Types of windows
As a colleague who installs carpentry tells me; there are as many types of windows as designs and options you can think you need for the home, that’s the reality!
Do you want to install a window? Well, at a minimum, you should know what options and types the market offers us before choosing between Vinyl, aluminum, or wood.
Types of windows by material
Here we are not going to discover anything new, and we will mainly find carpentry of wood, aluminum, and Vinyl (PVC).
- Wooden windows: Wooden windows offer warmth, elegance, and good sound insulation.
- Aluminum windows: Aluminum windows are lightweight and durable. They require little maintenance. They offer a modern and minimalist design. They are perfect for contemporary styles.
- PVC windows: PVC windows are efficient. They insulate from noise and temperature. PVC is resistant to moisture. Ideal for coastal or humid areas.
In the following table, you can see a simple comparison between the different window materials:
| Window material | Appearance | Resistance | Thermal insulation | Price | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Visual and tactile warmth, natural look | Vulnerable to moisture and temperature changes | Good natural insulator | High | Requires regular maintenance (moisture, cracks, insects) |
| Aluminum | Clean finish, thin profiles | Very weather-resistant | Needs thermal break to insulate well | Medium-High | Low |
| PVC (Vinyl) | Less attractive appearance, plastic | Very resistant to moisture | Good insulator, better than aluminum without thermal break | Medium | No maintenance required |
🟧 We have a more detailed article where we compare PVC, aluminum, and wood windows.
To improve the qualities of the materials, they are even mixed with each other. For example, aluminum profiles are internally added with PVC (thermal break) to improve their thermal insulation and save energy. The combinations can be:
- Window with aluminum and PVC profiles
- Window with aluminum and aluminum profiles
- Window with wood and PVC profiles
- Window with wood and aluminum profiles
Types of windows by opening
Although we now talk about the standard types of windows, we have to think that we can combine different types of opening in the same window (custom windows).
- Sliding window ➡️ Consists of panels that slide horizontally on tracks. Saves space, as it does not require outward opening.
- Ideal for: Ideal for small spaces and with mosquito nets or exterior bars.
- Sash window ➡️ Panels that move vertically. Takes up little space.
- Ideal for: Small or narrow spaces that require cross ventilation.
- Vertical pivot window ➡️ Panels that open completely inward or outward.
- Ideal for: Spaces clear of furniture and in large areas.
- Awning window ➡️ Panels that rotate on their lower horizontal axis inward.
- Ideal for: Bathrooms, garages, or very small spaces.
- Tilt and turn and pivot window ➡️ Combines side opening and top tilt opening. Within this category are pivot windows with a movable central opening.
- Ideal for: Spaces that require versatility of use.
- Folding or accordion window ➡️ Composed of several panels that fold like an accordion, leaving the opening almost 100% free.
- Ideal for: Terraces or spaces with large windows.
- Fixed pane window ➡️ Does not open, only serves to provide lighting and views.
- Ideal for: Ideal for generating natural light in large windows.
The more complex the opening, the more expensive its manufacturing and sale will be, be careful!
| Type of window by opening | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding | Saves space, ideal for areas with nearby furniture, good level of airtightness. | Limited opening to 50%, the fixed part cannot be opened. |
| Sash | Good airtightness, allows cross ventilation. | Requires safety lock, cleaning can be more complex. |
| Casement | Allows 100% ventilation, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. | Requires additional space to open, may interfere with nearby furniture. |
| Awning | Ideal for small spaces, allows ventilation without risk of falling. | Does not allow 100% ventilation, limited opening. |
| Tilt and turn | Versatile opening, allows partial ventilation without compromising security, easy to clean from the inside. | Requires extra space to open in casement mode, reduction of glazed surface due to frame size. |
| Folding or accordion | Allows full opening, takes up little space when folded, ideal for large openings. | More complex system, can be more expensive. |
| Fixed pane | Greater tightness, high thermal performance, optimizes natural light entry. | Does not allow ventilation. |
Types of windows by glazing
Although we may not realize it, the type of glass in a window greatly influences thermal and acoustic insulation… What types of glass are marketed in windows?
