INDUSTRY INSIGHT
REMODELING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Window Styles and Materials( Part 2 in a six-part series)
Welcome back to my series on windows and doors. I am hoping to give you the basic info needed when it comes time to replace your windows. For this article, I want to talk about the different types of windows that are out there as well as the primary materials used.
Most windows fall into one of several categories of style or type. Double-hung windows are probably the most common type of window. On a double-hung, the top and bottom each have a sash that slides up and down( the sash is the part of the window that holds the glass and moves to open).
The word“ hung” is referring to the fact that the sashes are hanging from a balance system that supports their weight. In old windows, this may have been a rope with a weight hidden in the wall but for modern windows there are other types of balances.
A single-hung window is one where only the bottom sash moves; the top is stationary. Modern versions of these windows often tilt in for easy cleaning.
There are also sliding windows that open sideways, casement windows where the sash can be cranked open, and picture windows, which are fixed panes of glass that cannot be opened. Additionally, there are specialty windows such as bay windows, bow windows, garden windows and geometrically shaped windows.
The most common materials that windows are made of are vinyl and wood. Modern vinyl windows are a low-maintenance product that can last decades. There are premium, high-end, highly efficient vinyl windows as well as low-cost, low-quality vinyl windows. Wood windows are generally a more expensive option with less of a warranty. This is due to the fact that wood is a natural material and can be more easily affected by environmental factors like moisture and humidity. However, if you are looking for the beauty of real wood, or to maintain the historical nature of a home, there are quality wood windows available.
Although less common, some fiberglass windows are on the market. There are a few drawbacks to fiberglass in terms of price and efficiency, which may be why it has never really taken off as a mainstream option for windows.
One of the unique challenges in buying new windows is how difficult it can be to tell a good product from a low-quality one. Things like the efficiency of the glass, the durability of the components, or the warranty available are hard to differentiate just by looking at the product. For this reason, it is important to work with experienced professionals who can assist you in selecting the product that is best for your specific needs.
Jeff Moeslein is the president of Legacy Remodeling, a local and family-owned business focused on premium window and exterior door replacements since 1987. Moeslein is a 1999 Penn State graduate.
PETERS TOWNSHIP | APRIL / MAY 2026 49