An Overview of Styles of Double-Glazed Windows
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Double-glazed windows are the minimum standard in homes today, as they are far superior to older, single-pane window styles for energy efficiency and soundproofing. You can read more here in our guide about double-glazed windows to understand the reasons behind this.
But for now, let’s assume that you are interested in adding double-glazed windows to your home and are looking for more information on the various styles available. Klar offers an exclusive, high-quality variety of the most popular double-glazed window designs, including Casement, Combination, Cottage, Fixed-Frame, and Top-guided windows. The user-friendly platform makes choosing your favourite styles as easy as 1-2-3, with crystal-clear customisation right in the browser.
This video shows a selection of our outward-opening windows. Wondering what windows to buy? See our selections below.
Casement windows
This style of double-glazed window has been one of the most popular choices in the past and remains so today due to its incredible versatility. Typically, they are side-hung with hinges that allow for opening outwards or inwards. There are a wide variety of designs, some featuring top- or bottom-hung configurations, making them ideal for specific preferences. Casement windows do not feature any glazing bars, allowing the maximum possible light to enter, adding to their popularity in northern climates.
Klar’s casement windows exude simplicity and invoke a sleeker, more contemporary look to your home when combined with a flush design. Given the vast array of options in this category and the long-standing popularity of casement windows, this is one of the more economical styles of double-glazed windows.
Combination windows
This style of window is just like it sounds: it is a combination of more than one window frame. Many people choose this style of window for the bold aesthetic impact it makes, or for the practical reasons of letting in ample sunlight into the living room or to be able to look out onto the majestic view from your bedroom. Combination windows typically include a functional window and a picture window that is purely for aesthetics and can’t be opened.
Combo windows invite you to style the way you want to since you can decide whatever type of combination you prefer. Klar’s webpage presents images of different window styles, making it easy for you to mix and match the kinds that best suit your unique space.
Cottage windows
For a short and sweet definition, cottage windows, also called “front windows,” are side hung windows that impart an idyllic, charming touch to any building. They typically come as two sash windows, but are available in a variety of styles including the number of panels per sash. If you are looking for traditional flair with modern functionality, then cottage windows are an ideal option.
With a wide selection of more than twenty-five different styles of cottage windows, Klar can easily cater to your preferences – and the easy-to-use website makes the whole process easy-peasy.
Fixed-Frame Windows
Another self-descriptive title, fixed-frame windows are not able to be opened or closed, as they are fixed in place. They resemble picture windows, but typically have thicker frames. Since they are non-functional, this type of window tends to be less expensive, more energy efficient and require minimal maintenance compared to other styles. Even if you don’t hit up one of our many sales, fixed-frame windows are Klar’s year-round most budget-friendly option.
Top-Guided Windows
As you might have already guessed from the name, top-guided windows are hinged at the top and open outwards from the bottom. They are generally designed with a single handle at the bottom, so you can easily open them by pushing out. Top-guided windows help protect against harsh weather conditions – for example, even when open rain can not come in as easily as it might with other types of windows. Klar offers an exclusive selection of wooden top-guided windows made from slow-grown pinewood, with the option of adding aluclad protection that ensures durable, long-lasting quality.
Tilt and Turn Window
Klar customers often choose this style of double-glazed windows for their ability to be opened in several directions and locked into an open position for ventilation. Typically, they can be tilted open vertically, either from the top or bottom, and securely held in a slightly open position. As a family-focused company, Klar recommends these for young families where safety is a top priority, as the risk of a child falling through is drastically reduced. This is also an advantage in windy climates, as you won’t experience windows slamming shut whilst trying to air out. Tilt and turn windows also often feature side hinges, which allow you to completely open the window to facilitate cleaning, especially on the upper floors of a home.
Georgian Windows
Georgian windows are a style of double-glazed window that features the same energy efficiency as any other dual-paned option. They can appear deceiving, however, given the multiple panes characteristic of such a style.
These windows are not made up of several separate panes but instead constructed with a single piece of dual-glazed glass covered by horizontal and vertical glazing bars – at Klar, glazing bars are always made of sturdy aluminium, even if the window itself is wood. The illusion of many frame sections makes Georgian windows the perfect choice in period homes of this era whilst still getting all the energy savings of modern double-glazing.
Sash windows
Sash windows are typically seen in period homes, as they were quite common over a century ago. These houses with high ceilings offer ample space for the vertical design and benefit from the ventilation made possible by moving the upper and lower panes of glass.
This style of window uses a sliding mechanism to allow two framed panels to slide either up or down, crossing over each other. Nowadays, sash windows can be found with double-glazing, brushes to ensure a good seal at the openings and spiral balances to aid in opening and closing. Fitting a period home with a visually appropriate choice such as these can add value to your property by ensuring aesthetic harmony.
These are currently not offered by Klar whilst all the above models are.
Framing Options for Double-Glazed Windows
There are many variations on the above styles of double-glazed windows, and the window frame material is yet another variable that will be a determining factor in the final look of your window. The main categories can all be manufactured in any one of the following materials, with differing advantages:
| Material | Benefits |
|---|---|
| uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) | Are durable, lightweight, inexpensive and requires little maintenance. They come in a wide variety of colours/finishes |
| Aluminium | Have slim frames for maximum glazing, are durable and cost effective but are less energy efficient. |
| Timber/Wood | Comes from a naturally renewable source, are long-lasting, aesthetically superior and have strong insulating properties. This comes at a higher cost and with bigger maintenance needs. |
| Composite (Aluclad) | Features the insulating power of timber, are more long-lasting and resists the weather better. With a reduced maintenance the only downside is a slightly higher price point. |
Benefits of Double-Glazing
It is an indisputable fact that installing any of the above styles of double-glazed windows in your home will offer multiple benefits to you as a homeowner. Improving your home's energy efficiency is also one of the most important things you can do to up your property value for future resale.
A UK study conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change noted that “making energy-saving improvements to your property could increase its value by 14 per cent on average – and up to 38 per cent in some parts of England.”
Double-glazed windows are an incredibly effective tool in this effort, and triple-glazing is another development in the industry that can also offer benefits. To find out more about whether triple-glazing is worth it for your situation, read more here.
FAQs
What is the difference between A and A+ double-glazing?
This designation refers to the energy rating given a particular window, as designated by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The highest possible rating, indicating peak energy efficiency, is an A++, but any window with a rating from A to A+ to A++ is considered energy positive.
Are all double-glazed windows the same?
No. Double-glazed windows can vary widely in their styles, framing materials and even construction of the dual glazing. The width of the gap between the panes, as well as the gas used to fill the space, can have an impact on the overall efficiency of the window. Checking the BFRC energy efficiency rating can help identify performance differences, as all these factors are taken into account.
How many types of uPVC windows are there?
There is a dizzying array of uPVC windows available on the market today, as this material can be used in any number of styles of double-glazed windows. Each style can feature slight variations in functionality, adding to the number of options. It is, therefore, important to have a clear vision of your window needs before shopping around for the perfect match.