- Windows with monolithic glass: These windows have a single pane. They are simple and economical.
- Windows with laminated glass: They have two or more glass sheets bonded together. They offer greater security. Reduce the risk of breakage. Improve acoustic insulation.
- Windows with insulated glass: Known as double glazing or triple. Improve thermal insulation. Reduce heat loss. Increase energy efficiency.
The minimum you should buy is a window with double glazing for both insulation and noise reduction
| Type of glass | Thickness | Insulating capacity | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single glass | 2-6 mm | Very low insulation | Economical windows, low energy efficiency |
| Double glass | 2 layers | Good thermal insulation and condensation reduction | Standard option in modern homes |
| Triple glass | 3 layers | Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation | Ideal for places with extreme weather conditions |
Insulated glass allows for multiple layers that provide functionalities: security, solar control, low emissivity, etc. For example:
- Tempered glass: Tempered glass is more resistant. Increases home security. In case of breakage, it fragments into small pieces. Reduces the risk of injury.
- Frosted glass: Offers privacy without losing brightness. Ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms. Adds a touch of elegance. Diffuses light softly.
- Low emissivity glass: Reduces heat loss. Improves energy efficiency. There are three types:
- Basic model: Standard insulation.
- Low emissivity model: Greater thermal efficiency.
- Low emissivity model with solar control: Like the previous one, but also blocks external heat.
Types of windows by shape
Windows adapt to different architectural shapes and needs we may have according to the wall of the house:
- Rectangular windows: The most common, versatile, and economical in terms of shape.
- Circular windows: Add a distinctive and elegant touch. Their prices are high.
- Arched and curved windows: Ideal for classic and colonial styles.
- Oblique windows: Usually used under roofs and angular architectural spaces.
The more complex the shape of the carpentry, the more expensive its manufacturing and sale will be, be careful with choosing strange shapes in windows!
To all this, we must add the type of panes a window can have; from one, two, three, four, and many more if we talk about large folding windows.
Types of windows for roofs
The windows installed on roofs could be classified within a range of special carpentry since their installation requires specialized labor.
Practically every manufacturer has its own types and fittings together. An example of different shapes is shown in the following image:
🟧 Note: We can find windows with special capabilities, for example, the folding balcony windows that are automated, or the solar windows with photovoltaic panels that are becoming more economical.
So… What window should I buy?
What window is best for your home?
First, in my opinion, these are the three types of windows you should buy – at a minimum – depending on the material you choose:
| Type of window | Ideal application | Highlighted features |
|---|---|---|
| Triple glass with wooden frames | Exclusive homes, not very humid | High aesthetic quality, excellent insulation, but high cost and maintenance |
| Double glass with aluminum frames with thermal break | Main homes | Good quality-price ratio, durable, good thermal insulation |
| Double glass with PVC frames | Main homes and second residences | More economical than the previous ones, no maintenance required, good thermal insulation |
🟧 Note: Aluminum windows must always have a “thermal break,” that is, there is an insulating barrier inside, which will usually be Vinyl.
In choosing the window, there is no single option for each situation and home, but they must have double glass, remember!
Now, you have to consider the following questions that we answer:
- What type of windows offer a more contemporary design? Aluminum, the finishes are much finer and more detailed.
- What is the ideal material for manufacturing large windows? Aluminum, because the frame is lighter and has less deformation. Vinyl needs reinforcement as does wood.
- Which windows allow maximizing the entry of natural light? Aluminum, because the frame is narrower for the same size.
- What type of openings require the least maintenance and have greater durability? The single-pane (The traditional window)
- What is the material that provides the best combination of quality and price? It’s between Aluminum and Vinyl. Wood, good windows are expensive.
- Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? If yes, you need glazing with double hermetic glass (DGH).
- Will the window receive a lot of sun? If yes, you need the glass to be low emissivity with solar control. It significantly reduces the heat entering the house due to the sun.
- Do you live in a very cold area? You should opt for wooden or Vinyl windows, they are the best insulators against the cold.
- Do you have doubts between two windows? You should look at the energy label to see which one has the highest rating to save energy.
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