October 2007
| Window shopping All the windows we tested are double-hung, with two sash that slide vertically. But some homes or particular rooms call for another type of window, like the common types shown here. |
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AWNING |
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| They’re hinged at the top and open outward. Pros: You get offer less air leakage than with sliders and single- or double-hung windows because the sash presses against the frame to close. Awning windows also offer better ventilation than sliders of the same size and can be left open when it’s raining because they deflect rain during storms. Cons: Screens can be placed only on the inside. |
 Illustrations © Andersen Corporation
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CASEMENT |
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| They’re hinged at one side, like a door, and usually open outward. Pros: As with other hinged windows, you typically get less air leakage than with sliding and single- or double-hung windows because the sash presses against the frame to close. They’re easy to clean and also offer better ventilation than sliders of the same size because they open to the full glass area. You can position them to catch passing breezes. Cons: Screens can be placed only on the inside. Most open using cranks that must be operated manually. |
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FIXED |
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| Used where lighting but not ventilation is important. Pros: These windows are airtight and are available with decorative glass accents or in unusual shapes. Cons: Fixed windows don’t open, so they provide no ventilation. |
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HOPPER |
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| The opposite of awning windows, they’re hinged at the bottom and can open either inward or outward. They’re often installed
above a door or another window, protected by eaves. Pros: You get less air leakage than with sliding and single- or double-hung windows because the sash presses against the frame to close. Cons: Screens can be placed only on one side. |
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SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-HUNG |
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| On single-hung windows, only the bottom sash can move. Double-hung types have two sash that slide open and closed vertically. Pros: Traditional look. Larger sizes can let in plenty of light and accommodate half or full screens either inside or outside. The sash of most models can be tilted back for easy cleaning. In a room without cross-ventilation, a double-hung window open at both the top and bottom can create air movement in the room by allowing warm air to escape from the top opening and cool air to enter through the bottom. Cons: You typically get more air leakage than with casement, awning, and hopper windows. Only half of the glass area can be opened. |
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SINGLE- OR DOUBLE-SLIDER (AKA GLIDING) |
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| Double-sliders have two sash that slide horizontally. With a single-slider, only one sash can slide. Pros: Either type can be ventilated up to half of the total glass area. Both accommodate full or half screens on the outside of the window. Cons: You typically get more air leakage than with casement, awning, and hopper windows. Only half of the glass area can be opened. |
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