Double Glazed Window Design Tips - Two Aspects Not Normally Looked At: Part 1

In this article, I will familiarize you with many of the important aspects of choosing and purchasing windows and window designs. The article below will contain many useful tips and pointers to make your window purchase process as easy and enjoyable as possible.

One of the most important and overlooked aspects of purchasing a double glazed window design is "equal sight lines". In many modern replacement windows, there are small pieces of glass wherever any window openings are fitted. These result in an "unequal sight line" and depending on your tastes and preferences, an "unequal sight line" may seem acceptable or even go unnoticed. "Unequal sight lines" sometimes look good on modern homes as they "flow" with many modern architecture techniques. However, on older homes, such as colonials, "equal sight lines" are much more commonplace and thus more appropriate. With equal sight lines, one is not able to tell from the outside which of the windows is opened and which aren't, and are created by fitting "dummy sashes" or "dummy openers" into the frames."

If you compare photos of windows with "unequal" and "equal" sight lines, you will see an apparent difference. The "equal sight lines" often result in a thicker and "bulkier" window. However, if you are on a strict budget, we recommend staying away from windows with "equal sight lines", simply because these types of windows often result in higher replacement costs as they require more work to remove and replace.

Apart from "unequal" and "equal" sight lines, you can get windows with "vertical equal sight lines". In these windows, the "fixed" portion of the window is above the parts of the window that open.

If you are unsure or have any doubts on these three types of windows, get into touch with your local supplier. Your supplier can work with you on an individual basis and can give you the best advice on what's right for you and your home.

In my next part of the article, I will talk about another aspect of window selection that is commonly overlooked, namely window gaskets.

About the author:
David A. Howarth has been working in the home restoration and improvement business in the UK for over 20 years now, and enjoys writing about home improvement features such as double glazing and conservatories.