Different window styles offer different openings. They can also vary in importance based on your individual needs. Ventilation opportunities are increased with larger opening areas while improved security is provided by smaller openings.

When choosing windows for your home, it is also useful to consider your maintenance needs and energy efficient styles. In general, hinged windows have a lower air leakage rate compared to sliding windows, which increases their energy efficiency. Sliding windows, by contrast, are easy to maintain and only require the glass and tracks to be cleaned occasionally.

You might need to have different window styles in different parts of your house depending on your local climate, the direction that the windows face, and your design preferences. New window styles are constantly being developed. However, below we have provided you with useful information on some of the most common styles of windows.

Single Hung Sash

The lower sash or bottom window panel on single hung windows moves up and down, while the upper sash stays stationary. That means the upper sash will be covered up on the inside when the window is opened.

Double hung Sash

There are two operating sashes on double hung windows that move up and down to allow for ventilation on the bottom, the top, or both. They open up vertically. Both of the window sashes usually slide. Screens also can be installed on the window frame’s exterior.

Horizontal sliding windows

This type of window slides opens horizontally. It can have two sashes or more and offers a clear opening to provide good ventilation. They are mounted horizontally so they slide past one another. Horizontal sliding windows can be single sliders – where the right or left sash moves and the other one stays in place. There are also double sliders where the two sashes both slide.

Bifold windows

Folding or bi-fold windows are comprised of two panels or more that fold onto themselves like a concertina. Bi-fold windows are both stylish and functional. They are made up of a number of different framed hinged window panels that elegantly and simply fold into one another, to open up an area.

Louvre windows

This type of window features a series of blades. They tilt to open and usually can be controlled using either a remote control or a handle. The blades may be made out of timber, aluminum, or glass. A louvre window or jalousie window is made of wooden, acrylic, or parallel glass louvres that are set inside a frame. These louvres join on a rack to tilt shut and open in unison so that the airflow is controlled. Usually, a crank is turned to open and shut them.

Skylight

Usually, more light is allowed into a room by a skylight compared to a regular window, thanks to the access they have to direct sunlight. Skylights provide light, views, lighting, and sometimes an emergency exit. Skylights can provide ventilation and daytime light to your home. Skylights are on the roof. This can result in unwanted heat loss during the winter and solar heat gain during the summer.

Casement window

This type of window opens outwards and has hinges on the sides. On the inside there are screens. In some situations, they provide ventilation advantages. A casement window attaches to the frame by one or multiple hinges located on the sides of the windows. they are either used in pairs or singly within one frame. A casement stay is often used to keep a casement window open.

Tilt and turn windows

This type of window opens inward using two actions – they tilt the way hopper windows do and turn similar to casement windows. They can be fully opened like casement windows (inwards) or be tilted from the bottom to angle the top of the window into the room, which provides a smaller ventilation opening.