Most often, the goal of a window replacement is to improve the thermal isolation of a space. And rightly so: windows generally account for up to 10 times more heat loss than walls, which means that replacing your windows lets you save on your energy bill. In addition, a window change can make your space look more warm and welcoming, as it removes the feeling of having a “cold wall” in the room.

THE MATERIALS

Windows come in different kinds of materials, such as aluminum, wood and PVC.

• Windows made from wood provide good thermal isolation, but on the other hand, also necessitate frequent maintenance (paint, varnish…)
• Besides from providing the best thermal isolation properties and being highly resistant, windows made from aluminum are easy to maintain. Today, this type of window comes in a large selection of colors.
• PVC windows are known for providing good isolation and being economical. Despite offering a narrower color selection, this type of window is often praised for its practicality and low cost.

Recently, a new kind of window – the mixed model - has appeared on the market. It is composed of an exterior wood frame, and an aluminum core. This type of window combines elegance, estheticism (the wood being on the outside and the aluminum on the inside), robustness and strong thermal isolation performance. Although this type of window is costlier than the aforementioned, it is increasingly being adopted by professionals and individuals. 

THE OPENING MECHANISM

The most common mechanisms

The French model, or the casement window, is the classic window that has two or more hinges.

There also exist so called “tilt-up” windows that are very practical for aerating a space in a secure manner, as it is possible to open only the top part of the window. If needed, however, these windows can be opened like a classic window.

The sliding window is ideal for smaller spaces, such as in a hallway or a small room, as their opening does not take away from the surface space.

Less common mechanisms

The top-hung window is similar to the “tilt-up” window: only the top of the window can be opened. However, as opposed to the latter, the top-hung model cannot be opened like a classic window.

The tilting window, as it name indicates, can tilt in each direction. When you open it, the bottom part goes towards the outside and the top part inside. This mechanism lets you evacuate warm air through the top and let in fresh air through the bottom, in order to optimally ventilate your space. However, when open, the window takes up quite some space.

The “guillotine window” is opened by sliding the bottom part towards the top. This mechanism lets you save some space while ventilating.

Windows with combined openings are composed of several independent blocks that open differently. For example, you can have a principal block with a casement window, topped with a small and horizontal top-hung window.

To learn more about different kinds of window installations, click here!