WINDOW BASICS

WINDOW TYPES

Awning Similar to a casement window as it also opens on a hinge. The main difference between the two styles is that an awning window opens horizontally rather than vertically, which somewhat limits how far it can be opened. One benefit of this set-up, however, is that awning windows can often be left open during storms because the open pane deflects rainfall.
Hopper Essentinally the same as an awning window, but opens at the top rather than the bottom. For obvious reasons, this style does not direct rain away from the interior.
Casement Like doors, casement windows pivot on hinges. This style often opens outward and may be operated with a hand-crank. According to Better Homes and Gardens, casement shapes tend toward the tall and narrow, so wide wall openings usually feature several.
Single / Double-Hung According to Better Homes and Gardens, double and single-hung windows are still the most common choice for homebuilders. Double-hung windows contain two panes which both slide vertically. Single-hung windows contain two panes as well, upper and lower, but only the lower pane moves. The operating panes tilt in for easy cleaning.
Picture / Transom / Fixed While these windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes, they are stationary, meaning they cannot be opened. For this reason, picture windows are considered somewhat decorative. While they may let in a tremendous amount of light, they do not allow for ventilation, so they are often used in conjunction with another type of window which does.
Sliding These windows open horizontally. On a single slider, only one side operates. On a double slider, both sides operate. We make a variety of sliding windows which can also be tilted in, swing in, or lifted out for easy cleaning.
Bay A bay window is a decorative type of window that projects outward from the wall, creating a sense of more open space and allowing in more light. It is typically constructed from one central fixed window running parallel to the wall. This window is then flanked by two other windows, usually casement or double-hung styles, attached at an angle.
Bow Much like bay windows, bow windows project outward from a wall. While a bay window is composed of three main panels, however, a bow window is constructed of several. These panes join to form a gentle curve, or a bow shape. Also similar to a bay window, a bow window's center is typically fixed and its side sashes are casement windows.
Specialty We has several other types of windows that may be right for your application. Just ask!

Our products feature all the key attributes listed below.

Insulated Frames
Vinyl windows with frames made of PVC frames and insulated with optional polyurethane core are much more energy efficient than wood, hollow vinyl, aluminum, or composite windows.

Fusion-Welded Corners
This type of construction will never allow water or air to leak through the frames of the windows--unlike screwed together, mechanically fastened or chemically welded windows, which start to leak over time.

Energy Efficient Glass
Energy efficient glass reduces the transfer of heat and cold. Most windows are available with Low-E Glass, but our Low E goes beyond the competition--it's coated with 12 different layers of heat-reflective metallic shields.

ENERGY STAR® Approval
The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) has strict guidelines windows must meet to be considered energy efficient. Only the best performing windows receive ENERGY STAR® approval by the U.S. Department of Energy for outstanding energy efficiency. Twin City Windows are ENERGY STAR® approved in all regions of the country.

A Good Warranty
Window manufacturers offer a wide range of warranties. Some are as short as 5 years, many are 10 years, and a few offer a lifetime warranty. Twin City Windows' warranty is one of the best in the business: lifetime, non-prorated, and transferable.

Aluminum Window Frames - Commonly used to construct window frames. Aluminum window frames are both light and durable. Though not energy efficient, aluminum frames cost less than both vinyl and wood frames.

Argon - Argon is a type of glass typically put into the airspace separating the panes of a dual glass window to increase energy efficiency.

Double Glass - Also called insulated glass, a double glass window is constructed from two pieces of glass separated with airspace in between. This airspace acts as a buffer, decreasing the amount of heat lost through the glass.

Low E glass - Greatly contributes to windows' energy efficiency. Low E glass has been coated with a special metallic coating that deflects UV and infrared rays and limits solar heat gain.

New Construction - Also called nail-on frames, this type of frame installation is used for new construction where the window frame is nailed to the studs.

Obscure Glassong - A type of glass meant to camouflage a window. Often used in bathrooms. Styles include: rainglass, glue chip, reed glass, and several others.

Retrofit Frame Installation - This type of frame is used when one has existing wood or aluminum windows and wants to upgrade them without damaging stucco or siding.

Single Glass Window - A single glass window constructed of just one pane of glass. Most builders no longer use single glass because it is not energy efficient. See Double Glass Window.

Tempered Glass - Often called safety glass, tempered glass does not shatter as easy as non-tempered glass. When it does break, it crumbles into very small pieces to reduce the threat of injury. Used in all doors and most windows installed within 18 inches of the floor.

Tinted Glassong - Coated with a darker color to reduce sun glare and solar heat gain.

Vinyl Window Frames - Vinyl window frames are durable and energy efficient--they conserve up to 30% more energy.

Wood Window Frames - Wood window frames are decorative and can be energy efficient, but can cost up to 3 times as much as vinyl frames. our's vinyl windows are available with several convincing wood grain finishes.