The Complete Guide to Window Types for Your Home

Window styles form a large part of your home’s identity, creating an immediate impression on guests and passers-by.

Windows are a fundamental component of your architectural design, as they need to deliver on both visual appeal and exceptional performance.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the different types of windows that you will find in British homes, and help you to understand the key differences between these window styles. We will also explain the materials your window frames should be made from to ensure long lasting function, and guide you to choosing the window design that is right for both you and your property.

Sliding Sash Windows: The Period Property Essential

What are Sliding Sash Windows?

Traditional sash window design dates back to 17^th century Europe, consisting of two moveable sashes, one sat in front of the other. You can open the window by lifting the bottom sash or lowering the top sash. By opening both, sliding sash windows provide optimal airflow, drawing out heat through the top opening and encouraging cooler air in through the bottom.

Box Sash Windows

Box sash windows are examples of traditional window design. Built into the side of the window is a box which houses hidden cords, pulleys and weights. This allows for seamless movement, as the system of pulleys and weights counterbalances the heaviness of the sash. Box sash windows are more expensive than modern spring balance sashes (explored below), and homeowners generally gravitate towards them for their authenticity and accuracy to historical designs.

Spring Balance Sliding Sash Windows

Spring balance sliding sash windows are the contemporary version of sash windows. Instead of a system of cords and weights, a spiral-shaped rod connected to a coil spring is discreetly concealed within the frame. As the sash is lifted or lowered, tension in the spring aids in balancing the weight of the sash and allows for seamless movement.

What are Sliding Sash Windows Best For?

Sliding sash windows are best suited to properties with large, grand scale windows, as they lose function when they are small. This is because the sash cannot open as far, and airflow would be minimal. Sash windows are best suited to heritage properties, particularly those from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, where they will complement the architecture best and look authentic.

Casement Windows: Timeless Versatility

What are Casement Windows?

Casement windows are very common in British homes. These window types are outward-opening, feature a central mullion, and can be both flush or set back from the frame. At Westbury, our casement windows are set back to create visual depth, interest and shadow. Casement windows are attached to the frame with either side hung or top hung hinges, and can feature various glazing bar designs to suit all architectural eras.

French Casement Windows

French casement windows consist of two casements that open outwards or inwards, without the central mullion present in regular casement window design. This allows for wide, unobstructed views. At Westbury, our French casement windows open outwards to suit British weather conditions, providing optimal protection against water ingress when closed.

French casement windows are often used in dormers to add a sense of space. Besides this, these casement windows are best for homeowners that desire a feeling of openness and an enhanced sense of space in their home.

Bay Casement Windows

Bay windows consist of multiple casements used to extend the home outwards, most commonly angled at 45 degrees or 90 degrees. These windows create additional space and add three-dimensional interest to the façade of the home.

Shaped Casement Windows

Shaped casement windows refer to any casement windows that are not square or rectangular. These window designs can be arched, round, diamond-shaped, etc. Most often, shaped casement windows will be fixed, which means that they will not open like a classic window due to functional limitations in their design. 

What are Casement Windows Best For?

Casement windows are incredibly versatile and can be integrated into most styles of home. For contemporary homes, casement windows are an ideal choice, as their versatility allows for clean, minimalist designs.

Other Window Types: A Complete Overview

Tilt and Turn Windows

Tilt and turn windows are common in European countries, where adverse weather conditions are not a general concern. These types of windows can open both outwards like a regular casement and tilt inwards.

Westbury do not manufacture tilt and turn windows, though we can source rounded casement windows that open and tilt from a reputable German specialist. For further information, call our sales and design team today.

Bow Windows

Bow windows refer to faceted bay windows. They are far less protruding than the typical angled bays, made up of more casements than bay windows to create a rounder, more seamless effect.

Roof Lanterns & Skylights

Roof lanterns are pitched, glazed structures that are integrated into the roof. Best suited to flat roof extensions, roof lanterns offer architectural charm, adding both height and visual appeal to the property, elevating the flat roof and bringing in ample light. Roof lanterns consist of multiple panels of glazing separated by rafters, and can come in many different sizes or shapes (square, rectangular, octagonal) to suit the property. They are fixed, meaning that they do not open, though an opening casement window can be included in the design to provide better ventilation and temperature control. For more information on our roof lanterns, click here.

The term skylight is often used incorrectly interchangeably with roof lanterns. Skylights are flat, single panes of glass that can be integrated into both flat and pitched roofs. In pitched roofs, these skylights often open outwards, functioning like a traditional casement window. Skylight design is far more minimalist compared to roof lanterns, and they offer lower impact lighting.

Fixed & Picture Windows

Fixed or picture windows are also described as screens, stair windows or oriel windows. These are grand, focal piece windows that are commonly found on staircases. These large windows do not open, mostly for safety reasons, and instead are for grand scale aesthetic impact.

Window Frame Materials

Timber Frames

Timber is superior compared to other frame material options as it offers aesthetic appeal, longevity, high thermal performance, sustainability and durability.

Westbury uses an engineered combination of Redwood and Accoya laminated sections for all of our joinery. We use Redwood internally, where the attractive, tight grain allows for a smooth, seamless finish. Externally, Accoya is incredibly well-performing – it will not swell, rot, warp or decay. This is due to the timber going through an acetylation process, which reduces the wood cells’ ability to retain water. As a result, you get high performing windows, unrivalled function and a desirable finish.

uPVC Frames

uPVC frames are less expensive than those made from timber, and they look and feel cheaper as a result. They have a much shorter lifespan, rarely exceeding ten years before warping, yellowing or cracking. They are not a sustainable option, and often end up in landfill after their short service life.

Aluminium Frames

Aluminium frames cannot be repainted, and any dents or scratches will require professional repair. They are more expensive than uPVC windows, but are recyclable, water-resistant and will not rust when powder-coated.

Composite Frames

Composite frames refer to combining two different types of window frames, such as timber internally and aluminium externally. However, there is no need to opt for composite frames – especially when they can be more expensive due to their manufacturing processes. Westbury’s high performing timber frames already deliver exceptionally well in all areas, from visual appeal to weather-proof function.

Understanding Glazing & Performance

Glazing Options

Double glazing is now standard across the UK and must be implemented when carrying out any window upgrades to meet requirements in thermal performance. Westbury’s double-glazing units feature a low emissivity coating, which reduces heat loss by reflecting internal radiant heat back into the home.

Triple glazing is even better performing than double glazing due to the additional pane and extra layer of inert gas improving insulation, as heat waves cannot pass through as easily. However, triple glazing can sometimes look very bulky and unattractive in comparison to double glazing, so it’s important to get expert advice on all of your glazing options before making a decision. You can call our team today to find out more about how we can design customised, visually appealing joinery for your home.

Performance Standards

All Westbury windows and doors are PAS24 tested and certified. This means that they are subjected to a test that consists of simulated break-in attempts by engineers, indicating that Westbury windows are exceptionally secure. Whether you are refurbishing an existing home or adhering to strict new build regulations, you can rest assured that our joinery is certified in security.

We also offer various glazing upgrades, including our Sound & Secure range, which further enhances security (and acoustic performance) in the home. This is due to using thicker, laminated safety glass, which is significantly harder to break through, as any shattered glass will hold form due to the laminated interlayer. For more information on our glazing options, get in touch today.

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Home

To choose the right types of windows for your property, you must consider both the existing architecture of your home and the scale of your windows. For example, sash windows will only look suitable on a larger scale in heritage properties where the style is consistent with the era.

For personalised, expert advice, get in touch with our sales and design team today. Alternatively, you can click here to request a brochure and browse examples of all of our window types and styles.