What Different Types of Windows are There?
What would a house be without windows? Unimaginable, right? They play an enormously important role in the design of every building, both in the public and private sectors. But not all windows are the same. There are numerous different types that differ from one another in the type of opening mechanism, the location of installation and, last but not least, in appearance and price. The type of frame is also a distinguishing criterion, which we will not go into in detail in today's article. You can find all the information on the subject of windows here.
Window types: differences when opening
An important point when looking for the perfect window is the question of how it should open. There are various options, which we briefly list below:
- Fixed glazing: With fixed glazing, there is no way to open the windows. This type is suitable for use in places where you don't necessarily want to open the window or for windows that are difficult to access, for example in stairwells, in basements, right next to doors or on sloping roofs or as top and bottom lights.
- Turning windows: With turning windows, the window sash opens up to 90 degrees either to the left or to the right. It is important to pay attention to the opening direction.
- Tilt and turn window: The tilt and turn window is the most common window in this country. It can be opened to one side or tilted open.
- Tilt windows: Tilt windows can only be tilted at the top, not opened completely.
- Hinged windows: Hinged windows cannot be opened completely, but only on the lower side of the frame.
- Folding sliding windows: These are usually floor-to-ceiling patio windows that can be folded to one side via rails in the floor and ceiling.
- Pivot window: In the middle of the pivot window there is a horizontal axis of rotation, over which it can be swung by about 180 degrees. This type of window is primarily used on sloping roof surfaces.
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Window types: differences in installation location
In addition to the type of opening, the installation location is also an important feature for distinguishing window types. The different windows can be divided into three categories:
- Facade window: As the name suggests, this type of window is integrated into the facade. It is therefore the most common type of window.
- Roof windows: Here, too, the name says it all. Roof windows are used in the roof of a house, regardless of the type of roof (flat roof, gable roof, pent roof, etc.). A distinction is made between roof windows, skylights and dormer windows.
- Basement windows: As the name suggests, these are windows that are installed in the basement. They are usually smaller, simpler and often cannot be opened.
Window types: differences in appearance
Not only do the type of opening mechanism and the installation location play an important role when it comes to window types, but also differences in appearance. Some of the most common and popular windows are the following:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows: With this type of facade window, the glazing reaches all the way to the floor. They are often used on the ground floor next to patio doors, but increasingly also on the upper floor—then fitted with a fall protection system. Floor-to-ceiling windows are available with fixed glazing, as tilt/turn windows or with a sliding function. Depending on the size and features, these windows are available from $800.
- Panorama windows: Panorama windows are facade windows with a particularly large window area. These sometimes replace entire walls without any interruptions by cross or longitudinal struts and thus offer a particularly impressive view and light-flooded interiors. Panorama windows usually start at a price of around $2000.
- Round-arch windows: These are facade windows that have a round arch in the upper part. Due to their special design, they used to be very expensive and can therefore only be found in corresponding historical buildings. Today, they are only slightly more expensive than conventional facade windows and can be purchased for as little as $1,000.
- Lattice windows: Facade windows that are visually divided by real or fake lattice bars are called lattice windows. They create a particularly cosy atmosphere and usually cost from 800 euros upwards.
- Louvre windows: Louvre windows are one of the rarer window types. These consist of slats that can be opened individually. This means there is no risk of falling out. Prices here also start at $800.
- Sliding windows: Sliding windows that can be moved horizontally or vertically are quite expensive and are available from $1500.
- Roof windows: Roof windows offer the possibility of ventilating the interior and providing light through the roof. Depending on the size, you can expect to pay at least $1200 per window.
- Dormer windows: Dormer windows are also installed on the roof, but vertically in the dormer, not directly on the slope. This makes them cheaper to buy (from around $600).
- Triangular windows: Triangular windows have a special look and are also used in dormers or roof gables. They are a little more expensive due to their special shape. You should budget around $1000 per window.
- Basement windows: Basement windows are often smaller and have fixed glazing, which is why they tend to be on the lower end of the price range at around $400.
If you are currently looking for new windows and the corresponding specialist companies in this area, be sure to take a look at our list of experts on the topic.
