What are some window styles for better ventilation?
Looking at getting some new windows for your home? You have a variety of styles and options to choose from, but at the same time, having too many choices can be nerve-wracking. Read on to discover the different types of windows out there and what home experts think may be the right one for you.
Kamil Kowalski
Kamil Kowalski, President of LimakWay Remodeling.
Awning, Casement, and Double-hung Windows
The first type of window style is awning. Awning windows are usually rectangular shaped and have a slanted top that provides better ventilation. The second type of window style is casement. Awning windows provide better insulation but they don’t open as wide as casement windows do.
Casement windows are usually rectangular shaped and open in the front with a crank or lever to open and close them. Casement windows are easy to open but they don’t offer much insulation.
The third type of window style is double-hung. Double-hung windows are usually rectangular shaped, but they can also be square-shaped, and they open vertically on the side with hinges on either side that can be opened by pulling up or pushing down on the lever or handle. Double-hung windows provide better insulation and have a larger opening than the other two types of window styles, but they are more difficult to clean because there is a space between the top and bottom sashes that doesn’t allow for easy access with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
Double-hung and Tall Windows
Whenever my clients are looking for a window to help ventilate a space I always recommend double-hung. Double hung windows open from both the top and the bottom allowing cooler air to enter the room through the bottom and warm air to escape through the top.
You can’t get this type of circulation with any single hung window unless the room allows for multiple windows and a cross-breeze. If the space only allows for one window or multiple windows along the same wall then you’ll want to go with double-hung.
Another great option for improving ventilation when you’re doing new construction is opting for tall windows. Hot air will sit at the top of the room, especially when ceilings are high, so the taller the window, the better it is for circulation and getting that hot air out of the space.
Josh Brown
Josh Brown, Owner of Renovation Collective Toronto.
Davin Eberhardt
Davin Eberhardt, Founder of Nature of Home.
Casement Windows
One of the best window styles for ventilation is casement. Unlike popular double-hung windows, where only half of the window opens, casement windows open entirely. If you want to take it a step further, you can get tilt-and-turn windows. These offer additional methods of ventilation. The downside is that tilt-and-turn windows are often costly. Casement windows provide the best value.
As a bonus, casement and tilt-and-turn windows seal better when you don’t want ventilation. So during extreme weather, you will not get hot or cold drafts.
Casement, Sash, and Jalousie Windows
When it comes to windows you’ve got plenty of options – the choice of the window, however, entirely depends on the type of climate you’re living in. Casement-style windows are incredibly popular. They allow for huge amounts of airflow and open right out. The wide opening means ventilation is not an issue, but if you’re located in an area that’s quite wet, they’re not the most viable option as they offer no protection from the rain.
Sash windows offer similar pros and cons. They naturally offer a little more protection and get a good amount of ventilation passing through the house. They’re also better for those who have a usable space outside the window as they don’t protrude out.
With this in mind, jalousie-style windows probably offer up the best of both worlds. You’re getting good amounts of ventilation with pretty decent protection from the other elements. However they’re not particularly airtight or safe for that matter, so again, it’s all down to personal preference and weighing up the pros and cons yourself.
Diarmuid Hennessey
Diarmuid Hennessey, Contracting Expert at Homecheck.
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