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When it comes to buying new windows, the luxury of choice can be both a blessing and a curse. But, to make finding the right option a bit easier, we’ve utilised our 50+ years of window installation experience and created this types of windows guide.
If you have any specific questions related to the types of windows, there is an FAQ section at the bottom of this guide too.
Casement windows
This type of window opens outwards and is hung from the side, top or bottom by hinges. Top hung casements allow you to ventilate your home without letting rain into your home. Casement windows are the most popular type of window in the UK, which is partly due to how versatile they are.
Features:
- Available in uPVC, aluminium, timber, and timber alternative materials
- Insulated framing that enables them to achieve Window Energy Ratings (WER) of ‘A’
- Wide opening capacity allowing for excellent ventilation
- They come in a wide range of styles and colours, plus they come made-to-measure
Flush casement windows
Flush casement windows are hung via hinges but unlike standard casement windows, the part of the window that opens sits flush with the frame, hence their name. They resemble traditional timber windows, so they’re an excellent choice in older styles of home. However, because their look is clean and sleek, they don’t look out of place on contemporary homes either.
Features:
- Built from low maintenance, resilient uPVC, classic timber or timber alternative
- Like standard casements, they are extremely efficient and great for ventilating the home
- Available in smooth and woodgrain finishes and many colours
- Choose from chamfered frames for a cleaner look or ovolo framing for a more decorative finish
Related blogs:
- Why Choose a Flush Sash Casement Window from Deceuninck?
- Timber or Woodgrain uPVC: How do you choose?
Slimline
Exclusive to Sheerwater Glass, our slimline windows are operated like a casement window but feature the ultra-slender framing that you can usually only find on aluminium windows. This provides them with 12% more glass than a standard window so you can create areas in your home that feel well-lit and spacious.
Features:
- As they can achieve a Window Energy Rating of A+, they’re one of the best choices for thermal insulation
- Built from durable uPVC which is remarkably easy to keep clean
- Suitable for both modern and traditional properties, their sleek design ensures for maximum visual
- Finish them off in your choice of colour and either a smooth or woodgrain textured finish
Related blogs:
- What’s the difference between slimline aluminium windows & uPVC slimline windows?
- Looking for modern windows? Find out more about our Slimline windows!
- How thin can double glazing windows & frame be?
Sash windows
One of the oldest and most common types of windows in the UK, sash windows are made up of two sashes that partially overlap each other. In most cases, the bottom sash slides upwards for the window to open but it is possible for the top one to slide downwards instead. Sash windows are also referred to as vertical sliders.
Features:
- They’ve been used in properties since the 17th century so fit excellently upon period homes
- Available in either uPVC, aluminium, timber or timber alternative, a range of design options and colour finishes
- Able to achieve a Window Energy Rating (WER) of A, you can reduce your carbon footprint whilst making your home more energy efficient
- Tilt-in sashes so you can clean them from within your home
- Fitted with sash restrictors so homes can be ventilated safely
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Mock sash windows
Aesthetically, mock sash windows look just as stylish as the real thing. However, instead of two vertically sliding sashes, they have a fixed pane and a movable panel that opens outwards like a casement window. This outward opening panel enables them to ventilate properties very well.
Features:
- Cost-effective alternative to genuine sash windows
- Choose from either timber or uPVC and configure their style and finish to suit your requirements
- Fitted with heat-trapping, multi-chambered profiles for a strong thermal performance
- Great for period homes but can be adapted to suit modern properties too
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Tilt & Turn windows
Tilt and turn windows look similar to casement windows, however, they tend to have wider framing. They are also opened in two ways. When opened vertically, they tilt slightly inwards so properties can be ventilated safely. But when opened horizontally, they fully open into homes so they can be easily cleaned from inside.
Features:
- Available in uPVC and timber
- ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency so homes are kept warm and heating bills are lowered
- Can be finished in a wide selection of colours, smooth and textured finishes
- Great window option for locations above a storey in height and especially multi-storey residential buildings
Secondary glazing
Secondary glazing is not a type of window as such, however, it’s an equally important consideration when searching for the ideal window type. It involves fitting a supplementary aluminium-framed window onto the interior part of an existing window, resulting in a boost to performance.
Features:
- Widely used in conservation areas because it doesn’t affect the appearance of existing window frames
- Cheaper alternative to buying new double glazing
- Significantly improves thermal and acoustic insulation, resulting in warmer and quieter homes
- Available in sliding and fixed options and a range of styles and designs
- Reinforces existing windows with an additional pane of glass
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VELUX windows
Actually called rooflights or skylights, the VELUX brand is so well-renowned that they’ve come to be referred to as VELUX windows. They’re a great solution for improving light and air levels in lofts, conservatories, orangeries and flat roof structures. Here at Sheerwater Glass, we are a certified VELUX installer. Therefore, we can install new VELUX windows or repair existing ones that are not working properly.
