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Types of Replacement Windows
When it comes to replacing your home’s windows, Pella offers plenty of durable, energy efficient, high-value and aesthetically diverse styles. These are the types of replacement windows offered by Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln.
One of the most common windows is the double-hung window, which consists of two sashes — the part of the window you know best, the frame and the window pane it holds — that slide vertically within the frame. The advantage of this type of window is that both sashes can be opened, allowing for better ventilation. Pella’s double-hung windows come in various styles, including traditional, contemporary, and historical.
PRO
- Classic style
- Easy to use
- Ventilation from either the top of bottom of the window
- Wide range of screen options
CONS
- Requires more operational pieces — springs, sash cords, etc. that each require maintenance.
- Larger openings can be a security risk
Double-Hung Windows
One of the most common windows is the double-hung window, which consists of two sashes — the part of the window you know best, the frame and the window pane it holds — that slide vertically within the frame. The advantage of this type of window is that both sashes can be opened, allowing for better ventilation. Pella’s double-hung windows come in various styles, including traditional, contemporary, and historical.
PRO
- Classic style
- Easy to use
- Ventilation from either the top of bottom of the window
- Wide range of screen options
CONS
- Requires more operational pieces — springs, sash cords, etc.. — that each require maintenance.
- Larger openings can be a security risk
Casement Windows
Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward. They are a great option for homeowners who want unobstructed views and maximum ventilation. Pella’s casement windows come in various styles, including push-out, traditional, and specialty windows like French casement.
PRO
- Tight seals keep air locked in
- Design is more friendly for catching cooling drafts
- Generally more secure against intruders as the windows tend to be narrow
- Easy Slide Operator available in Pella Impervia series
CONS
- Because the windows extend into, or out of, your home, they can be more easily bent or broken by strong wind or other collisions.
- Crank handle can wear over time
Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. They are a great option for areas where ventilation is needed but privacy is a concern. Pella’s awning windows come in various styles, including contemporary, historical, and traditional.
PROS
- Secure against intruders
- Awning provides shelter during light rain to allow for continued ventilation
- Easy Slide Operator available in Pella Impervia series
CONS
- Not as effective as catching cooling breezes or drafts
- Crank handle can wear over time
Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. They are a great option for areas where ventilation is needed but privacy is a concern. Pella’s awning windows come in various styles, including contemporary, historical, and traditional.
PROS
- Secure against intruders
- Awning provides shelter during light rain to allow for continued ventilation
- Easy Slide Operator available in Pella Impervia series
CONS
- Not as effective as catching cooling breezes or drafts
- Crank handle can wear over time
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are like double-hung windows, but they slide horizontally instead of vertically. They are a great option if you have limited space like in a bathroom or laundry room. Pella’s sliding windows come in various styles, including contemporary and traditional.
PROS
- No cranks or additional mechanisms are required.
- Simple design often means more options and budget friendly styles
CONS
- Tracks can fill with dirt and debris making operation harder.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are a combination of three or more windows that extend outward from the home. They are a great option for homeowners who want to create a focal point in a room, want to add space and increase natural light. Pella’s bay and bow windows come in various styles, including contemporary and traditional.
PROS
- Unique and bold design statement
- Good at capturing light and breezes
- Adds space in your home for a reading nook, pet spot or plant nursery
CONS
- One of the more expensive window projects
- Larger window area can lead to more moisture and air leaks.
Bay and Bow Windows
Bay and bow windows are a combination of three or more windows that extend outward from the home. They are a great option for homeowners who want to create a focal point in a room, want to add space and increase natural light. Pella’s bay and bow windows come in various styles, including contemporary and traditional.
PROS
- Unique and bold design statement
- Good at capturing light and breezes
- Adds space in your home for a reading nook, pet spot or plant nursery
CONS
- One of the more expensive window projects
- Larger window area can lead to more moisture and air leaks.
Special Shape and Custom Shape Windows
Special shape windows are custom-made to fit shapes and sizes. They are a great option for homeowners who have a specific vision in mind and want to add unique character to their home. Pella’s specialty shape windows come in various configurations, including arch, circle top, and triangle, with 5 operable and 10 inoperable options in our special shape line-up.
Looking for a window no one else has? Let’s talk about designing your own custom shape window.
PROS
- Create unique designs and window shapes
- Match your window to your home’s architecture
- Maximize light without compromising design
CONS
- Can be more expensive than ready-made options
- Recommended that you consult with Pella or a contractor to make sure the unique windows fit in your home.
Picture Windows
Whether you want to create a unique design, highlight a gorgeous view or just let in extra light, picture windows are a great option. You can dress them up with grilles to match a more classic style or leave them unadorned for big, sleek, modern views. Picture windows are also highly energy efficient — saving you money while not compromising on full views of the outdoors.
CONS
- Energy efficient
- Good for letting in extra light
- Easy to clean from the inside
- Versatile sizes and styles to match any home
PROS
- Can not be opened
- Higher risk of transmitting solar heat
- Can be harder to clean from the outside
Picture Windows
Whether you want to create a unique design, highlight a gorgeous view or just let in extra light, picture windows are a great option. You can dress them up with grilles to match a more classic style or leave them unadorned for big, sleek, modern views. Picture windows are also highly energy efficient — saving you money while not compromising on full views of the outdoors.
CONS
- Energy efficient
- Good for letting in extra light
- Easy to clean from the inside
- Versatile sizes and styles to match any home
PROS
- Can not be opened
- Higher risk of transmitting solar heat
- Can be harder to clean from the outside
Specialty Windows
If you’re looking for a touch of class, Pella’s specialty windows offer unique functionality you won’t find in your average home. Our styles include side-by-side windows that swing open, windows that open with a simple push and windows that can tilt inward or turn outward, just to name a few. These types of operations are typically found outside the United States and can add functional flair to set your home apart from the rest.
PROS
- Unique operation creates a unique style
- Can highlight unique home features or be part of a larger design
- Increased versatility for ventilation
CONS
- Less common styles may limit customization
- In-swing windows can take up indoor space
Which Windows Fit Which Style of Architecture
The list of different types of homes you may come across in the United States — or even Omaha and Lincoln — is exhaustive. At the end of the day, deciding which windows fit your style of home comes down to personal preference and can be decided after consulting with your homebuilder, contractor or a Pella professional. But there are a few guidelines you can follow as you look into new or replacement windows.
- Classic: the type of windows we consider “classic” or “traditional” include double-hung, casement and some bow or bay windows. These look best in colonial, cabin, Cape Cod, cottage, craftsmen, rustic, ranch, farmhouse, midcentury, coastal or traditional style homes.
- Contemporary: windows we’d consider to be “contemporary,” “modern” or “sleek” include casement, awning and sliding windows. These work well in modern style architecture like industrial, European, modern farmhouse and southwest style homes.
- Other: our homes, and windows, also don’t have to fit in narrow boxes. Eclectic style home builds, for example, incorporate a variety of classic and modern themes. By adding grilles or mixing and matching window types, you can find a way to make just about any window style work in your home.
Whether you’re looking for energy efficiency, durability, or style in your replacement windows, Pella has a product to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our different windows and see them in person at our showrooms in Omaha and Lincoln.
