Windows and Doors

Besides providing necessary functional elements to your modern home – from dampening noise pollution to valuable heat insulation – doors and windows are absolutely more than just fancy pieces of wood, glass and metal. They are also superb components to give your abode a sophisticated overall face-lift in a jiffy that will surely impress even the most meticulous renovating enthusiast.

On the other hand, getting hold of these fundamental home accessories doesn’t only involve knowing the right shape, color, material or design that you like. Apart from scoring points in the looks department, a sufficient know-how of what options to go for and what models best suit the type of remodeling project you’re in must be highly considered as well. And since doors and windows can be a costly investment, knowing your cards right can be a real budget-saver, too.

Need a bit of help with your door and window expertise? The following list covers all the basic information you need to know to make your next remodeling endeavor involving these superb home add-ons a definite success:

EXTERIOR DOORS

Typically made to be tougher than most door variants for security and temperature purposes, exterior doors are generally characterized as efficient sound reducers and weather protectors. Apart from being the most popular choices when mounting main entry doorways, these pieces of remodeling equipment are also embellished with numerous distinct details like moldings, casements and panels to make them as aesthetically-fascinating as possible.

INTERIOR DOORS

Primarily designated to apportion space and privacy within a home, interior doors are much lighter and simpler than their exterior counterparts. Designed to allow and encourage continuous air circulation, they are also commonly installed at least half an inch off the floor to collaborate uniformly with central heating and cooling systems. Not to be outdone in terms of variety and style, interior doors come in paneled, flush and louvered selections.

PATIO/GARDEN DOORS

While mirrors are used to create the illusion of space within a given room, patio/garden doors, in turn, are utilized to make lawns, front yards and decks appear larger than they really are without compromising style and accessibility. Built to withstand harsh weather conditions and severe temperatures, these elegant doors also come with secure locking systems and reliable waterproof sealing to raise the bar on usability and durability.

STORM DOORS

Basically used to reinforce exterior doors during the occurrence of heavy rains, severe winds and similar conditions, storm doors are built to take on any gale or blizzard coming its way, hence the name. Although the term storm door may sound a bit peculiar, these weather protection devices are very much favored by avant-garde remodelers for their enhanced security, ventilation and insulation features particularly during summer and winter.

CASEMENT WINDOWS

Vertically-hinged for maximum swinging movement, casement windows are normally used to catch direct and side breezes to provide constant air circulation within a room. Since they can easily move back and forth with a single turn of a crank, they are commonly installed in areas where windows ought to open or close effortlessly such as kitchens and washing areas. Casement windows can have a lifespan of as much as 20 years if maintained properly.

AWNING WINDOWS

Awning windows are customarily used to concentrate light into a room without having to compromise privacy and solitude. Horizontally-hinged to directly catch the flow of air, these window variants can be installed almost anywhere within a home like patios, bedrooms, living rooms and study dens to instantly create a wall of light and fresh air. Some remodelers even arrange these in stylistic columns for added eye candy.

FIXED WINDOWS

Usually added as accents, fixed windows are set permanently into their places as tasteful focal points. Aside from living rooms and kitchens, they can also be installed in hallways and libraries as natural light sources. Although they are immovable, fixed windows are commonly adorned with elegant details like stained glass, intricate metalwork and ornamental wood carvings that truly make these home accessories a renovating must-have.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

If you’re looking for excellent ventilation, trouble-free access and a gracefully distinctive style rolled into one window model, then the double hung variant is definitely for you. Composed of two separate sashes that slide up and down, these innovative windows can be practically installed anywhere around the house. Likewise, double hung windows are typically mounted on kitchens, bedrooms as well as offices and dens.

BAY WINDOWS

If you’re a stickler for multi-angle scenery and cozy indoor atmosphere, you ought to have bay windows installed in your abode. Typically consisting of three separate window sections that give you an extensive 180-degree perspective from the inside, these charming remodeling accessories also have a distinctive design that makes them notable eye candies from the outside as well.

PICTURE WINDOWS

Although popularly believed to be strictly for ranch-type residences only, renovating aficionados are known to regularly turn to picture windows to elegantly emphasize stunning landscapes and environmental backdrops. Since they do not possess air ventilating properties of their own, picture windows are commonly bordered with awning and double hung variants to make the best combination of light and breeze.

HOPPER WINDOWS

Also commonly referred to as basement windows, hopper windows are quite physically similar to the casement varieties yet positioned in a different angle. Popular as an excellent ventilation source, their corresponding panes tilt inward to maximize the entry of refreshing gusts of air while lowering the overall temperature to a comfortable level. Hopper windows are generally mounted on basements, attics and similar places where aeration is a priority.

JALOUSIE WINDOWS

Getting the best ventilation and light control with a single flip of a crank is as easy as pie with jalousie windows. Characterized by their distinct overlapping glass slats lined up in a horizontal fashion, these timelessly elegant home add-ons will easily suit every residential style without a fuss all year round. Whether you’re keeping the rain out or soaking up the breeze, jalousie windows are definitely one of the most versatile of their kind.

ROOF WINDOWS

Getting eco-friendly doesn’t mean crimping up on innovative remodeling ideas. Roof windows, also called as skylights, are the finest examples of going green without ultimately going passé in terms of modern renovating standards. Apart from slashing a considerable amount of your monthly electric bill while allowing the maximum amount of natural light, these aesthetic home furnishings will truly add a touch of class and finesse to your abode instantly.