^"Whether you are interested in older homes or newer homes, the wide variety of windows can be quite confusing. This quarterly newsletter is aimed at shedding some light on the range of windows available on the market today. Windows can make or break a room and are an important architectural component of any home. Windows can be beautiful. Window manufacturers have increased the quality of their products dramatically over the past several decades.

Window finishes vary today: vinyl is less costly & easy to maintain (but comes in a limited range of colours - white is most commonly found); wood is flexible as it can be painted any colour but requires ongoing maintenance; and wood with aluminum exterior (easy to maintain exterior). Extruded aluminum cladding is probably the most costly out of all the finishes as it is moulded directly onto the window frame right at the factory.

For the Canadian climate, double glazed windows are essential to keep the cold out. The air space between the window panes acts as an insulator. You can opt for triple glazing (3 panes of glass, with 2 air spaces) as well. Other options include a hermetically sealed air space between the panes, filled with an inert gas like argon gas, for increased energy efficiency. As well, a technique called "low-E" glass ("low emissivity") is designed to keep heat inside in the winter and acts as a thermal mirror by deflecting heat increasing sunrays away in the summer. Low-E glass is transparent.

Here are some types of windows and definitions:

Double-hung windows: the traditional design reminiscent of an earlier architectural period that has two operable sashes (a sash is simply a sliding frame that holds glass). Double-hung windows slide up and down. In newer homes, most double hung windows tilt in for easy cleaning. This is the classic window seen in many homes and tends to be less costly than other window styles. They are easy to clean and maintain.

Sliding window: similar to double-hung (as discussed above), but slide from side to side, instead of up & down.

Casement windows: modern windows equipped with a crank hardware that smoothly allows the window to open & close. The viewing area tends to be larger as there are no frames dividing the window surface. It can open to the right or to the left. They are single sash window (i.e. one frame). They tend to be more expensive than double hung, but provide superior ventilation, ease of opening, and a larger viewing area. Casement windows are usually seen in newer homes, or as replacement windows in older homes.

Awning windows: very much like casement windows, but are hinged at the top of the frame. Awning windows swing open out from the bottom and when opened, really do look like an awning. They are used when privacy may be required (like bathrooms) and also to better protect the room from the elements (like rain). They are relatively uncommon.

Skylights / roof windows: earlier skylights were consistently a problem in terms of water penetration, although the quality has improved. Skylights must be carefully installed by an experienced contractor to avoid water leaks down the road. Some skylights swing open for ventilation and can be very effective in third floor attic lofts and other areas which do not get a lot of natural light. They are very contemporary in appearance and can be low in maintenance.

Bay windows: comprise three windows, usually made of a large centre window and usually the extend the living space as the floor of the room is extended out, following the shape of the bay window.

Bow windows: like bay windows, bow windows comprise several windows and form a bow or radial formation. In most cases, bow windows are installed in a large standard opening in a rectangular room and have a small shelf for plants, etc.

Palladian window: found in many higher end new homes - it is an arched window with smaller windows on each side - very attractive!

Muntins: the same as grille - they are decorative window pane dividers and can usually be removed for cleaning.

I hope that this newsletter has provided some useful information on windows. There are many other details and styles that can be found on the market today. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you regarding the resale value of your home and how replacement windows can increase the marketability of your property.

* not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale