Some homeowners associate window styles with aesthetic elements like colors and finishes, but the industry uses the term “style” to discuss the function and form of your replacement window. When we discuss various styles of windows and patio doors, we’re talking about whether a window opens, and if so, how.
Style answers the question – Does it raise and lower vertically or slide horizontally and how?
Some window styles are more energy-efficient than others – although we’re confident our full line of ENERGY-STAR certified replacement windows will help you save money on your utility bills and routine maintenance regardless of which style you choose.
The operating mechanisms – handles, cranks and easy-glide track systems – vary depending on which window styles you choose for your New Jersey home.
Different settings require different windows. Some windows are better suited for nurseries and other areas where you want to limit how wide your windows open. In other rooms of your home, you may want a larger viewing area. Starting with the correct style is an important first step in the replacement window design journey.
As you read through this series, you’ll find helpful information about operability choices, construction materials, glass options and design features. We can’t cover everything in this series so, if you have questions, please give one of our professional replacement window design consultants a call.
While “styles” lay the foundation for your new windows, we want you to know that every window built in our factory comes with a few standards.
#1 Environment. Every custom-built window or patio door is manufactured under strict standards that protect the environment and reduce landfill waste.
#2 Warranty. Whether you choose a crank-style casement window that hinges on the side or a low-profile sliding door designed to give you a broad viewing area, we back every product with one of the best warranty packages in the industry.
#3 Durability. Every window is crafted with advanced technology and materials to make sure your selections remain beautiful and functional for many, many years.
#4 Custom Fit. Precision-crafted replacement windows built in our factory perfectly fit into the opening left when we remove your existing windows. No extra construction, interior finishing or architectural modifications necessary.
#5 Value, Comfort & Safety. Our Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey pledge to you is a promise to deliver home improvement products that add value, comfort and safety for your family – beginning with installation and continuing for as long as you live in your home.
As you read through our style guide, remember that our design team is just a phone call away to give you more information about ventilation, light control and aesthetic features to help you create unique windows that fit your budget and your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for whimsical geometric shaped windows or tilt-out designs that make cleaning your windows easier, we’ve got solutions.
Our number one goal is to help you make wise purchasing decisions.
Fixed windows – sometimes called showcase windows – are an excellent choice if you have a spectacular view of the countryside you want to enjoy looking at through the glass but never intend to open the windows.
These windows don’t open and are the most energy-efficient window in our line of home improvement products. They offer the narrowest frame and the largest viewing area. Perhaps the only downside is that fixed-panel windows don’t allow you to clean both interior and exterior surfaces from inside your home like most of our window styles.
Bow window configurations are technically several windows joined together – typically three window-panels. Bows have a boxy look and feel created by a central panel that is wider than two side panels of similar height with a narrower width. Bow window configurations are highly adaptable to many architectural styles and work equally well as accent windows or prominent features that enhance curb appeal.
You may choose fixed or operable window styles to build your bow depending on your ventilation and decorating goals. You can even mix and match styles by installing a central fixed panel and double-hung or casement windows on the sides.
Bay windows are much like bows except they generally have more than three windows, which allows a more “curved” profile. You can still choose fixed replacement windows, windows that open, or a combination of different styles. Another difference is that bow windows create slightly more indoor space for window seats or additional floor space.
Welcome to Part Two of our Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey Replacement Window Style Selection Guide. Last time we only had enough space to tell you about three of our popular Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey replacement window styles: Picture and Combination Windows, Bay and Bow Windows.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of Awnings and Hoppers, Casements, Sliding or Gliding windows and Double-Hung windows – one of the most popular window styles for our New Jersey neighbors.
#1 Casement Windows. Because casement window designs allow you to place vertical hinges on either the left or right side, you can take advantage of natural wind patterns. Casement replacement windows crank out, giving you the freedom to slightly open them to a gentle breeze or fully open them to let the air rush in on a pleasant day. The design encourages ample ventilation and draws air into your home efficiently.
Since the window panel opens outward, most homeowners opt for another style in areas where outdoor traffic patterns could be affected, but this style is especially well suited in areas where you have to reach over a counter or above your head to open the window. The operating handle is conveniently located at the lower edge of the window, improving safety as compared to standing on a ladder or step stool to open your windows.
Because the weather-stripping gets less friction than styles that slide back and forth or up and down against the fabric, the casement window style is the most energy-efficient window, next to fixed windows, in our line of replacement windows for your home.
#2 Double-Hung Windows. Double-hung windows are versatile enough to complement almost every architectural style in our area. With two operable sash that move up and down, you have greater opportunities to control airflow patterns. Double-hung windows fitted with ENERGY STAR certified glass options offer exceptional energy-efficiency and decorative solutions to help you improve the curb appeal that also helps you control your energy budget.
Popular grille patterns let you create contemporary or traditional aesthetics, but double-hung windows also look beautiful without grilles and accessories. Two styles of check rails and custom sizes for the top and bottom sash allow you to create both traditional and contemporary visual appeal.
#3 Glider (Sliding) Replacement Windows. Where casement windows tend to create challenges for traffic patterns and furniture placement on patios and decks, sliding windows provide a perfect solution for these areas.
Sliding windows are a good choice when you want plenty of ventilation, but you don’t want to sacrifice floor space or limit your interior decorating options. Since this style typically has the narrowest frame, you gain a large viewing area and save space at the same time.
Like our other styles, you can choose custom options like adding grilles and paintable interiors that let you change colors to match your decorating scheme.
#4 Awning and Hopper Replacement Windows. Awning and hopper windows offer similar safety and convenience features as casement windows because they work well in hard to reach spaces. They close tightly against the elements with a single handle.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward – forming a protective “umbrella” that lets you circulate air even when it’s raining outside. Hoppers hinge at the bottom and fold inward. Both styles are good choices for windows placed higher on the wall and in basements, garages and small areas where you want to add extra light, but may have limited space.
Both styles are typically wider than they are tall, are super easy to clean and look great installed above other window styles.
In Part Two of our Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey series about replacement window styles we promised to give you more information about our line of patio doors, specialty window options and our accessories.
The custom options you choose when building your new replacement windows give you opportunities to enhance your home’s curb appeal, improve its energy-efficiency and make your indoor spaces more comfortable and functional for your entire family.
As promised, we’ll start by telling you about our patio doors.
Our patio door lineup includes three basic styles:
Within those three basic styles you have the freedom to customize your entrances to accomplish your decorating goals from understated to dramatic. Choose one of our four standard grille patterns or design your own with help from our professional replacement window design team. Multiple configurations let you decide whether you want stationary center panels or side panels that glide toward the center. Visit our Inspiration Gallery for samples of unique configurations to make your home more beautiful and functional.
All of our replacement windows and patio doors are engineered with you and your family in mind. Innovative technology and design features enhance comfort, convenience and control.
Along with standard square and rectangular window styles, we offer a line of unique geometric shapes to help you enhance your home’s appearance. From trapezoid to quarter-circles, our line of specialty windows lets you bathe your home with natural light in non-traditional packages.
Thank you for visiting and reading our style guide. If you still have questions, it would be our pleasure to provide you with answers about your home improvement project. You can get more information about our line of replacement windows and patio doors by calling our toll-free number, (866) 609-5033, to arrange for a personal consultation or you can fill in the short form on this page and we’ll get right back to you.
