Windows are major components in a building, and choosing the most suitable ones will greatly impact your home’s appearance and functionality. Because windows are seldom replaced, it’s important to make the right selection from the start.
The type of window you choose will depend on the architecture, weather conditions, available materials and your personal preferences.
Materials
The type of material used determines you window’s quality, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Wood has traditionally been used for windows ever since people started building houses. Advantages include:
- A natural look
- Durability
- Environmentally friendly
- Design flexibility
- Good insulator
- Can be painted in any colour
- Can be recycled.
Disadvantages include:
- Affected by weather conditions
- Require regular maintenance
- More expensive than many other materials.
Vinyl windows are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic derivative.
They need little maintenance.
They don’t require painting.
They are resistant to ultraviolet rays.
They are less expensive than other materials.
They are easy to install – DIY enthusiasts take note.
They last longer than wood or aluminium – up to 40 years.
Disadvantages:
- Vinyl windows cannot be coloured or recycled.
Fibreglass windows are attractive and durable and require little maintenance. Other advantages include the fact that:
They are good insulators.
They are resistant to corrosion.
They are eco-friendly.
They can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Fibreglass windows are relatively expensive.
- Colour options are limited.
- They are more difficult to install than many windows made of other materials.
Aluminium windows are lightweight and attractive. Other advantages include:
Maintenance is easy and inexpensive.
The material lends itself to customised window shapes.
They are easy to install.
They don’t need to be painted.
Disadvantages:
- Aluminium is a poor insulator.
- Windows can corrode if exposed to salt water.
- Windows sometimes have moisture forming inside.
Design
The following window designs are popular options.
Casement windows are attached by hinges that allow them to swing up or out to one side to open, much like a door. They are probably the most commonly used windows in homes throughout South Africa. They can also be installed in combination with picture windows which are stationary panes that don’t open. This makes them more energy efficient and allows for larger sizes to maximise views.
A single-hung sash window design has a top pane that is fixed. The bottom pane can be raised halfway, sliding over the top pane and creating an opening.
In a double-hung sash window, the top and bottom panes can both be raised or lowered to create variable openings.
Sliding windows operate like double-hung sash windows, except the panes move to the right and left. The movable panes on sliding windows can either tilt in, swing in, or be removed to easily clean the glass interior and exterior. Sliding windows can have one or more operating sashes or be combined with picture windows. They provide large unobstructed views, plenty of ventilation and are ideal for large horizontal spaces. Because they don’t open out past the plane of the wall, they are excellent for areas that get a lot of wind. They are also ideal for high-traffic areas like decks, walkways, or where landscaping may be positioned close to the house.
A bay window is a larger installation consisting of a centre window with two side windows angled at thirty to forty degrees. This type of window requires professional installation.
Double glazing
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a space. The gap between the panes is filled with a still layer of air or a gas such as argon, an inert gas that is a poor conductor of heat.
The glass is fitted into window frames, which have to be wider than usual to accommodate the two panes. Double-glazed windows are highly energy efficient and have the added benefit of minimising noise.
Final choice
There is no particular type of window that suits all applications, so it’s up to you to choose windows that meet your particular needs and your budget.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer
