Depending on the style, age and location of your home, the type of window your home has will likely be different. Windows can make or break the appearance of your home both inside and out, so it’s important to choose one which suits your house.
But, did you know windows can also increase the energy efficiency of your home, saving you money and the environment at the same time. To find out which types of windows are best for your home, their costs and benefits keep reading.
Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash
5 Types of Windows for Your Home in 2021
1. Bay windows.
Bay windows were a popular choice for homeowners in the 1980s, however, they’ve been making a comeback in 2020. Popular in Hamptons style homes, bay windows are traditionally made up of a series windows assembled in a polygon shape projecting outward from the exterior of a home. Most bay windows will have a timber frame and casement windows to ensure stability and functionality.
They are used in homes for many reasons including: increasing ventilation, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. For those looking to optimise the energy efficiency of their home, installing just any old bay window won’t make a dent in your power bill. Ensure you opt for double-glazed or tinted windows for improved energy efficiency.
Styling bay windows in a home can prove to be a challenge. When installing a bay window, add bench seating on the interior of the window. Adding seating means the space is not only functional but can also be easily styled with some cushions. Did we mention bay windows look magical with a Christmas tree during the festive season?
How much do bay windows cost?
Depending on your preferred installer and materials, a bay window will set you back between $1000 and $5000. For the most accurate quote, get in contact with your local window and glazing specialist.
2. Casement windows.
Casement windows are a popular choice for Australian home owners. They allow good air flow throughout the home and complement most styles of homes. Traditionally, these type of windows are made up of timber or metal frames with glass panelling, attached to the home at either the top or side of the frame. Normally casement windows are opened and closed using a crank attached to a gear box. The crank mechanism makes them easy to open and close, however, lower quality casement window gears are prone to breakage and may be costly to repair.
Styling casement windows is easy as they have no impact on the interior look of your home. However, they do nicely complement a contemporary style exterior.
How much do casement windows cost?
While casement windows do typically look better than their counterparts, they can set you back up to $500 a window. The extra price can be attributed to the more complex operations of these windows compared to their similar counterparts.
3. Sliding or stacking windows.
Sliding windows are arguably the most basic type of window in Australia. They are cost effective, simple to maintain and effective in the Australian climate.
Sliding windows are manufactured exactly as the name suggests. There are two glass panels, one fixed and one sliding, attached to a metal frame, which is secured to the window sill.
If you like the concept of sliding windows, but are after a larger or more mobile window solution, stacking windows may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Stacking windows work similarly to sliding windows, except instead of two panels, stacking windows may have up to four panels which slide together — similarly to stacked doors. These panels are fixed to a runner on the top and base allowing easy motion.
How much do sliding windows cost?
The cost of sliding windows varies depending on the size and preferred framing of the window. Your average sliding window will set homeowners back between $200 and $300, considerably less than some other styles.
4. Sawtooth roofing windows.
Once only seen on industrial buildings, sawtooth roofing designs have slowly been making their way into residential builds. One downside to sawtooth roofing windows is they must be installed during the home build, or else major renovations will be required due to having a very specific roof structure.
The best way to describe sawtooth roofing is it takes on a similar appearance to the teeth of a saw. The vertical sections of the roofing is lined with glass windows, allowing natural light to flood into the home.
It’s important to note these windows will not work in all homes, especially those not facing north. Speak to your local roofing specialist to find out if sawtooth roofing windows are an option for your home.
How much do sawtooth roofing windows cost?
Sawtooth roofing will be cheapest when installed during a new build or an extensive renovation. Adding this type of roofing to your home at times outside of this will likely be extremely costly.
Replacing the glass on your sawtooth roofing windows will cost you between $175 and $700 per window panel depending on your preferences.
5. Skylights.
For those living in tightly packed inner-city suburbs, skylights may be the saving grace you’ve always needed. Homes built close together often struggle to get adequate lighting in through their standard windows, leading to excessive electricity use from interior lighting.
With the growing concern for sustainability and tightening pockets of many Austrailans, skylights have quickly become the energy efficient solution for many Australians. Skylights, as the name suggests, are essentially windows which sit in the roof of the home, allowing natural light to beam in.
Skylights have come a long way since their invention in 1830. Some companies now offer skylights which are able to be opened and closed, allowing additional air flow into the home.
How much do skylights cost?
The initial outlay of installing a skylight will vary depending on the style of your home, materials used and ease of access. Homeowners can expect to pay between $500 to $1500 for the installation of a brand new skylight.
The good news is, replacing a pre-existing skylight is much cheaper, with replacement windows costing around $200 to $700, depending on your preferred materials and functionality.
Get in contact with your local window specialist to find out which type of window best suits your home.
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