Windows

Arched windows have a top that is in an arch, or half-circle, and the bottom half of the window is typically a rectangular shape. Many homeowners like to use arched windows to add softness to a room or for a contracting effect. They are very popular windows in the Kansas City area.

A bay window is typically made of three windows that include one picture window with two smaller side windows. This style of window protrudes from the exterior of the house, allowing more floor space to the interior.

Similar to a bay window. The main difference is the number of windows used to create a bow window, typically four or five. A bow window also more curved than a bay window, creating a more rounded appearance. The cost of bow windows is higher than bay windows due to the extra windows and a more complex installation process.

If you love to grow plants, a garden window is a great addition to your home. Garden windows come with shelves and side ventilation that are perfect for growing house plants and herbs.

As the name suggests, a single pane window features a single pane of glass. This type of window serves to stop the wind but does little to stop exterior temperatures, both cold and hot, from entering your home. Benefit: purchase price.

Double pane windows, also known as thermopane windows, feature two panes of glass. This type of window adds a layer of energy efficiency by providing additional insulation, not only from outside temperatures but they also decrease noise. Double pane windows can reduce your heat loss up to 50%. Benefits: Up to 50% heat loss reduction, costs less than triple pane windows.

Triple pane thermal windows are the most energy efficient windows available. They have three panes of glass which make them not only energy efficient but safer, extremely durable and long lasting. Homeowners choose triple pane windows over double pane windows due to the significant increase in performance. There is approximately a 20%-30% improvement in triple pane windows energy ratings. Benefits: Long lasting, durable, safer, high energy efficiency.

Aluminum windows have a number of benefits, such as being lightweight, strong, and almost maintenance free. Aluminum window frames are also one of the least expensive window frames which is a great benefit. They are best suited for very mild and temperate climates. Aluminum conducts heat and cold very quickly, making it a very poor insulator and negating any energy efficiency you may gain with double or triple pane windows.

Fiberglass is a synthetic option for window frames that is growing in popularity. This option is extremely durable and looks good both on the inside and outside of your home. They come in a wide variety of colors so that you can match them to the design of your home. Fiberglass windows also offer the benefit of being very low maintenance. Fiberglass is one of the strongest materials available for window frames and offer a great level of insulation, much higher than that of aluminum. Fiberglass windows have an air space that can be filled with insulation, greatly increasing their thermal performance. One of the main downsides to fiberglass windows is the cost; they can be one of the more expensive window frame options.

Current window trends show vinyl window frames being one of the most popular choices for business and homeowners. They come in a wide variety of colors and are treated to stand up to damaging UV rays. It is a very durable material with almost no maintenance required. While vinyl windows cannot be painted, this actually adds to the low maintenance aspect. Vinyl window frames have a very high insulation level. Like fiberglass frames, they also have areas that can be filled with insulation, which makes them one of the best window frame options with the highest thermal capabilities. They are also a relatively inexpensive option for window frames, which increases the appeal to homeowners when they are choosing new or replacement windows.

Wood frame windows have been around for ages and they certainly still have a place in modern day when discussing window frame material options. Wood is a natural material that adds a level of warmth and charm to a home that is hard to replicate with man-made products. Wood windows do have a good level of insulation, definitely better than that of aluminum. While wood frames are highly customizable with not only paint but also stain options, they are a window frame choice that requires a lot of upkeep. Some downsides to using wood window frames includes the fact that wood expands and contracts due to weather conditions, the amount of upkeep needed, and their response to the elements. It is not as durable as some other options, water can cause rotting over time, and sunlight or heat can cause unattractive cracks. If you choose a higher quality wood for your wood window frames they can be a very expensive option.

Wood-clad windows combine the benefits of wood window frames along with whatever man-made material you choose to go with, aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl. The interior window frames are comprised of wood and the exterior portion of the frame is covered with aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl. On the interior of your home, you get the benefit of the warm feel of wood and all the benefits that go with wood frame windows. By cladding the exterior of the frame with aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl, you get all the benefits of those materials on the exterior; they are low maintenance, offer superior insulation than wood alone, and highly durable as they are not prone to warping, rotting, cracking, or expansion and contraction like wood frames.

Composite window frames are made from composite wood materials, such as particleboard or laminated strand lumber. Composite windows offer a lot of the same benefits as wood window frames. Generally the composite frames actually have better thermal protection that regular wood frames and they are more resistant to water damage and decay. They also are a less expensive option than natural wood frames.