Window styles shape the look of a house, frame outdoor scenery, and flood interiors with natural light. Choosing the right windows for your South Florida home involves considering aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency needs.
Casement windows open wide to bring in fresh air and provide superior ventilation. Awning windows are hinged horizontally and operated with a crank, allowing for full maneuverability and shielding against weather conditions.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows have one movable sash, typically the bottom, and are a classic on homes across the nation. They can be customized with a variety of color, grid pattern, and glass options for a unique look that complements your home’s architecture.
With fewer moving parts, single-hung windows require less maintenance than double-hung models. They also have a tighter fit and prevent air leaks. Depending on your preferences and location, this may make single-hung windows more cost-effective than double-hung.
A movable lower sash also makes it easy to clean your windows without climbing up on a ladder or leaning out precariously. This is ideal for second-story homes and helps to keep your family healthy by minimizing indoor pollutants and allergens. Florida’s extreme weather conditions and strict building codes necessitate windows that can withstand the elements. Ply Gem’s single-hung windows feature reinforced construction, laminated glass, and other features that meet or exceed state and federal standards for hurricane impact-rated windows.
Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are an excellent choice for a range of Middleburg FL home styles. This traditional window type features two operable sashes that slide vertically, making them easy to clean from both inside and out. They also offer excellent ventilation, allowing warm air to escape through the top sash and cooler air to flow in from the bottom.
Double hung windows also fit well in rooms where the ability to direct airflow is important, like bedrooms and living spaces. They are often a better choice than single-hung options for these areas, because you can open the lower sash while keeping the upper one closed.
If you live in a Florida hurricane zone, both double and single-hung windows can be impact-rated when manufactured with the right materials. At Karoly Windows & Doors, we offer PGT and Simonton double hung windows with hurricane-resistant glass and reinforced frames that meet or exceed the state’s strict building codes for high winds and wind-borne debris.
Bay & Bow Windows
Adding bay or bow windows to your home can add architectural interest and create the illusion of additional space. They offer a wide field of view and can be configured with operating sashes for ventilation. These windows are available in wood, composite, and vinyl frames. They can also be crafted from double-hung, casement, or picture windows. They can be dressed with grilles, various roof options, and colors that fit your architectural style.
A bay window features three windows angled together to create a specific look, while a bow window features a graceful arc of four, five, or six windows seamlessly joined to form one large curve. Both can create an unforgettable focal point for your home, enhancing curb appeal and flooding interiors with natural light.
Picture Windows
A picture window is a large fixed expanse of glass that allows scenic vistas and natural light to fill living spaces. This beautiful window style enhances home curb appeal, and it can also help to reduce your energy consumption and utility costs. Modern picture windows feature advanced technologies that improve insulation, allowing homeowners to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without forcing heating and cooling systems to work overtime.
Due to their immobility, picture windows are unable to be opened or closed, but they can be paired with adjacent operable windows like casement windows to allow for ventilation while still enjoying the expansive views offered by this window style.
New picture windows are available in many shapes, sizes, and color options, making it easy for homeowners to find the perfect match for their aesthetic preferences and performance needs. For enhanced insulation and a quieter indoor environment, consider upgrading to hurricane impact-rated windows.