Window Style Guide
Helping You Make The Best Decision For Your Homes Windows.
If it seems like everyone in your neighborhood has double hung windows, that’s because they are the most popular window type in the U.S. This type of window is composed of an upper and lower sash that can be moved up and down independently of each other, with each sash capable of being tilted inward for easy cleaning and maintenance. If you are replacing your home’s windows, particularly second-story windows where cleaning the window exteriors from the inside is preferable, double hung replacement windows are a great choice.
Improve home ventilation and curb appeal
Horizontal sliding windows, a favorite of mid-century design, operate like single or double hung windows but slide horizontally (left and right) instead of vertically (up and down). Replacement slider windows are available in several configurations, including 2- and 3-lite units where two sashes move horizontally. Single slider windows, available with some of our brands, have one sash (right or left) that moves while the other is fixed.
Sliding windows work well above the kitchen sink or in any room where ventilation is important. Horizontal sliding windows are perfect by themselves or paired with picture windows.
For the perfect airflow
Casement windows and awning windows are nearly identical in construction, with the biggest difference being the position of the hinge. Both window styles are composed of a single sash that’s hinged and cranks open and shut. Vinyl casement replacement windows have the hinge on the left or right; an awning window is a casement set on its side, with the hinge at the top.
Vinyl casement and awning windows, which are controlled by a stationary crank, are a great choice for locations over cabinets, sinks, and other features that can interfere with the homeowner’s ability to open or shut the window. Casement windows provide airflow from top to bottom and the amount of airflow can easily be controlled with the crank. Awning windows offer the advantage of preventing rain from entering your home while the windows are open. Both window types feature a fold-away crank that keeps the handle from interfering with window treatments or furniture.
Casements work well in spaces where the window is more than twice as tall as it is wide; awnings, generally, are wider than they are tall.
Create a focal point on your home’s exterior
Bay windows and bow windows are a beautiful way to draw attention to your home’s exterior, even though they technically are not single windows. Bay and bow windows are constructed of either operable double hung windows paired with picture windows, or operable casement windows paired with fixed casement windows.
The difference between a bay window vs. a bow window is simple: Comprised of three total windows, a standard bay window requires a larger window flanked on each side by a more narrow window, with each set at an angle. The center and side windows can be fixed, double hung or casement. A bow window is configured of four or more windows of equal size set at angles to create an arched projection. As with a bay window, the individual bow window components can be fixed, double hung or casement.
As a replacement for a set of double hung windows or standard picture window, a bay and bow windows replacement looks amazing in a living room or master suite, with a window seat that provides a great place to sit and read or just enjoy the view.
Bring the outdoors in
Picture windows are stationary windows that work well in any room of the home, particularly in areas where you don’t want open windows to interfere with exterior landscaping or features like decks and walkways. The big advantage of picture windows is their unobstructed view, a great way to highlight beautiful outdoor scenery.
A large picture window can be used to replace any style window to provide abundant light and a spacious view. In addition to the aesthetic improvement that replacement picture windows can provide, ProVia’s windows are highly energy efficient. Large picture windows can be grouped together to create a stunning window to the world or paired with casement or double hung windows to enable airflow.