How to choose the right window style for your home in Kansas City
Many homeowners replace their windows to get better energy efficiency through modern upgrades, and that’s certainly a valid reason. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also consider your window replacement project as an opportunity to change one or more window styles to better reflect your personal tastes or solve a functional issue.
For example, do you have to lean way over your kitchen sink and struggle to open the double-hung window there whenever you want to air out the room? Maybe a different type of replacement window that’s easier to open would be a better choice. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a beautiful bay window to create both an interior and exterior focal point for your home.
If you’re in the Kansas City area, you can turn to the window replacement experts at Kent Mohler Exteriors (KME) for guidance on which replacement window styles would best meet your needs and suit your preferences. In the meantime, read our guide to window styles below to learn what factors you should consider during your upcoming window replacement project:
Types of Window Styles Explained
For the purpose of describing styles, windows can be categorized by whether they open and close for ventilation or remain in a fixed — or stationary — position.
Windows that open and close can be classified as either gliding or hinged.
Gliding windows open and close by moving glass panels (sashes) along a track. These windows may open vertically, as with double-hung window sashes that move up and down. Or they may operate horizontally, as with sliding window sashes that move from side to side.
Hinged windows can swing open like a door, in a style known as casement windows. Or the hinges can be mounted at the top to swing outward, as with awning windows, or at the bottom to swing inward, as with hopper windows.
Within each window style categories are a variety of options. For instance, a fixed window can feature an expansive piece of glass in a rectangular-shaped frame — typically referred to as a picture window — or it can be a half-round or circle top window that’s installed above a front door. A single-hung window has a bottom sash that glides up and down, plus a top sash that stays stationary.
What to Consider When Selecting Window Styles
As you may have guessed, one of the first factors to consider is whether you need an operable window to provide ventilation and an escape route in case of fire. If not, and your priority is a view of the outdoors or an opening for natural light to enter your home, you may wish to consider a fixed window.
Architectural Features
When choosing windows for your home, you’ll want to aim for a balanced, well-coordinated aesthetic that blends with your home’s architectural design. For example, a minimalist home style might be enhanced by the clean lines of a casement window without grids.
Window Opening Size and Shape
The size and shape of your existing window openings can affect your options for window style. Double-hung windows and casement windows, for instance, work better in openings that are taller than they are wide. Conversely, horizontally sliding windows require a window opening that’s wider than it is tall.
Window Placement and Functionality
Your choice of window style is likely to be influenced by the location of the window, such as whether it’s placed near the peak of a cathedral ceiling or it opens at ground level near the top of your basement wall. Difficult-to-reach windows are often picture windows that may have a special geometrical shape. They are designed to allow natural light to flow into the home as well as add a touch of visual pizzazz to your home design.
On the other hand, if you want basement windows that can provide ventilation even during a light rain, you might consider awning windows. Hinged at the top, awning windows can remain open while allowing rain and falling leaves to slide off without invading your home.
Learn More About the Best Window Styles for Your Kansas City Home
If you’re planning to replace the windows of your home in the Kansas City area and you’d like to learn more about your options, the pros at KME are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation so one of our window installation experts can evaluate your space and provide you with a professional opinion about your window style options.
