12 Things To Customize On Home Replacement Windows
So, you’re ready to replace your home’s windows and are eager to start the design process.
Along with outlining your goals and drawing out your project’s budget, you’re also thinking about what you want your windows to look like.
Designing your new windows can be a difficult process. With many customizable elements to a window, you have to not only envision what you want your windows to look like but find the right contractor that offers your dream window.
As you’re looking through inspiration pictures and design guides, your head may start spinning.
Finishes, hardware, colors…the list of designable elements goes on.
Now, creating your new replacement windows should be exhilarating, not excruciating.
It would help if you had a helpful breakdown of what exactly you can customize on a window to be as prepared as possible for your project.
At Southwest Exteriors, we offer many different, highly customizable window types from Marvin, ProVia, Anlin, and other manufacturers.
Because we’ve been a window replacement contractor in San Antonio since 1989, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners design the perfect window for them.
Our expert design consultants know how to analyze your wants, goals, and needs and help guide you to the right solution.
But, we know that being prepared and having all the information you can prior to an appointment with a contractor is valuable. Then, you can have an idea of how you want to design your new windows and can make the process much easier for yourself.
This article will break down the parts of a window that you can typically customize for replacement windows.
After reading, you’ll have a better idea of what goes into designing a replacement window. Then, you can start looking for inspiration for your windows and will be more prepared when the time comes to replace your windows.
What can you design on home replacement windows? 12 parts
Before starting your window replacement project, you want to be as prepared as possible.
From understanding cost and installation to design and customization, the more information you have, the easier it will be to start your project.
Did you know there are many customizable elements of a replacement window?
To avoid feeling overwhelmed during the design process, let’s break down the parts of a window you will be able to design. Then, you can start looking for inspiration for designing your new windows and will be more prepared when the time comes.
1. Window Type
One of the first things you’ll have to choose for your new windows is the window type or material of the window.
The most common window types are vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and clad. Each window type has unique qualities in its performance, energy efficiency, durability, and look.
So, you want to think about what your goals for your replacement windows are, such as how durable you want them to be and how long you want them to last when choosing a window type.
2. Window Configuration
After choosing what window type you want, you want to think about the configuration or style of the window.
There are many different window configurations, like double-hung, single-hung, casement, awning, and many others. While you may just want to replace what you have with the same style, you can also change the window to a different style.
Think about how you want your new windows to function. Maybe you want to replace your second-story windows from single-hung to double-hung for easier cleaning. Or maybe you want to turn a bathroom picture window into an awning window for ventilation.
Know that just because you have one window type currently in your home does not mean you can’t change it with your new windows.
3. Window Shape
Along with the window type and configuration, the next thing you want to think about is the shape of the new window.
Similar to the window configuration, just because your current window is one shape doesn’t mean you can’t make the new window a different shape.
Just know that if you want to change the shape of a window opening, you will need to have extra work done to repair the sheetrock and wall surrounding the new window.
4. Window Frame Color (Interior/Exterior)
When you think about designing your new windows, the color might be the first thing on your mind. This is a crucial element for customizing replacement windows.
Choosing the right color for your window can be difficult. Whether you are looking for a more simple color or a vibrant custom color, it’s important to consider how the window will match and fit in with the rest of your home.
With some windows, you can choose a different color for the interior and exterior of the window.
Color options available all come down to the window manufacturer. But also, depending on the contractor you choose to install your windows, you may be able to paint the frame with a custom color.
5. Window Moulding
The moulding on a window is the profile of the frame. This, also depending on the manufacturer, typically comes in smooth profiles or versions with a more pronounced edging.
This designable element allows you to really shape the character of your windows. Do you want them to be simple and smooth or more regal and detailed?
Designing the moulding of your replacement windows is a small yet mighty detail that can change the entire look of the windows.
6. Window Trim
Window trim is an optional design element for replacement windows. Moulding deals with the actual manufacturing of the window while the trim is added around the window.
Similar to moulding, you can have a simple trim profile or a more detailed design. This will not only transform the look of your windows but the entire look of your home.
So, when thinking of adding trim around your new windows, think about what style and aesthetic you want your entire home to give.
Do you want a traditional and colonial look or more modern and contemporary? This is just one thing to consider when designing trim for your replacement windows.
7. Window Glass
Right after the color of your new windows, the glass can be the most customizable element of a window.
There are a few designable elements of window glass that we will break down further. They consist of the color of the glass, glass design, grilled and grids, and miscellaneous customizations.
8. Window Glass Color
Customizing the color of window glass is not as popular as other designable elements, but it is something to consider for your new windows.
Popular window glass colors can be green, yellow, blue, and gray. Colored glass can improve the energy efficiency of your windows by blocking excess sun heat and light from coming into your home.
With window glass colors, you can also customize the opacity of the color. So, if you just want a slight tint to block very minimal light, you can have a high-opacity color.
9. Window Glass Design
When you think about window glass designs, think about stained glass, cathedral-style windows.
Elaborate window glass designs are popularly used for singular windows, maybe in a bathroom or at the front of a house.
Glass designs can be segmented pieces of glass to create a pattern or specific shape. These designs typically have colored glass as well.
Under this same umbrella are textured glasses. These are full window glass panes that have a pattern or texture of some sort to create an element of privacy.
If you want a detailed window for a special room or want to add some flare to your home, designing the window glass is a great way to add your personal touch.
10. Window Grilles and Grids
Window grilles and grids are the parts that make a window look segmented or split into various different parts.
There are three different styles of window grids: external grilles, simulated divided lites, and true divided lites.
External grilles mean the grid pattern is on the outside of the glass, creating a more 3D effect. Simulated divided lites are grilles between the window panes.
True divided lites mean the window glass is actually divided into the parts of the grid pattern, meaning the window is made up of smaller pieces of glass.
With each of these grille styles, there are various different grid profiles and patterns you can choose from. This also depends on the manufacturer.
You can also opt not to have any grilles to allow as much light as possible to come through your windows.
11. Miscellaneous Window Glass Customizations
Other glass customizations that don’t really fall under either of the above categories are soundproofing window glass and adding energy-efficient coatings.
If you live in a high-traffic area or perhaps close to an airport or military base, you may want to consider adding soundproofing qualities to your window glass. This will help insulate your home better and block out additional noise.
Another customization is the energy efficiency of the window glass. You can typically choose what type of Low-E coating you want for your windows and if you want any additional coatings to block harmful UV and infrared rays.
These miscellaneous customizations, like others, will depend on the window manufacturer. Some may not offer to soundproof the glass, while others do.
12. Window Hardware
One of the final elements to customize on your windows is the hardware. There are two major elements to customizing the hardware: the style and finish.
Some windows may only come with one style for the hardware or lock. Others may have a few different locks for different styles of windows.
Finishes for hardware are typically bronze, black, silver, gold, and sometimes solid colors like white and tan. Some hardware finishes are only available with certain window frame colors to ensure they match.
This is important to consider when choosing your hardware is how it will fit in with the style of the rest of the frame.
Designing the right window for you
Now that you know the 12 designable elements of a replacement window, you can find the right inspiration for your dream windows and are prepared to start designing.
Remember that designing your windows should be the most fun part of your project. You are able to let your imagination run free and creative juices flow.
Take designing your new windows one step at a time. Choosing the frame material will be the first thing you want to consider for the look and performance of your replacement windows.
After choosing the frame, think about the window configuration and shape you want.
Do you want to replace your current windows with something similar or change up the look? What do you like about your current windows? What don’t you like?
This is all a part of outlining your goals, wants, and needs for your new window.
While the look and feel of your new windows are important, you also want to consider a couple of other things, like their energy efficiency and cost.
Take one step closer to designing your perfect replacement window by reading this article that outlines how to align aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cost, so you can create the right window for you.
Ready to design your perfect replacement window?
Southwest Exteriors offers a variety of window materials, types, and styles from manufacturers like Marvin, ProVia, Anlin, and more.
Our expert design consultants will help talk through your goals and wants for your new windows and guide you to the best choice for you. But, we know that this is your project and your project only.
We will never push you to one product over another. We just want you to have all your needs met so you can be 100% satisfied with your project.
Are you ready to design your perfect window? Schedule your free, in-home consultation with a design consultant today!