Windows: The Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Styles

Windows occupy such a large part of the home’s façade that their style matters immensely! And while it’s nice to have the right window style for your home style, it’s even more important to find a product that will also be convenient.

Yes, finding a replacement window or the right products for window installation at a new construction involves much more than focusing on style. It’s actually paramount that you get windows with the right glazing, frame, and energy efficiency that will also lock well to provide high security.

But let us focus on the most popular window styles right now, their pros and cons, and how they work to help you weigh your options and decide which one will work best for your own home.

Double-hung windows

There are single and double hung windows, and in spite of their differences, they are considered some of the most popular styles. They both have two sashes in one frame. The difference? In a double-hung window, both sashes move. In a single-hung window, only one sash slides up and down.

Double-hung windows are not only popular but also go way back. They are considered some of the most traditional window styles and so, look well in traditional homes, farm houses, etc.

Pros

Since the sashes slide up and down, there’s no need for extra space indoors or outdoors.
They are extremely popular window styles and so, you can find many options among designs
Due to the high demand, their cost is reasonable.
Due to their popularity, you won’t have a hard time finding capable window installers.
They are easy to open/close.
Placed in a vertical position, the tracks of hung windows don’t get easily dirty.

Cons

They need some maintenance – perhaps, track lubrication, to keep sliding smoothly for years.
Since they stand overhead, they may become a safety concern for a person leaning over the window underneath the sash, when the sash is not working well. For example, when its components that keep the sash open loosen up or suddenly break, or even when the window installation service is not properly done. The larger the window, the higher such concerns.

Casement windows

While the most popular casement windows open like doors, there are top-opening styles too. Hinge-mount, casement windows can open fully outwards or inwards. They may be single or double, while some products have one fixed casement. They are the most popular window styles after double-hung ones, and ideal for most home styles.

Pros

Since they can open fully, they are very easy to clean and allow excellent ventilation.
They also provide nearly no air leakage since the sash closes against the frame, but that is also subject to the job the window installation company will do.
You can get casement windows with a tilt and turn mechanism to have the home aired without putting security at risk.
Due to their popularity, there’s abundance in designs and sizes.

Cons

Large casement windows forgotten open may become serious security concerns.
Since most casement windows open inwards, there might be a functional problem if there are two or more casement windows in the row. The window installers should make sure two windows installed side-by-side open in opposite directions.

Sliding windows

Sliding windows move horizontally along a metal or plastic track. While all sliding windows have two sashes, not both sashes of all sliding windows operate. Most popular sliding windows are those with both sashes sliding horizontally. But in some sliding windows, one sash is fixed and the second sash slides. Such window styles were really popular back in the 1950s and 1960s, while today they are broadly used as patio doors.

Pros

You can open the sash entirely or just a little bit.
Due to the lack of complicated mechanisms, they are very durable and last longer.
Due to the simplicity of their design, they are a rather cheap option.

Cons

The tracks of sliding windows easily get filthy and are hard to clean.
There’s limitation when it comes to designs and sizes, when talking about actual windows and not sliding patio doors.

Awning windows

While most homes don’t have awning windows, they are particular popular in circumstances where there’s a need to keep the window open for a long time, even if it’s raining. Awning windows are hinged at the top and they open outwards. They are ideal for below-ground premises and basements.

Pros

They didn’t get their name accidentally. When open, they act as an awning and thus, protect the building from the rain. That’s why they are ideal in wet areas where indoor humidity can be controlled by keeping the window open in rainy days and also, for basements.
Since awning windows have a fixed lower sash, while only the upper sash opens outwards, they can protect from intruders.

Cons

The mechanical cranks are often subject to wear and so, there’s a need for repairs and maintenance – more often than with other window styles.
Unless the awning window can open 90 degrees, it won’t be very practical.

Naturally, the list of window styles is much longer but the above options are the most popular ones – each for its own reasons.