AWNING STYLE WINDOWS

These types of windows are hinged at the top and push out from the bottom, providing some rain protection when open. They can be used in most situations and can be installed above, below or alongside a stationary (picture window designed for optimum view or an accent window) or an operating type of window.

A couple of advantages to awning style windows are:

• Good Ventilation: Awning windows can be installed higher in walls than many other types of windows. When installed high, awning windows can provide natural light and ventilation, without compromising privacy. High placement also allows for maximum wall space for design aspects such as furniture placement.
   
• Weather-tight construction: Awning windows can protect your home against moisture, even when they are open during a downpour. Due to the the way awning windows are constructed, they allow for nearly 100 percent of viable ventilation, without the threat of water seeping into the home.

On the downside, they are not recommended for windows that open on to a deck or walkway.

CASEMENT STYLE WINDOWS

Casement windows are another very popular window selection. These windows open using a cranking mechanism similar to awning windows, however, they are hinged on the side instead of the top.

Casement windows provide an unobstructed view of outside while still allowing for good ventilation.

A few downsides to casement windows are:

• Space is required on the outside for them to open fully.
   
• larger casement windows in a windy area tend to catch the wind. This places a starin on the hinges and can eventually end up twisting out of shape a little, which makes the window difficult to crank open and close.
   
• The weight of the glass on very large casement windows can also be heavy enough to bend the hinges out of shape. This is why small to medium sized openings are generally a much better fit for this type of window.

BIFOLD STYLE WINDOWS

Bifold windows are mounted on tracks at the top of the window and consist of two or more panels with hinges.

Typically they are configured with two pairs of joined panels. One pair of panels moves to the left and another pair of panels moves to the right. Depending on how wide an area the window covers, they can be designed as one pair or multiple pairs.

A couple of advantages to bifold windows are:
 

• As they open to the side they provide panoramic views – typically out of a kitchen.
   
• They do not need clearance similar to a casement window. 
   
• They can be opened to twice the width of a standard sliding window that moves to the side.
   
• They allow maximum ventilation and sunlight to enter a room. This is a great advantage in an open floor plan.

SLIDING STYLE WINDOWS

Depending on your lighting and ventilation design requirements, sliding windows, also known as ‘sliders’, could be an alternative to bifold style windows.

Sliding and stacking windows open by sliding horizontally along the window frame. They are similar to double-hung windows, but open side to side instead of up and down. These windows are often used to frame a view or brighten a room.

This style of windows provide a few advantages when it comes to both the aesthetics and the safety of your home:

Sliding windows are typically shorter and wider by design. This means that they are situated a little higher on the wall, allowing furniture to be placed under the window or alternatively installed similarly to a bifold window to provide a view from the kitchen.

LOUVRE STYLE WINDOWS

When mixing style and practicality, louvre windows offer good ventilation control. The amount of airflow entering the building from a louvre window can be controlled either manually or remotely. Open them up fully to make the most of a cool summer breeze or partially to maintain ventilation and help prevent condensation.

Automated louvres can be connected to a home automation system to help control the performance of the building based on current weather conditions and the time of day.

Louvres can also be installed on internal walls to further assist with natural airflow throughout the home. Using solid blade options, internal louvres function as walls when in the fully closed position, and create the feeling of spaciousness and more natural light when partially or fully open.

It is also important that your louvre windows seal tight in the closed position to ensure wind and rain are excluded in bad weather conditions. This is a critical requirement to look for when choosing which louvres to install. The sealing performance is measured as a Pascal rating.

SKYLIGHT STYLE WINDOWS

If you are looking to introduce more natural light into your home, installing a skylight is an option. A skylight is essentially a window in your roof, which admits light, and which can also act as ventilation. Ventilated versions can be automated or manually controlled.

Skylights are ideal for rooms that are not well lit with natural light. For example, bathrooms and kitchens often only have limited access to window light. Installing a skylight in this type of space will help balance the light in the room, reducing glare and transforming it into a lighter, brighter space.

Tip:There are advantages and disadvantages that come with installation of skylights:

1. Advantages
   • They provide more natural light in a room and heat the room with zero electricity costs (for a fixed skylight).
      
   • As homes continue to be built closer to one another the balance of providing sufficient natural light and privacy has become an issue. A Skylight would provide light from above into a room where privacy and light is important.
      
2. Disadvantages
   • Skylights tend to let in more sunlight than any other types of natural light systems, which can be beneficial in some situations, however, you may not like it when it makes your room uncomfortably hot.
      
   • Skylights are installed on the ceilings of rooms, which makes them more difficult to clean when compared to traditional windows.