Window Types for Western Springs, IL Homes
Choosing replacement windows isn’t only about selecting a material or glass package. How a window opens, how much ventilation it provides, the amount of glass it offers, and how it complements the architecture of the home are all important considerations.
Valdicass installs a wide range of Pella® window types in Western Springs, Illinois, including double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, sliding, picture, bay, bow, and specialty windows.
As a Pella Platinum Elite Certified Contractor, we can help you compare window styles and determine which configurations make sense for different areas of your home.
Choosing the Right Window Style
There isn’t one window style that’s right for every opening.
Before selecting a window, consider questions such as:
- Do you want the window to open for ventilation?
- How important is the view?
- Is there room for a sash to project outward?
- How easily can you reach the window?
- Do you want a traditional or more contemporary appearance?
- Are you replacing an existing window with the same style or considering a new configuration?
- Will the window be combined with other operating or fixed units?
It’s also common for a home to use several different window types based on the needs of individual rooms.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows feature two vertically arranged operable sashes.
Their proportions and operation make them a familiar choice for many traditional homes. Because both the upper and lower sash can operate, homeowners have flexibility when controlling ventilation.
Depending on the selected Pella product, available features can include tilt-in sashes for easier cleaning, grille patterns, different hardware finishes, screens, glass packages, and interior and exterior finish options.
Double-hung windows can be particularly useful when homeowners want to maintain a traditional window appearance while updating the product and performance of the existing windows.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows have two vertically arranged sashes, but typically only the lower sash operates while the upper sash remains fixed.
This provides the familiar appearance of a hung window with a simpler operating configuration.
Available sizes, materials, glass packages, colors, grilles, screens, and other features depend on the selected Pella product and configuration.
When considering hung windows, Valdicass can help you compare single-hung and double-hung options for your project.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are hinged at the side and open outward.
They provide a broad area of glass and substantial ventilation when opened. Because they typically operate with a handle or crank rather than requiring the sash to be lifted vertically, they can also be useful in locations where reaching a traditional hung window may be less convenient.
Casement windows can be installed individually or incorporated into larger combinations with fixed and other operating windows.
Their clean glass area can work with both traditional and more contemporary designs depending on the grille pattern, proportions, finishes, and surrounding architecture.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are generally hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom.
Their horizontal proportions make them useful in locations where a different shape or operating method is desired.
They can also be combined with larger fixed windows to introduce ventilation into a configuration with a substantial area of glass.
The appropriate location and configuration depend on the room, opening, exterior conditions, and selected Pella product.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows operate horizontally, with one or more sashes moving from side to side along the frame.
Because the sash doesn’t project outward when opened, sliding windows can be useful near patios, decks, walkways, and other areas where an outward-opening window might be less convenient.
Their broad proportions can also provide substantial natural light and views.
Depending on the selected product, homeowners may have choices for glass, screens, grilles, colors, and other design details.
Picture & Fixed Windows
Picture and fixed windows don’t open.
Without an operating sash, they offer a clean look and substantial glass area where ventilation isn’t needed.
They are often useful for highlighting a view or bringing more natural light into a room.
Fixed windows can also be combined with operating windows. For example, a larger fixed center window might be paired with casement windows to provide both expansive glass and ventilation.
Bay Windows
A bay window projects outward from the exterior wall and typically combines multiple window units at angles.
This configuration can add visual depth, increase glass area, and create an interior projection that becomes an architectural feature of the room.
Bay windows can incorporate fixed and operating units depending on the selected configuration.
Replacing or creating a bay window requires careful consideration of the existing opening, exterior integration, support, roofing or head conditions, and interior finishing.
Bow Windows
Bow windows also project beyond the exterior wall but generally use several window units arranged in a more gradual curve.
The result is a different appearance from the more angular configuration typically associated with a bay window.
Like bay windows, bow-window projects require additional planning because the complete assembly extends beyond the wall rather than remaining within a conventional flat opening.
Specialty-Shaped Windows
Not every opening needs to be rectangular.
Depending on the selected Pella product and project requirements, specialty-shaped and fixed windows can be used to introduce distinctive architectural elements.
These may be used individually or combined with conventional operating windows to create larger arrangements.
Product availability, dimensions, glass, grille patterns, and other options depend on the selected series and configuration.
Combining Different Window Types
Some of the most interesting window designs use more than one style.
Fixed windows can be paired with casements. Several windows can be combined to create a larger opening. Specialty shapes can be incorporated above or alongside conventional windows.
For homeowners planning a larger renovation, Valdicass can also evaluate whether an existing configuration should be maintained or changed.
Modifying the size or configuration of an opening may require additional framing, exterior finishing, interior trim, or other construction depending on existing conditions.
Wood, Fiberglass & Vinyl Windows
Window style is only one decision. The frame material is another.
Valdicass offers Pella windows across three primary material categories.
Wood Windows
Pella Reserve™ and Pella® Lifestyle Series provide wood-window options for homeowners who value the appearance of wood and different architectural and finish possibilities.
Fiberglass Windows
Pella® Impervia® provides fiberglass window options with a durable, low-maintenance frame material.
Vinyl Windows
Pella® 250 Series offers vinyl window options for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance replacement window.
Not every style, feature, or configuration is available in every product line, so the window material and operating style should be considered together.
Glass & Energy Performance
Window style can also be one factor in overall performance.
Operating windows require weatherstripping and moving components, while fixed windows do not have an operable sash. Different operating styles also use different methods of closing and sealing.
However, window style alone doesn’t determine energy performance.
Frame construction, insulating glass, Low-E coatings, weatherstripping, size, configuration, installation, and other factors all contribute to the performance of the complete window.
When comparing specific Pella configurations, ratings such as U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)can provide useful performance information.
Window Styles for Western Springs Homes
Western Springs includes homes with different architectural styles, ages, opening sizes, and renovation histories.
For some projects, maintaining the proportions and character of the existing windows is an important consideration. In others, homeowners want to change configurations, increase glass, add different operating styles, or update the home’s overall appearance.
Valdicass has completed window projects in Western Springs and can help homeowners evaluate those choices based on the actual property rather than simply selecting a style from a catalog.
Professional Pella Window Installation
The appropriate window type still needs the appropriate installation.
Valdicass provides both pocket and full-frame window replacement, depending on the project’s existing conditions and requirements.
Installation can include preparation of the opening, positioning and securing the window, insulation and sealing, adjustment, and applicable interior and exterior finishing.
Valdicass has served Chicagoland since 1997 and is a Pella Platinum Elite Certified Contractor.
Compare Window Types With Valdicass
Choosing between double-hung, casement, sliding, awning, fixed, bay, bow, and specialty windows doesn’t have to be based on appearance alone.
We can help you consider operation, ventilation, views, architecture, frame material, glass, maintenance, and installation requirements together.
Valdicass is located nearby in Brookfield and installs Pella replacement windows throughout Western Springs and surrounding communities.
Call Valdicass at 708-255-5231 to discuss the window options for your home.
