PART 1: UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRIORITIES

Most people don’t give windows a second thought until they need replacements and are faced with the task of choosing new ones. And because it’s not something people do every day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

What kind of windows should I get? Will this style work in this room? What’s the difference between these two windows? Why are there so

many options?

Don’t worry. We’re here to help simplify the selection process for you. Before you drive yourself (and your window contractor) crazy, take a step back and check your priorities. Choosing a window will require some effort on your part, but a clear understanding of your goals for the project will make the process a lot easier.

Tip #1: They don’t all have to look the same.

Like any homeowner, you want your home’s façade to look attractive and inviting. In some neighborhoods, that may mean going for traditional designs to help your home to stand out without looking out of place.

Your home’s design may not give you much flexibility window-wise, but those restrictions need not apply to the rest of your house. As long as you keep a certain level of consistency—such as choosing windows with similar trims or grille patterns—you can experiment with different styles and layouts.

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRIORITIES

Tip #2: Prioritize comfort.

Windows are meant to bring together form and function, but what looks great might not necessarily provide the level of performance your home needs. To ensure optimum comfort and energy efficiency, be mindful of factors like how your house is oriented and its exposure to the sun and wind when choosing your windows.

For example, if your windows will be facing east or west, they’ll be subjected to low angles of sunlight during spring and fall. This will make the rooms in which they’re installed blindingly bright. To filter all that sunlight, you’re going to have to install window treatments, use tinted glazing, or choose a smaller window with a sill positioned more than 4 feet above the floor.

Also, if your windows will be facing the wind, you may want to choose operable windows (windows you can open and close). This will let you enjoy plenty of passive ventilation and help you to cut down on air conditioning use.

Each room in your home has a specific function, so it follows that each will have different requirements when it comes to windows. Here are a few tips to help you choose windows for your different living areas.

FOR THE LIVING ROOM

As it’s usually one of the biggest rooms in your house, your living room can accommodate bigger windows. If your living room opens up to a patio, you might also want to consider windows that complement your patio door. This will not only create continuity in terms of style and design, but will also help make the room feel more open and allow you to seamlessly integrate your indoor and outdoor spaces.

FOR THE DEN OR FAMILY ROOM

How you spend time in your family room should dictate the kind of windows you install in it. If you mainly use it for watching television, big windows will let in a lot of light and cause glare, which will interfere with your family’s viewing experience.

If you have a work or study area set up in your den, you’re going to want natural light. You just have to be mindful of the direction in which the light comes and position your work area accordingly. Right-handed people work best when the light source is on their left, while the reverse holds true for left-handed people.

PART 2: THE RIGHT WINDOW FOR THE RIGHT ROOM

PART 2: THE RIGHT WINDOW FOR THE RIGHT ROOM

FOR THE KITCHEN

Windows will compete for wall space in a kitchen, so you’ll need to get creative with storage if you want plenty of natural light over your kitchen counters. For windows over sinks, casement windows are better than double-hung windows because they’re easier to operate.

FOR THE BEDROOM

Daylighting often isn’t a priority for the bedroom. Here, ventilation, security, and views tend to be more important. Tall double-hung windows, awning windows, and casement windows are often good choices for a bedroom, but you’ll want to check local building codes before making a final decision. Some areas require a minimum size for windows in second-floor bedrooms. This is meant to give firefighters emergency access should a staircase be blocked or unavailable.

FOR THE BATHROOM

Bathrooms require plenty of privacy so consider smaller windows, skylights, and transom windows. Glass blocks may also be a viable option if you want to provide ample ambient light during the day without making your bathroom too visible. Whenever possible, choose an operable window for your bathroom to provide natural ventilation.

PART 2: THE RIGHT WINDOW FOR THE RIGHT ROOM

Beyond factoring in a few basic form and function considerations, there is also an exact science to choosing the right windows. We’re talking measurements. Not a fan of numbers? Don’t worry; you only need to remember a few key parameters when shopping for windows.

HEIGHT MATTERS

In American homes, most windows are installed at a height of 6 feet, 8 inches. With standard ceiling heights at 8 feet, this leaves a gap of 16 inches between ceilings and the tops of windows—just right for standard plates and headers and bigger cornice moldings and window trims.

In rooms deeper than 12 feet, this gap may end up interfering with the view. Don’t be afraid to set your window in such a way that its top sits flush to the cornice trim. Laid out properly, cornices can themselves serve as head trim for windows.

PART 3: AN EXACT SCIENCE?

PART 3: AN EXACT SCIENCE?

RAISING WINDOW HEIGHT

If you plan to increase the height of your windows, keep in mind that setting a window closer to the ceiling by 10 inches may require that the header be raised up into the rafter space above. This is known as an “upset header”. This will be more expensive than your standard window installation, but the difference—especially in a large room—may be worth every penny.

LOWERING WINDOW SILLS

Windows may also be set lower than the standard 3 feet from the floor. This clearance is meant to allow for furniture placement under the window, but if you do not need that space, lowering your window sills will give you more ventilation, views, and natural light.

Alterations like these do require some basic safety measures. For instance, windows set lower than 18 inches off the floor must have safety glass. And in a child’s bedroom, you cannot go lower than 2 feet without installing a window guard.

Renewal by Andersen of Oklahoma

4440 N. Cooper Ave Oklahoma City,OK 73118

Oklahoma: (405) 652-1300Tulsa: 918-921-9211

RBAofOklahoma.com