Types of Windows: A Guide to Window Replacements

Kim Hanke • Jan 19, 2023

Types of Windows: A Guide for Your Next Window Replacement Project

Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking. So before investing, choosing the right window type for your home is critical. How do you choose? With so many styles of windows on the market, let’s take a look at what choice will be ideal for your home. 


Why Choose Vinyl Windows

When it comes to replacing your windows, high-quality vinyl will give you the best combination of affordability and longevity.


While wood windows can offer some natural aesthetic appeal, they’re extremely vulnerable to rotting, warping, and pests like termites. They also require much more frequent maintenance to protect them against the elements and are more costly to boot. Metal windows like aluminum are not as energy-efficient and provide poor insulation, which can even result in condensation forming on the inside of your windows.


Vinyl is simply a better option than anything else out there. It’s an extremely affordable, the most energy-efficient material available, and requires little to no maintenance. With the right quality vinyl windows, they can last you for more than 20 years!


Eight Replacement Window Types

At Hanke Brothers, we offer eight different window types to meet every need, as they are always customized to your unique home for a perfect fit! Here are the window types we offer and everything you need to know to decide which one is right for you:


Double-Hung Windows

Unlike their single-hung counterparts which only allow the bottom window panel (or “lower sash”) to move up and down, double-hung windows are designed for both panels to slide! This classic style makes opening your windows a breeze and makes them even easier to clean! Our double-hung vinyl windows are designed to tilt out for simplified cleaning and maintenance, which is especially useful on higher floors! (No ladder required!)


Casement Windows

With a crank-operating mechanism to create an unbeatably tight seal, casement windows are the market's most energy-efficient “operable” (opening and closing) windows. Because casement windows do not need to slide along a track like many other operable windows, you’ll enjoy a less obstructed view that allows more natural light.


Picture Windows

When you don’t plan to open your windows, this window type offers views that are tough to beat! Picture windows frame the outdoors with stunning, massive panes of glass to offer as much outside view as possible and let in lots of natural light. They have no visible frames to get in the way and can really make a space look larger as they open your home to the great outdoors.


Slider Windows

Slider windows are similar to single-hung windows in that they have one static panel and one sliding panel, though the panel moves horizontally in this case. These windows can come in a variety of sizes to suit your space and may be easier for some to open than other operable window types.


Bow Windows

Combining casement and picture windows to create an arched window space, bow windows create a beautiful Victorian style and invite a lot of natural light into your home. They are especially appealing on the exterior of your home, though their complexity does mean a higher price point.


Bay Windows

Like bow windows, this window type creates extra space inside the home in the form of a ledge or window seat. Bay windows are built with fewer window panels than a bow window (usually three) but can be even more expensive due to the very large windows involved.


Garden Windows

Looking for a smaller accent window for your home? Garden windows are little box windows that protrude from your home to create a nice little shelf for plants and herbs to thrive in natural light. This window type is popular for herb gardens in kitchens, or even for some natural light and ventilation in bathrooms through the side panel openings.


Geometric Windows

Not all window types will fit your needs and style, which is where geometric windows come in. Custom geometric windows will give you the perfect fit if you have a unique opening like an arch or circle! Because of our always-custom policy, we can form our windows to any shape you want.


Affordable Windows (That Don’t Cut Corners on Quality!)

Your windows should be built to last, which is why quality is our number one priority at Hanke Brothers. With our replacement windows, you can trust that you’re investing in a high-quality product installed by an expert team, with windows designed custom for your home and style preferences. When you’re ready to replace your windows, give us a call for a quote on the windows of your dreams!


