Your house is incomplete without the right windows. These fixtures are necessary for adding personality to your home. Therefore, you need to invest the same amount of time in picking the right windows as you do in choosing the paint colors or the handles of your door. Additionally, windows are necessary for protecting your house against extreme climates, introducing natural light into your house, and ensuring that your home is ventilated enough. So, how can you downplay the importance of this vital fixture? But with so many options in the market, you may feel confused by what you need to pick; hence, here’s a guide to help you out:

Windows are an investment. Factors like the size, design, and framing are essential in deciding which windows are suitable for your house. Use the following to have an outline of the kind of windows you want:

Your windows need to withstand severe weather conditions, especially if you’re living in a hot place. Take the city of San Bernardino, for instance. This populous city in California is known for its hot summers and cool winters. As California is primarily a desert, you should expect intense heat and unfiltered UV rays. Replacing your current windows with thicker glass or an energy-efficient option would be a wise investment. Once you identify the climate pattern your region occupies, the next step is finding out the cost of replacement. A professional company can only provide you with an estimate when they know what they’re working with. Hence, get a San Bernardino Window Replacement cost estimate from a local company and create a budget that can cover the cost of changing your windows. 

As you pick a window, decide on the style you want. Do you want a window that is easy to clean or adds more aesthetic value to your house, increasing the curb value of your property? Are you looking for a window that slides, or are you happier with a window that has double doors? If you’re looking to illuminate your family room, you may want windows with large panes and a frame. Your personal preference matters, too. Not every functional style looks good, and if you don’t like a window, no matter how practical, don’t get it.

Where do you place your windows? Are they going above a hard-to-reach place, like above the sink, or will they be accessible? It would help if you had an idea of where you will place your windows and how exposed the glass will be to the weather. Are you looking to maximize sunlight or reduce it? Standard glass cannot withstand extreme temperatures. If you’re selecting a window for the attic, you will need to stick to small frames but a thick glass. 

Like every part of your house, your windows also need maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy, hassle-free option, then you need to have aluminum cladding on your windows that will keep them looking fresh all year round. Similarly, pick a style that is easy to clean and replace lest it gets damaged. Quality windows are expensive but last you a few years. Think about how much money you're willing to spend to save yourself from renovating your windows often. 

While the list of the types of windows is exhaustive, here are a few you can familiarize yourself with:

Single-hung windows are those that open vertically when pushed. These windows have two sashes. The upper sash is fixed and has a thick glass pane, while the bottom sash is movable. This is a highly traditional style. Since their function is minimal, they are perfect for areas like above the sink or the bathroom. 

A double-hung window, like a single-hung window, has two sashes. However, unlike a single-hung window, both parts are movable—the bottom moves up, and the top moves down. So, if you want more ventilation, you only need to move both sashes simultaneously, causing them to overlap in the middle. Most homeowners prefer the double-hung window over the single-hung one as it is more flexible and excellent for airflow. 

If you want a more nontraditional style, go for bay windows. These are protruding casements that enhance the appearance of your room and invite more natural light into your house. However, bay windows are slightly complex to install, and you will need a professional to help you with the process. Bay windows have three sections that need to extend past your house’s exterior wall. In some cases, you will need to add additional structural features to your home to support the window. So, you may be looking at a hefty cost.

Bow Windows are slightly similar in structure to bay windows. They also involve a section of glass that needs to be angled out of your house’s exterior wall. However, bow windows have five or more sections that allow them to create a semi-circle-like structure, unlike bay windows. If you find this style pleasing, you will need to prepare for the intense labor ahead. Your house may need to be modified to include more windows and frames that can support its structure. 

Most homeowners prefer arched windows for their houses. These are aesthetically pleasing and allow plenty of natural light. Arched windows have a square or rectangular bottom while the top is semicircular, giving it an arching effect. If you’re chasing elegance and royalty, you need arched windows in your house. You may have noticed this style in Gothic architecture. As these windows are different than traditional ones, they require extra labor and adjustments to fit your house, so there’s a chance this style may be heavy for your budget.

Picking windows for your house requires careful consideration. There are numerous options in the market, so it is easy to get confused. The primary factors you must consider when choosing suitable windows include your budget, the style you enjoy, the climate you deal with, and how much work you're willing to put into installation. For this reason, it is important to research, experiment with styles, get quotes, and think carefully before making a decision. A good window will last you for decades, but a rushed job will require extensive renovation. Hence, take your time and choose carefully.