7 New Construction Window Styles Explained
I know you’re already a bit overwhelmed with all the decisions for your new home build … and now it’s time to pick yet another big (and expensive) item that will directly affect the curb appeal of your home … your WINDOWS! Below is an in-depth overview of the two MOST popular window types (single-hung and double-hung), as well as a brief explanation of five other common new construction window styles used in many homes! I’ll also share what types of windows I have in MY home!
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing the best type(s) of windows for YOUR home!
NEW CONSTRUCTION WINDOWS VS. REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
Before going into an explanation of window types, it’s VERY important that you understand there is a difference between replacement windows and new construction windows!
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS are installed into a pre-existing window opening. They are measured to fit the existing window opening perfectly and are special ordered. Replacement windows are NOT used in new construction!
NEW CONSTRUCTION WINDOWS are designed for homes that are being constructed. These windows are NOT used in existing homes UNLESS the existing window is completely removed and the wall is stripped down to the studs. Sooo … you’ll be using new construction windows during your build!
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WINDOW TYPES?
Double hung and single hung windows are the TOP two choices when it comes to new construction homes! These two window types are nearly identical with the exception of ONE big aspect … on double-hung windows, both panels (top and bottom) are operational (slide up and down as well as tilt in); whereas only the bottom panel is operational (slides up and only bottom tilts in) on single-hung windows.
Other common window types include casement, picture, transom, slider, and bay.
DIAGRAM OF SINGLE HUNG VS DOUBLE HUNG
SINGLE HUNG WINDOWS
In single hung windows, only the bottom panel (aka, sash) moves (vertically up); the upper panel/sash does NOT move. Because the upper sash is stationary (= less moving parts), single hung windows are more energy efficient than double hung windows.
Single hung windows are less expensive to purchase and easier to install (which = less expensive) than double hung windows. Both types of windows can be customized with internal grills to complement your exterior design style … and both have nearly identical curb appeal!
Single hung windows are difficult to clean because the top sash doesn’t tilt open (as it does in double hung) … thus, you have to wash the exterior of the top window sash from outside your home. This poses a safety hazard when cleaning the outside of second-floor windows (eek!). Single hung windows also provide less ventilation and style choices as compared to double hung windows.
PROS:
less expensive than double hung (and nearly identical curb appeal)
no slippage problems since upper sash doesn’t move
more energy efficient
easier to install than double hung
CONS:
only opens from the bottom so less air circulation than double hung
more difficult to clean than double hung because have to clean outer upper sash from the exterior
DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS
Double hung windows are pretty much the go-to for new construction! Just like single hung windows, the sashes slide vertically up and down in the frame. The BONUS of a double hung window is that you can tilt and slide open the top AND bottom sashes (aka … panels).
Double hung windows offer better air circulation than single hung (bc you can open both top and bottom), can be customized with internal grills, come in more styles than single hung, and are easy to clean because both sashes tilt open which allows for easy cleaning from the inside of your home.
There are some downfalls to double hung windows … they are more expensive than single hung windows (both for the product and installation), they can be less energy efficient because the top sash is operational and therefore doesn’t have as tight of a seal, it can take some effort to pull down the top sash (I can attest to this one!), and sometimes the top sash can slide down (when you don’t want it to!) if not properly maintained.
PROS:
sashes open from both the top and the bottom which allows for great air circulation
many styles available (more choices than single hung)
easy to clean from inside your home
CONS:
more expensive than single hung windows
can have problems with slippage and therefore less energy efficient than single hung
can be difficult to open the top sash