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Double-hung windows are one of the most popular styles among homeowners today, preferred for their dual combination of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. If you’re considering double-hung windows in Arkansas but aren’t sure what to expect, we have you covered with this complete guide. What are Double-Hung Windows? Double-hung windows feature two vertically sliding sashes, giving you more flexibility in how you open your windows to let in the fresh air. When it’s time to install new windows , many homeowners opt to upgrade to double-hung windows because they offer so much more variety in use and design. All of our custom vinyl double-hung windows include the popular tilt-in function to make cleaning even easier and keep your perspective crystal clear! Single vs. Double-Hung Windows Single-hung windows often look similar to double-hung except for one key difference: they only have one sliding panel, leaving the other fixed in place. A similar type of window you may be familiar with from your days in rental homes and apartments is the sliding window, where a single panel moves side-to-side while the other remains static. The ability to move either panel and tilt them in for cleaning makes double-hung windows a much better option in most homes—especially for second-floor windows! Double-hung Windows vs. Casement Don’t confuse double-hung windows with casement windows! This is a common misconception because double-hung windows can tilt inward for cleaning. Unlike casement windows—which open outward using a crank mechanism—double-hung windows are sliding windows that move up and down along a track. They are typically only tilted for cleaning purposes, not for ventilation. Benefits of Double-Hung Windows High-quality windows should always have sturdy manufacturing, thick glass, excellent energy efficiency, and custom sizing. High-quality double-hung windows include a few other benefits that make them the best choice for most windows in your home that aren’t specialty pieces like statement geometric windows or bay windows. Ease of Cleaning When your home has windows that don’t tilt inward on high floors, cleaning becomes more of a high-risk task for doing it yourself. This means either hiring professional window cleaners, living on the dangerous side or accepting the fact that your windows will be dirty. When you opt for double-hung windows, cleaning is a breeze! All you have to do is lock the windows in place before tilting the panel toward you to wipe clean from the safety and comfort of your home. Better Air Flow Thanks to both panels sliding vertically, your home will have quick and easy ventilation and airflow without sacrificing energy efficiency! Our double-hung windows are extremely sturdy and durable, so you don’t have to worry about drafty windows impacting your energy bills. Simple Opening and Closing Double-hung windows sound more complicated than they are! They operate much the same as single-hung or slider windows—the only real difference being that both panels can move. When you invest in high-quality double-hung windows, they are designed to slide with ease while maintaining a tight, sturdy seal along the tracks. Aesthetically Stunning Double-hung windows are a classic style that works for any home. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate your unique situation, elevating your home with plenty of natural light and unbeatable curb appeal! Frequently Asked Questions About Double-Hung Windows: Still have some unanswered questions about double-hung windows and how they might work for your home? Here are a few we’ve heard a lot: Can double-hung windows have screens? Yes, you can have screens on double-hung windows. Because the windows only tilt inward, they work well with exterior screens to keep the bugs out while letting the cool air in. Are double-hung windows secure? The security of your windows depends in large part on the quality, not necessarily the style. Our double-hung windows are made with the highest quality materials, ensuring a tight seal and unbreakable lock. They cannot be tilted inward from the outside, so you don’t have to worry about that easy-cleaning feature compromising your safety. How do double-hung windows work? Moving your double-hung windows—whether tilting to clean or sliding the panels up and down—all comes down to the simple locking mechanism: To slide window sashes along the track for opening, turn the lock. Pull down on the top sash or up on the bottom sash to slide your window open vertically. To tilt one of your sashes in for cleaning, turn the locking mechanism and gently pull the sash toward you from the opposite end. If you’re still unsure how to operate double-hung windows, simply ask your Hanke Brothers window installer for a demonstration! Are double-hung windows popular in Arkansas? Yes! Double-hung windows are our most popular style—Hanke Brothers customers can’t get enough of them!  The Best Vinyl Double Hung Windows in Arkansas are Here! If you’re looking for double-hung windows in Arkansas, you’ve come to the right place. We provide our customers with only the highest-quality, premium double-hung windows custom-made for the exact specifications of your home and style preference. No need to patch or paint any gaps from standard windows—these windows are literally made for you! Contact us to learn more and schedule a free quote on new double-hung windows today!
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