Now that you’ve decided to shop for your new replacement windows, here are some of the most important things that you must know before spending any money at all.
Standard windows are different from Custom windows; you wouldn’t need to pay a premium for them and they are designed to conform to most rough opening sizes in various homes. Their architectural appeal is such that other window types cannot easily match and lucky for homeowners, standard-size windows reduce the burden of installing, manufacturing, or even crafting them.
In all, whether you’re opting for a standard window or a custom type, your final choice will affect the size and amount you’ll pay to have them installed. But if you’d rather escape the bulky costs of a new replacement window, then a standard window is a better choice.
What Window Size Do You Need?
Modern Window manufacturers have carefully carved out simple size notation to make replacement windows easy and quick to fix. It is with this you can figure out what is most suitable. This window size notation comprises the width and height, with the first two #’s for width, while the second two #’s signify the height. A “2426” replacement window has a width of 2-feet 4-inches and a height of 2’6″.
More so, if a window is designed to fit into a 43 ½” x 43 ½” opening, the manufacturer will add half an inch to each dimension to make it 44″ by 44.” That way, it’ll be easier to install the window when the need arises.
When manufacturers need to find out the standard size of your window opening, you’ll have to first tell them the rough opening and you can calculate that by measuring from the inner part of one side of the window frame to the other.
With that being said, highlighted below are some of the most common types of replacement windows that you need to know about.
Double Hung Window Sizes
In countries like the US, double-hung window sizes are the most common type of replacement window. They are available in a wide range of sizes that can fit into any rough opening. A double-hung window’s dimensions can range from the following:
Double Hung Width: 24″ min to 48″ max
Double Hung Height: 36″ min to 72″ max
Picture Window Sizes
Specifically designed to accentuate an architectural appeal, this type of standard window allows more light into the building. They have different sizes, usually large or small and you’ll often find them in areas of the home, like the kitchen and living room.
The most common widths that you’ll find in picture windows are 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, 6 ft, and 8 ft. While standard picture windows usually range between 1 ft to as tall as 8ft.
The ranges of its dimensions are:
Width: 24″ min to 96″ max
Height: 12″ min to 96″ max
Sliding Window Sizes
Sliding windows have more width than height and you’ll mostly find them installed in areas like the bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, and basements. More so, you do not require any special customization done to your rough opening to install or replace a standard sliding window.
Its dimensions are within the following ranges:
Width: 36″ min to 84″ max
Height: 24″ min to 60″ max
Casement Window Sizes
These windows are usually more effective for ventilation than many other designs, especially single or double-hung windows. If you reside in a warm area that requires external ventilation all year round then you should opt for a standard size of casement windows.
Casement windows width and height range:
Width: 1’ 2” min. to 2’11.5” max.
Height: 2’5.5” min. – 6’5.5” max.
Bay Window Standard Sizes
If you want more natural light to flood your home, then you might want to consider installing a standard bay window. Its architectural detail is such that it captures the beauty and natural light in a way that your standard window cannot match. In essence, it adds aesthetic value to a room.
The standard bay window sizes range between:
Range of 3’6” minimum to 10’6” maximum
Height: From 3’ minimum to 6’6” maximum
However, if you’d prefer to have a larger custom size, then you would need to spend more, up to $650 for each window range.
Awning Window Sizes
They are architecturally designed to allow ample ventilation into the room and are sometimes referred to as weatherproof windows because you can leave them open during light rainfall. They can be used with other window styles and are very easy to open and close.
Its dimensions are:
Width: 2′ min to 3’10 1/8″
Height: 1’8” min to 7’8 7/8″ high
Conclusion
Standard-size windows are always a great choice. However, if for any reason you cannot find one that can fit into the rough opening of your home, your best bet is to order custom windows through a trusted supplier or alter the size of the rough opening.
If you require window replacement for an older home, standard window sizes might not do justice because older homes have odd dimensions that cannot easily accommodate standard windows. Instead of spending more to force a standard window though, in this case, a custom window would be more economical to install.