Replacement Window History

Windows have been around a long, long time. Originally just holes in a wall, or cave, to let light in, smoke out and provide a safe view of who might be coming to your door (friend or foe), they weren’t particularly adept at keeping the weather out of your humble abode or luxurious castle.

The invention of transparent glass created what we know today as a window. Originally only available to the very wealthy and custom crafted for every opening, the original windows bore very little resemblance to the windows we know today.

Over time, a number of standard styles have emerged and remain with us today. Here’s an overview of the most common styles of replacement windows available today.

Double-Hung Windows

Perhaps the most traditional of window styles, the Double Hung window features a top and bottom “sash” or frame that holds the glass pane or panes. In the Double Hung, both sashes move laterally to provide ventilation. There is also a variation known as the Single-Hung window, where only the bottom sash moves and the top sash remains fixed to the window frame.

Most commonly, Double and Single Hung Windows have equal sized sashes, but there are other variations in which the top and bottom sashes are either larger or smaller than the other. The most common of these has the bottom sash a larger height than the upper, sometimes called Cottage Windows.

Triple-Hung Windows

Not nearly as common as the Double Hung window, some very large vertical openings utilize a variation of the Double Hung, known as the Triple-Hung. As its name implies, these windows have three sashes.

Casement Windows

The casement window is similar to a small version of the swing doors we use every day. In this style, rather than a sash that slides up and down. The sash is hinged on one side and opens and closes like a door. Most Casement windows use a crank to open and close the window securely. A closely related relative of the Casement is the Push Out window, which doesn’t use a crank, but, as its name implies, is simply pushed out to open and pulled in to close. Not as convenient as the traditional, crank-operated Casement Window, the Push Out also has the disadvantage of not being able to be fitted with insect screens, as these would interfere with the pushing and pulling (opening and closing) of the window.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

The Horizontal Sliding Window, also known as a Slider or Gliding Window, is similar to another door type with which you’re likely familiar, the sliding patio door. As its name implies, this window is operated by sliding the sash to one side to open and pulling it back to close. Most commonly made with two sashes, like a Hung Window (turned sideways) Horizontal sliding windows can have one sash that operates, or slides, or both. These are known as Single Sliding Windows or Dual Sliding Windows respectively. Horizontal Sliders can also be made with three sashes, known as a Triple Sliding (or Gliding) Window.

Awning Windows

Awning Windows, like Casement Windows, have a hinged sash. But unlike the Casement, the Awning Window is hinged at the top, so that when opened it resembles an awning. Awning Windows can utilize a crank, like a standard casement window or can be the push-pull type that do not have a crank to open and close the window. In these push-pull styles, they often do not include insect screens.

Hopper Windows

Like an Awning Window installed upside down, the sash on Hopper Windows are hinged at the bottom and open at the top, giving the windows a hopper-like appearance when open. Both Hopper and Awning windows are often used in basements because of their small narrow horizontal shape and utility functionality.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are made up of a number of other windows, generally three, and extend out from the vertical wall of the building. These windows add more room, and because of their generally larger size, more light to the interior of a building. Bay Windows usually consist of two operable windows on the sides, often casement, single- or double-hung windows, and a larger fixed window in the middle.

Bow Windows

Similar to Bay Windows, Bow windows extend out from the vertical wall of a building, but are usually made up of all operable windows, either casements or hung windows. Bow Windows are usually made up of at least four operable windows so that rather than the angular shape of a Bay Window, Bow Windows are grouped to create a gently curving arc off the side of the building.

Garden Windows

Another window style that protrudes from the side wall is the Garden Window. Similar in some ways to the Bay and Bow Window, but with sides that are set 90 degrees to the side wall, rather than at an angle, these windows often feature an angled glass roof to provide an ideal location from which to grow and display plants.

Fixed Windows

As their name implies, Fixed Windows do not have an operating sash; the glass is affixed directly to the frame. Also known as Picture Windows, Fixed Windows can fill large openings to provide uninterrupted views or smaller accent windows, also known as Specialty Windows. Fixed windows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Because of their flexibility of design, Fixed Windows can be made in any number of standard and custom sizes to suit the needs of the building.

Renewal by Andersen of Long Island is your replacement window expert. As a subsidiary of Andersen Windows, which has been manufacturing windows for over 100 years, we’ve made every standard window shape and style and thousands of custom windows as well. When looking for windows for your home, be sure to contact one of our experienced design consultants who will help you select the right window for your home and your personal style. Call us at (866) 609-5033 for a free design consultation.