Cons

• Bay windows are limited when it comes to window additions. Their unique configurations and the tight angles make it almost impossible to install any additional hardware. This leaves you with no logical option but to hire a window expert to avoid damaging the window’s style, and or the frame.

Picture windows

Do you love nature? Then picture windows would be an ideal choice for your window replacement project. They essentially turn your surrounding view into a framed picture and give you the opportunity to catch every single nature detail, courtesy of the unobstructed view that they offer.

Pros

• Picture windows exhibit an open design, thus an excellent choice for home lighting.
• They require no mechanical activity, which makes them less expensive compared to similar sized windows with movable parts.

Cons

• They come fixed on the frame and hence don’t open up. This makes them unsuitable for rooms that require ventilation.

Casement windows

Casement windows are side-hinged (on the right and left sides) and feature a crank for smooth operation. They’re ideal for common rooms or kitchens because the entire sash easily opens to allow for more ventilation.

Pros

• The windows are designed to only open from the inside thus keeping your home more secure.
• More energy efficient—they close tightly thus prevents energy loss.

Cons

• Since they crank outwards, these windows don’t allow for the installation of storm windows. Doing that would only mean blocking them from opening.
• Large casements have the tendency of weighing down hence making them inoperable.

Awning windows

These windows are usually hinged on the top and open outwards from the lower part, to allow for ventilation while also protecting you from the rain.

Pros

• They can be placed high on walls (which isn’t the case for most window types), thus providing more ventilation while ensuring that your privacy isn’t compromised.
• They close tightly to prevent air leakage, which in turn, cuts down your energy bills.

Cons

• Because they open outward, awning windows aren’t ideal for sidewalks, patio, or a terrace as one can easily run into them.
• They get dirty quite quickly, so require regular cleaning.

Double hung windows

Double hung windows feature two sashes, which can both be lowered and raised for easy cleaning, and admission of fresh air into the house. These are wildly popular when choosing home windows.

Pros

• They come in a wide range of colors, style, and material, so you can choose what best suits your needs.
• The windows readily accommodate air conditioners.
• They tilt in, so you can quite easily & efficiently clean your windows without necessarily having to step out of the house.

Cons

• They aren’t as airtight as other window units hence likely to work against your energy saving plans. However, interior weather-stripping can help prevent air leakage.

Single hung windows

Though these windows don’t provide a two-way opening style like the double hung ones, they still offer a classic look for any owner looking to enhance their home aesthetics.

Pros

• The secure vertical opening mechanism only allows for the raising of the lower sash, while the upper sash remains fixed; hence a great way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency since this dramatically reduces the chances of air infiltration even as the window ages.
• They’re also affordable thus a great window option if you’re working on a budget.

Cons

• Perhaps the major disadvantage of the single hung windows is that they limit ventilation in your home, especially during the warmer months.

The Takeaway

Choosing home windows doesn’t have to be that hard. Just compare the options above plus any other that you may bump into in the online space.

This will help you to ascertain what best works for you.

But if you remember one thing reading this article, it is that wrong window replacement unit choices are bound to be made if you blindly take on the project without prior research. Therefore, ensure you do your due diligence by researching thoroughly, and if possible contract an expert to help you out.