Vertical Sliding Window

Windows are a major part of one's home, a feature which not only determines the look of the house but also gives it a special identity. Windows are a crucial ingredient that gives your home its special identity.

When one buys or rents a home, a renovation of the house is sometimes called for, and you might need to choose window types from the vast repertoire of available choices.

A number of aspects need to be considered while planning a replacement of old windows or while choosing windows for your new home.

The most important factors to keep in mind while choosing the window types are: ventilation, beauty, safety, energy efficiency, the environment and, of course, the cost.

The most commonly used window types are casement and sliding windows.

Casement windows are attached vertically with hinges to one side on a wall. They usually open with a crank mechanism. A single window or a pair of windows can be fitted into a frame. They open all the way outward, and are wide open from top to bottom and side-to-side.

A sliding window is a window that slides along a track inside the window frame. The frame may consist of many tracks depending on the number of windows on the tracks. They open horizontally and give a hundred percent view of the outside.

Primarily, it may be the environment that affects the choice of windows. A harsh environment calls for windows that are inside the house rather than exposed to the sun, wind, and temperature shifts, whereas a mild environment allows the use of windows that are exposed to the outside.

Ventilation is another important point to be considered while choosing windows. Windows fitted on opposite walls allow for cross ventilation and help keep the rooms cool.

To save on energy, one can choose a double-glazed window (which uses two panels of glass). The layer between the two glasses acts as an insulator to save the heat in the room.

Depending on how much privacy and safety is required in the area where you live, you may opt for fortified or screened windows.

But above all, it's your budget that will have a final say on how your windows will look.

There are benefits and drawbacks of each kind of window. Let's look at some of them:

Casement Windows

· Open all the way outward, hence allow maximum light and air

· Energy efficient because they shut tight

· Can be glazed to save energy

· Easy to use as a simple crank mechanism is used. Disabled people can operate them easily

· Cleaning is easy, therefore ideal for installing behind sinks and countertops

· Allows for quick and easy emergency escapes

· Greater aesthetic customization- Lend themselves to a variety of designs, colors, and materials

· Use mechanical parts that need maintenance

· Regular lubrication is required for smooth operation

· Are more damage prone because they are exposed to the outside environment

· Screens are prone to damage as they need to be fitted on the inside.

· Sometimes two windows may come in each other's way

· More prone to misalignment

Sliding Windows

· Allow for maximum light and air

· Are inside the house hence less weather beaten

· Energy efficient because they shut tight

· Can be glazed to save energy

· Simple sliding. Movement makes them disabled-friendly

· Allows for faster fire escapes. Allows for quick and easy emergency escapes

· Screens can be fitted easily

· Use less mechanical parts like pulleys and springs, hence require less maintenance

· Less prone to misalignment

· Cost effective

· Lend themselves to a variety of colors, designs and materials

· Cleaning their outside surfaces is more of a challenge.

So, whatever your choice, it is possible to create the desired effect with the many window options available in designs, colors, materials, and fittings.

A window is a natural focal point of your home, and your choice of windows sets its tone and style, thus having a significant impact on both you and your guests.