With so many different styles of windows, each with their own pros and cons, it’s no wonder many of us have conflicting feelings about what to purchase.

As a homeowner, your primary concern is likely energy efficiency and functionality. The latter two concepts are directly related to the style of modern windows you choose, and that’s why it’s important to cover some fundamental basics about how windows operate.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between the two main types of windows – crank vs. sliding – and then we can go further into the various styles from casement and awning to hung and slider.

Crank window: Opens to the outside when you turn the crank handle. These types of windows offer the highest energy efficiency as the crank compression seals out unwanted air from outside.

 Styles of Crank Windows:

 Casement Windows are windows attached to its frame by one or more hinges. Casement windows in particular are hinged at the side.

PROS:

  • Entire window opens, providing excellent ventilation
  • The sash can catch and direct cross breezes into the house for increased ventilation
  • Superior energy efficiency due to compression seal technology making it the most efficient of all windows
  • Ideal for hard to reach places
  • Provides an unobstructed view
  • Easy to clean and can be cleaned from the inside
  • Provides security as it is difficult to break into
  • Maximum light and visibility

CONS:

  • Wrong operation of crank can cause damage to mechanism
  • The window opens out to the outside*

*This is a con dependent on your home and the traffic surrounding it. You don’t want a window opening on a deck or somewhere people typically congregate.

Awning Windows are similar to casement windows, except they are hinged at the top. They are best suited for openings that are wider than they are tall.

PROS:

  • Ideal for hard to reach places (eg. above the kitchen sink) as the crank design allows for easy opening and closing
  • Provides excellent ventilation
  • Superior energy efficiency due to compression seal technology
  • Can be kept open in the rain, hence the name “awning”
  • Provides maximum light and visibility

 CONS:

  • Wrong operation such as over-tightening or over-torquing can decrease functionality
  • Requires space on the outside to open
  • Hard to clean – you will have to go outside and potentially use a ladder depending on what floor the window is on (ground floor is most recommended)

Slider window: These types of windows are opened by pulling – either horizontally or vertically. The slider usually remains within in the window frame when opened and can have an add-on option to be tilted at a 90-degree angle for easy cleaning without having to use a ladder.

 Styles of Slider Windows:

 Horizontal Slider Windows have a sash that slides horizontally across a track – either single or double.

 

PROS:

  • Best suited window for wide openings
  • It can have a 90 degree add-on option for tilting, making it easy to clean
  • Requires no exterior space for opening
  • Lower cost

 CONS:

  • No compression seal
  • Not as energy efficient as crank operated windows
  • Reduced ventilation (only half of the window opens)
  • Not as watertight in extreme conditions (high wind, driving rain)
  • Can be difficult to operate due to friction and any excess buildup of dirt
  • Not a uniform look since half of the window has a screen and the other half does not

Single Hung Windows: Bottom sash slides up and down on a track.

 

PROS:

  • Can be cleaned from the inside with a tilt option
  • Does not open to the outside

 CONS:

  •  Less energy efficient than crank operated styles
  • Check rail effect where horizontal bar in the middle of window ends up being at eye level and obstructing the view
  • Can be difficult to operate due to friction and any excess buildup of dirt
  • Reduced ventilation (only half of the window opens)
  • Not a uniform look since half of the window has a screen and the other half does not.

Choosing the right window for your home and your particular needs is a subjective choice that will always vary. Usually the decision will come down to your budget, as sliding windows are generally less expensive than crank compression windows. However, the energy savings from crank windows will surely pay for themselves over time. Furthermore, sliding windows don’t provide adequate protection from the elements, and are harder to maintain than casement windows due to dirt buildup and friction.

If you are going to invest in a casement or awning, then make sure the hardware and structure of the window is top notch and ready to stand the test of time.

Got more questions about windows? Feel free to call the experts from Casa Bella Windows and Doors at 1-800-407-9917.