What Kind of Windows Are Right for Your Naperville Home?

Are you in need of replacement windows for your Naperville home?

There’s more to consider than you might think when it comes to installing windows. Even if you’re just replacing an original window that broke or wasn’t energy efficient enough, you may find that it’s time to update the style of your window. The technology of energy-efficient windows may have changed since your last installation. Your own tastes may have changed since that time. To stay up-to-date on all your options, here’s a guide to finding the right style, glass, and frame of windows to best suit your home:

First, let’s talk style.

There are several different styles of windows and each can serve your home in different ways. The windows you probably see most often are double-hung windows. Double-hung windows are tall, vertical windows that open both at the top and bottom. The strength of these windows is in their classic look and their thorough ventilation. This is also an excellent window if you have a window unit air conditioner. Simply push the bottom half of the window up and sit the AC between the ledge and the top half of the window.

Sliding windows, on the other hand, are horizontal and more modern. They can be a handy way to save money and energy by shedding enough light for two windows. Sliding windows are some of the easiest windows to maintain because of their minimal design, and the sliding function makes it more durable than windows that rely on pulleys that eventually break down.

Casement windows open outward from the side, much like opening opening a door. They are extremely easy to open and close and open to a full 90 degrees so that you can get the most of the fresh outside air on a nice day. They’re tall and slender.

Awning windows are so named because they open outward from the bottom in the shape of an awning. This style of opening allows you to ventilate your home without having to worry about any adverse weather affects from storms getting in. Awning windows are best positioned high on the wall and used to “daylight” the room as a way of saving energy.

Picture windows aren’t meant to be open. They’re fixed windows, meant to fill your room with natural light and give the room a good view of the outside. If your home faces a pretty view of a courtyard or just a lovely street view, a picture window might be right for you.

Bow windows, bay windows, and garden windows all bulge outward but in different ways. Bow windows use several panes to create a wide arc. A bow window provides an excellent space for cushioned seating or a relaxing breakfast nook. Bay windows have a similar arc, but on a smaller scale. Bow windows typically only use three panes instead of the five that bow windows use. Garden windows are square rather than arced and are often used as a place to store plants, hence the name. The arced top allows the plants to receive plenty of sunlight and proper ventilation. Any of these windows would be a great improvement on a small room that needs to look larger.

We also provide specialty windows for a more customized look. What’s your home’s style?

What’s in a Pane?

The right glass pane for your windows affects so much more than just the view outside. How much heat your window conducts is essential to your home’s energy efficiency. A bad window glass can make your home hot and stifling in the summer and cold and drafty in the winter. A good window pane should fill your room with natural light while saving you money on your energy and HVAC bills.

Low-e glass is one of the most popular options out there today. The “e” stands for emissivity, or the ability to radiate energy. Rather than absorbing heat and conducting it into your home, low-e glass contains a coating on the inside pane of the glass that helps to reflect heat. This adds insulation to your window so that it keeps unwanted heat out in the summer and drafty chill out in the winter. Low-e glass can be on the slightly more expensive side, but it makes up for the cost by saving you money on your energy bills throughout the year.

Another increasingly desirable option is vinyl windows. They’re also the most affordable window pane. Vinyl windows, made of polyvinyl chloride, have a high thermal resistance. They’ll keep your home cool even on the hottest days, and they’ll keep the cold out when winter comes along. Vinyl windows are incredibly durable, holding up even through extreme weather, and they require almost no maintenance, which is a plus for the busy homeowner.

It All Depends on How You Frame It

Finally, there are a few different frame options. The frame of your windows are important to the style of your home as well as the insulation. If you’re having a window replaced and decide to change the style, you’ll need new frames, as well. These are the three most common materials:

Wood. Wood frames are classic and stylish. They fit right in with the theme of more traditional houses and add a rustic complement to more modern architecture. However, wood can be difficult to maintain. Without a careful finish, wood can suffer under extreme weather. It’s also more expensive than most window frame options available. If you don’t mind going the artificial route, there are faux wood frames that are more affordable than real wood and easier to maintain.

Fiberglass. Fiberglass frames are the toughest window frames on the market, and they have a sleek, stylish look to them as well. They have good thermal performance, making them energy efficient and will provide an even temperature inside your home. These frames are easy to maintain and they won’t need to be replaced any time soon, so this is another option for homeowners who don’t have much time to spend on home improvement.

Vinyl. Vinyl is the most affordable option, and like their window pane counterparts, they have high thermal resistance and are exceptionally energy efficient. White vinyl window frames are versatile enough to suit any style for a fraction of the cost of some of their competitors. However, vinyl can’t be painted, so if you want a little color, you’ll have to buy colored frames. Vinyl is more easily damaged than the other options, and some homeowners complain that it looks too cheap and plastic.

Style, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, ventilation–these are just a few things to consider when searching replacement windows in Naperville, IL. Fortunately, at The Door Store, we’re experts on the subject. Take a look at some of the trusted window brands we offer. If you like what you see, contact us for a free estimate.