There are many important details that go into a kitchen remodel. You’re probably thinking about gorgeous new kitchen cabinets, luxurious counters, or colorful backsplash tile. However, another powerful interior design element that you may initially overlook is the humble window.
In a historical Philadelphia home replacing your windows can create an energy efficient update and transform your kitchen into a bright and airy space. This decision can feel overwhelming, as there are many different options today for new modern windows. You may be concerned about maintaining the architectural character of your older home and even wonder what the advantages are to replacing windows. Here we will take a look at several types of windows, review the qualities of each, and reflect on why we add, remove, or replace windows from an interior designer’s perspective.
Wood: Wood windows are authentic, classic, and can easily match your existing architecture. Wood windows are great for historical purists, but they are a pain to maintain. Most manufacturers are now focusing on clad-wood windows (see next item), but solid wood is still available. These windows are more environmentally friendly because wood is renewable, maintainable, and naturally insulated. This makes it an energy efficient option as well. Wood windows often come unfinished, but you can save work by purchasing them primed or painted in a few standard colors. Wood allows for complete personalization. It can be painted any color and species like mahogany and walnut can be stained for a rich look. Splurging on dense hardwoods will help with durability, but any wood window will need maintenance. We recommend Marvin and Kolbe brands for solid wood windows.
Pros:
-Can be painted or stained
-Eco friendly and energy efficient
-Long-lasting with proper maintenance
-Authentic character
Cons:
-Upkeep
-More expensive ($700-$2000 per window)
Hybrids or Clad-wood windows: Hybrid or Clad-Wood windows offer the benefits of wood on the inside but are covered on the exterior with a tough, low-maintenance jacket of aluminum or vinyl. The cladding makes the exterior durable and prevents rot. The interior wood frame can be stained or painted any color. The interior wood requires some upkeep, but this style is far easier to maintain than solid wood. We recommend Marvin, Kolbe, and Andersen for hybrid windows.
Pros:
-Interior can be painted
-Durable
-Energy efficient
Cons:
-Interior maintenance
-Difficult to customize
-More expensive than vinyl windows ($1,200-$2000 per window)
Vinyl: Vinyl is a common material for replacement windows. Vinyl windows are made from tough, impact-resistant PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC), with hollow chambers inside to help them resist heat transfer and condensation. Vinyl windows don't require painting or finishing, but this may be a disadvantage if you want to paint it a unique color to match your design. The material doesn't fade or rot, but it will lose it’s luster over time and there’s no way to refresh the surface. Customization is limited here. However, they are energy efficient and affordable. Because of their popularity, the quality of vinyl can vary. We recommend Marvin, Andersen, or Sunrise Brands for high quality vinyl replacement windows.
Pros:
-Sturdy construction
-Energy Efficient
-Less Expensive ($500-$700 per window)
Cons:
-Difficult to customize
-Quality varies
-Negative environmental impact during construction
Aluminum: Aluminum windows are typically found in commercial construction with a more modern and industrial look. For residential replacement windows they do make sense for large spans of glass and operable doors, specifically in contemporary homes. If you’re looking for mullions and ornamental details these are not for you. Aluminum windows are durable, corrosion-resistant, require little maintenance, and if properly cared for, will have a long lifespan. Aluminum conducts more heat transfer than vinyl or wood, creating energy loss from inside the home. You can paint aluminum windows with the proper preparation, although most manufacturers don’t recommend it. The strength of aluminum frames allows for larger glass panes, better views, and more light inside your home. We recommend finding a local commercial window installer for aluminum windows.
Pros:
-Durable and low maintenance
-Open and large frames
-Less expensive than wood or clad wood ($600-900 per window)
-Long lifespan
Cons:
-Difficult to paint
-Limited details
-Less energy efficient than wood or vinyl
Steel Casement: Steel windows are extremely durable due to the material’s strength, making them resistant to weather, fire and decay. They can have very slender lines and offer clean and unobstructed views. Because of the historical origins of steel windows, they span many architectural styles and are a great option for traditional and modern homes. Steel windows require minimal upkeep and maintenance. They are only available as custom units which makes them more expensive, but they can be built to fit any opening. Steel casement windows are not the most energy efficient window option. Newer versions can be built with insulated glazing panels and insulated frames to be more energy efficient than the vintage single pane style. You will need to find a local ironsmith who specializes in steel windows. We recommend IQ Radiant Glass in the Philadelphia area.
Pros:
-Durable
-Low maintenance
-Works well with different architectural styles
-Customizable
Cons:
-Expensive
-Less energy efficiency
-Heavy
The interior designers at Airy Kitchens always strive to preserve and reuse original windows, especially ones with architectural significance. However, we understand that function and energy efficiency will play a role in your decision to replace and we can help you find the best fit for your renovation. Older homes in Philadelphia and the main line often have low window sills and poorly located windows for contemporary kitchen designs. Our designers have lots of tricks to help your house look authentic and considered inside and out. Creating a functional layout and enhancing views, light, and air flow in your home are all considerations when designing a new kitchen.
Are you considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel that involves replacing windows?