Wonderful Windows
What is the one thing every architectural style has in common? Windows! They add interest and contrast to every exterior, whether a classic bungalow, Victorian, modern farmhouse, stately colonial, sleek contemporary or anything in between. And inside, windows bring in healthy natural light, allow you to monitor what’s happening outside your home, and often frame beautiful vistas that rival the best landscape art. They truly are the eyes of your home.
Since the days of single-pane glass, windows have evolved into an integral part of your home’s building envelope. They still keep you safe from the elements, but today’s highly-engineered window also can play a significant role in your heating and cooling bills. As such—and coupled with the fact that window replacement can be a costly and inconvenient home renovation project—windows and patio doors should receive as much attention and scrutiny in the home building process as floors, countertops and appliances. And with ever-expanding exterior colors, interior finishes and hardware options to choose from, windows can aesthetically enhance the look of your home from the sidewalk to your living room.
Featured Photo: Andersen Architectural Collection E-Series Awning and Picture windows with Pine Interiors
Today’s Window Wonderland
If you’re building or renovating your home today, you’ve probably discovered a plethora of window option decisions you can make. You need to consider style, durability, indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Here are the basics to think about before you make your choices.
Beauty & Style, Inside and Out: Remember, you’ll need to think about how your windows look from both sides. Along with the specific type of window or patio door—such as casements that you crank open and close or double-hungs that often have two sash that can be opened up and down—you’ll have choices in colors, finishes, grille patterns and hardware.
Andersen 400 Series Specialty Custom Arch windows over Flexiframe windows with Prefinished White interiors. 400 Series Frenchwood Gliding Patio Doors with Prefinished White interiors.
Energy Efficiency: Knowing that windows and patio doors may have an impact on your home’s overall performance, be sure to choose wisely. You’ll find double- and triple-paned options options. And, for those of us in Minnesota where a drafty, leaky window can mean huge energy bills every month, consider choosing ENERGY STAR® certified windows.
Andersen 100 Series Single-Hung and Picture windows with Prefinished White interiors
Durability: Not all windows are created equal. Look into and compare how different materials and technologies affect performance. You may need to make a few tradeoffs to meet your budget, but don’t just look at the price today, remember you’ll need to maintain, repair and possibly replace windows over time, so look at both short and long-term benefits.
Andersen 100 Series Casement and Picture windows with Dark Bronze exteriors
Comfort: Like durability, different windows can offer different levels of indoor comfort. You’ll want to compare U-values (how well they serve as an insulator), look into noise transference and find out how well they block harmful UV light, which can cause carpet, furniture and other décor to fade.
Andersen 400 Series Casement windows with simulated double-hung grille pattern and Stationary Awning windows with Prefinished White interiors.
Peace of Mind: Today’s windows can even offer wireless connectivity to your home’s security system. If a truly smart home is what you desire, look into how new technology can let you monitor your window and patio door locks from anywhere with just a quick glance at your smart phone.
Andersen E-Series Awning and Picture Windows with White Interiors
Maintenance: From cleaning to operation, different windows offer different benefits. You might want to look for low-maintenance exteriors that never need painting or designs that allow for easy cleaning. Don’t forget to look into warranties, too.
Andersen E-Series Double-Hung Windows with custom interiors
For more information, please check out our Products/Services search at ParadeofHomes.org for Windows.