Features:
- Available in uPVC and timber and three different finishes: pine, painted white and polyurethane coated. This allows them to blend in seamlessly with any home
- Fitted with safety glazing so no broken glass can fall inside
- Manufactured from insulating materials to keep more warmth inside
- They come with pre-installed mounting brackets so blinds can be added to them easily
Related blogs:
- 4 top tips for finding out what size VELUX window I need
- How long do VELUX windows last?
- 9 common problems with VELUX windows & our fix or replace suggestions
Bay windows
Bay windows consist of several windows that are situated in an angular bay that projects out from the wall of the home. Stunning architectural pieces that can easily enhance property visual appeal, they also increase floor space.
Features:
- Can be built from casement, flush casement, sliding sash, mock sash and slimline windows
- Available in uPVC, aluminium, timber or timber effect
- Additional space can be used for seating and/or storage
- More natural light and expansive outside views
We hope that, with the information in this guide, you’ll be able to decide which type of window is right for you. However, if you require additional information, please feel free to get in touch with a friendly member of the Sheerwater Glass team. An FAQ section that covers common window queries is also available below.
Window FAQs:
What are the types of bay windows?
There are four main types of bay windows which we have listed below.
Bow window
Bow windows feature a curved design that slightly protrudes out from the wall of the house. They consist of four, five or six individual windows and provide a wide view of the outside.
Circle bay window
A modern update of the bow window, circle bay windows consist of multiple windows that are fitted into a smooth circular area. Corners of the home are quite common locations for them to be placed, particularly in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
Box bay window
Box bay windows protrude out from the wall in a range of angular projections and consist of one larger window with smaller windows on either side. They’re often used to house a seating or storage bench but can also house ornaments or plants.
Oriel window
This traditional type of bay window is usually situated on the upper storey of a house and supported by brackets or corbels. Like other bay windows, they protrude from the wall at a curved angle, offering increased visibility of the street.
What windows do I have?
There are a few ways to determine which window you have:
How does it open?
If the window opens outwards, chances are it’s a casement window of some kind. If the opening part is also flush to the frame of the window, this is most likely a flush casement window.
Any windows that open inwards are most likely a tilt and turn window. Windows that are opened by sliding them upward or downward are most likely a sash window. However, if your window consists of two sashes that sit atop another and one of the panels opens outwards, you have a mock sash window.
Where is the window hung from?
The definition of hung for a window refers to where the window is hinged from. For casement windows, they will be hung from either the top, bottom or side. However, awning windows are hung from the top also. You can determine where the window is hung from by opening it up and seeing which area of the window is attached to the frame.
What does the window look like?
If your window is made up of two sashes that overlap one another ever so slightly, you have a sash window. A mock sash window will also look the same but will open differently. Casements and tilt and turn windows will consist of a solid area of glazing surrounded by a frame, however, tilt and turn options are likely to have slightly wider frames.
Which windows are best?
There is no such thing as the best windows. The ‘best’ windows for one person will be completely different for another. However, there are some criteria you can use to help determine which might be best for you:
Different types of houses
The style of your home will have an effect on which windows are the best fit. Opting for a style of window that does not fit with the property's aesthetics can damage its resale. The means the type of window is an important consideration.
Casements are highly versatile so can be adapted to fit most types of properties; sash windows, on the other hand, tend to suit period homes better. It’s also worth mentioning that replacing your existing windows with like-for-like replacements ensures compatibility.
Material wise, aluminium is great for modern homes and timber is ideal for period properties. However, woodgrain finishes can be applied to uPVC so they are able to resemble timber windows. Thanks to the huge number of finishes that are available, it’s possible to alter the look of each material to suit a wide range of property types.
Thermal performance
If you’re looking for the best thermal performance, consider our slimline windows. These achieve a Window Energy Rating (WER) of ‘A’ so will keep your home nice and warm and your energy bills low.
Practicality
It’s important your new windows meet your practical requirements. For example, if you live on the 5th floor of a multi-storey building and want to clean your windows, there’s no possible way you can clean a casement window safely. However, because tilt and turn windows open internally, you can clean them from inside your home. Sash windows also feature a tilt-in capacity so you can do the same thing.
Security
Here at Sheerwater Glass, all our windows are fitted with a host of security features. However, the features vary depending on which style of window you’re after. All of our casement windows, including our exclusive slimline option, and tilt and turn windows are equipped with multi-point locking systems. In addition, our sliding sash windows have been reinforced and equipped with restrictors so you can ventilate your home without leaving it susceptible to intrusion.
What are awning windows?
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outwards. For this reason, many confuse them to be a form of a casement window. However, awning windows are designed for use in openings that are wider than they are tall. In addition, they come in one, two or three-lite configurations, whereas casement windows come in one, two, three, four or five-lite configurations.
Interested in learning more about windows? Check out our related blogs:
What are the standard window sizes in the UK?
How to measure windows and doors to get a price from home
