Do you know your Casement Window from your Vertical Slider?

When it comes to replacing our worn-out windows, we’re often unaware of the vast variety of styles available to us

When it comes to replacing our worn-out windows, we’re often unaware of the vast variety of styles available to us. Yes, we see the option to choose Anthracite grey frames, but do we ever consider a complete change of style to what was there previously? Do we look at other colour choices and feel free to express our own taste? Or do we feel compelled to stay in keeping with the neighbours or age and design of the house?

Replacing your windows is such a big and long term purchase it can feel a little overwhelming to get it right. Let’s walk your through some style and colour options…

Casement Windows

Casement Windows are the most common type – you’ll see them in a lot of different house types from a terraced house, to a1960s semi, to a modern new build. They open on a hinge outwards from the top, the side or can be fixed in place. A simple and timeless style, Casement Windows tend to be the most cost-effective option. They are extremely easy to use and maintain and will help you save money on your energy bills.

Vertical Slider (Sash Windows)

Vertical Slider or Sash Windows are a typical feature of traditional Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian houses. Thanks to their distinctive design they have become a big part of our architectural heritage, but they are still installed today using modern and highly efficient materials such as uPVC. These windows don’t open on a hinge, they are usually made up of two sashes that slide up and down, one in front and one behind.

This dual opening function enables you to create a cooling convection flow which is ideal in summer. The lack of hinges also means you don’t have to worry about a gust of wind slamming the window shut or if you don’t want a window that opens directly into a street. Increased ventilation will not only improve your comfort, but also helps to improve the quality of the air in your home. Although this style of window has a traditional charm, its classic and elegant appearance also suits modern houses too.

FlushSash Windows

A FlushSash Window is a type of Casement Window but the sashes (or opening sections of the window) sit flush with its outer frame, so are in line with the face of the window, rather than standing proud. This means there’s no visible lip when looking at your window from the outside.

The result is a clean, modern and stylish appearance. FlushSash Windows are very popular with older and newer properties. Traditional homes may choose a natural woodgrain appearance where modern homes may opt for an Anthracite grey finish.

Tilt & Turn Windows

Tilt & Turn Windows are often used in apartments, or when there’s a requirement for cleaning to be carried out from the inside of the building. With a distinctive opening mechanism, they are opened by a quarter turn of the handle allowing secure ventilation at the top with a further quarter turn allowing the window to fully open inwards. The tilted opening gives a smaller opening for ventilation and also has the added benefit of increased security and safety as no one can fit through the gap.

The flexibility of Tilt & Turn windows means that if you’d like to be able to open a window in a smaller room for ventilation, (such as the bathroom), you can do so without having a large window to swing back into the room.

Fully Reversible Windows

A Fully Reversible Window is ideal for multi-story properties such as apartment blocks. The 180-degree reversible opening mechanism pivots within the axis of the frame without protruding into the room to allow easy, safe and secure cleaning of the external glass from the inside, without the need to lean outside.

Bay and Bow Windows

A Bay Window is an arrangement of several sashes that project out from the main walls of a property to form a cove within the room that’s large enough to stand in. You often see this type of window proudly display a Christmas tree or window seat, (usually for the family pet!)

Bay windows look extremely stylish from the inside and outside and not only increase your view, but also the amount of light and fresh air into your home. Bay Windows create a sought-after selling point because of their external beauty while making a feature internally.

Bow Windows are curved, creating a rounded appearance on the outside of the home and feature more windows than a typical Bay Window. A Bow Window is a unit placed onto the exterior wall and doesn’t create an internal area that can be stood in.

Colour and Texture

It can feel that you only have a small selection of colour options when it comes to uPVC windows – white, wood effect or Anthracite grey, but in reality, you can choose from a lot more to suit your property and personal style. Each of the styles above can be finished in a range of beautiful colours and textures. You may opt for a light or warm grey option to complement the colour of your brickwork, or a muted green that mimics the look of traditional painted timber frames.

You can also choose a different colour for the inside and the outside of your windows. Grey windows can look stunning in an interior and frame a view beautifully. Cream or white woodgrain is also an elegant alternative to smooth white. For more tip on choosing colour, read Harriet’s blog post here.

Glazing

As if it wasn’t enough having to choose your window style and colour, now it’s time to look at the glazing. Double glazing is the most popular choice, but you may want to discuss triple glazing with your Independent Network installer if cold weather or noise is an issue for you.

You may want to add lead effect glazing to be in keeping with your neighbouring houses or add Georgian bars to achieve the look of classic timber.

Need more inspiration? Head to our social hub where you can find more blog posts and view our social media posts. Your chosen Independent Network installer will also be happy to talk you through your options. We would love to see your new windows after they’ve been fitted – please share them with us on one of our social channels…