Windows

Windows today come in a variety of styles, colours and shapes.

Fixed Windows

These windows have a sash. From inside our outside this window will look like an operating casement. We usually recommend using this window when combining casements and other windows for a uniform look.

Picture Windows

A picture window has a very narrow frame and does not have a sash. You will notice that a picture beside a fixed or operating window will look set back and not be in line. Most window companies and builders will use this window instead of a fixed window primarily for cost reasons. Always ask if you are getting a picture or fixed window when you are comparing your quotes.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are very efficient and the harder the wind blows the tighter the seal usually gets.

This is a window, which by using a crank operates outwards left or right, and the screen is on the inside. Most now have multipoint locks, meaning that one handle locks the window top and bottom reducing the warping which is very common with single point locks. Most people cannot or do not latch the top lock which regularly causes the window to be difficult to operate over time. (One point to remember if you are in an area prone by spiders etc, the mechanisms will usually have webs and the likes gummed up around them and when you close the window all these little creatures will now be on the inside with you.) Casements are not always the easiest to clean depending on the size where you will have to squeeze your arm through to complete this task.

Sliders

These are by far some of the most commonly used windows around and come with a variety of options. Single and double lift out windows as well as single and double tilt windows.

Singles have ½ screen and either you lift out the one sash or tilt the one sash. The other sash is fixed. You must remove the screen and lean out to clean the fixed side.

Doubles have a full screen and both sashes either lift out or tilt in making it simple for cleaning.

Hung Windows

Again these are common and as above singles have ½ screens and one sash operates. Doubles have full screens and both sashes operate. Unlike sliders, operating sashes on these do no lift out they only tilt to allow for cleaning.

Glass Options

Over the years glass has become one of the largest items to change, improving the efficiency of the window, as we know it. Sealed units or insulated glass units are two panes of glass sealed together by a spacer.

Here's a Secret - There's no vacuum between the panes.

• Clear Glass - This is not a very popular glass today because it is not very efficient.
• Low E Glass - This is glass with a coating on it, which assists in keeping the heat out in summer and in, in the winter.
• Low E² Glass - This is the next generation of the previous and is again better than it's predecessor.
• Argon Gas - Argon is an inert gas, heavier than air and is placed between the panes of an insulated glass unit. Argon gas increases the R value of a sealed unit.
• Krypton Gas - Not to be confused with Superman, this gas is expensive and has extremely high insulating values. This gas is starting to be used, but not frequently because of the cost.
• Conserva Glass Plus - Please watch for this new exclusive product in our new window line in the near future. It'll be far superior to anything on the market today. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter.