Choosing the right window

Wondering how to choose the right window for your home? With so many options, it can be hard to decide between vinyl, fiberglass, wood or aluminum.

The traditional window frame material is wood, because of its availability and ease of milling into the complex shapes required to make windows. Wood is favored in many residential applications because of its appearance and traditional place in house design. Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a very versatile plastic with good insulating value. Vinyl- and plastic window frames (translated to Dutch: kunststof kozijnen) do not require painting and have good moisture resistance. Fiberglass window frames are dimensionally stable and have air cavities that can be filled with insulation, giving them superior thermal performance compared to wood or uninsulated vinyl. Although very strong, light and almost maintenance-free, metal or aluminum window frames conduct heat very rapidly, which makes metal a very poor insulating material.

To reduce heat flow and the U-factor, metal frames should have a thermal break — an insulating plastic strip placed between the inside and outside of the frame and sash.

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to hybrid frame designs that use two or more frame materials to produce a complete window system. The wood industry has long built vinyl- and aluminum-clad windows to reduce exterior maintenance needs.

Window Operating Styles

Awning Windows

With an awning window, the sash is hinged at the top and swings upward. This allows air to flow into the home with side to side ventilation, while also helping to keep the rain out. This style of window tends to be smaller in size and is often wider than it is tall.

Casement Windows

Casement windows have a hinge on one side and open outward by rotating a crank style handle. Because they open like a door, they allow the maximum amount of ventilation into the home where airflow is desired. They offer an unobstructed view because there is no rail in the center.

Double Hung Windows

With double-hung windows, both the top and bottom sash operate. They offer the same space-saving convenience of a single hung window. They have an added bonus of being easy to clean because the sashes tilt inward. This can be helpful if the window is on a second story.

Single Hung Windows

For single hung windows, the bottom sash slides up and down to open and close the window. The top sash stays in place and allows light to enter the home, but not airflow. Because they open vertically, they save space when the house exterior faces a patio or walking path.

Once you weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide which is best for you. The next step is to find a reputable window manufacturer, and finance the renovation (translated to Dutch: verbouwing financieren).