Moving to a newly acquired home can be challenging and takes a lot of work, especially if it involves modifying the design features to suit one’s preferences. For instance, some homeowners would love to have a vivid and detailed view of their outside environment right from the confines and comfort of their homes.
Sadly, the architectural design of many homes may be a hindrance to this, as bars and grids stand as obstructions to a great view of the landscape outside. However, picture windows can be a simple yet effective solution to this.
So, if you’re looking to improve your home by opting for a residential picture window replacement & installation, or perhaps, you’re still in the design process of planning your dream home, this article can be for you. This post can serve as your comprehensive guide to picture windows and how they can benefit your home.
An Overview Of Picture Windows
Essentially, picture windows are large, fixed glass panes. They usually come in either square or rectangular shapes with defined edges. Being large, transparent, and stationary, picture windows are designed to be permanently shut and devoid of obstructions, thereby providing a clear aesthetic view of the exterior features. However, since they are inoperable, they provide no benefits in terms of ventilation in the home.
On the other hand, considering their size and form, they can be an excellent choice for allowing natural daylight in your home, which has proven to be mentally stimulating.
Benefits Of Picture Windows
Whether you’re for a new house or merely a replacement for an existing window, picture windows can be a great addition to your home for various reasons. Some of the benefits of picture windows are mentioned below:
1. Aesthetic View Of The Surroundings
It will be a waste of landscape to have a home surrounded by mountains, blooming greenery, streams, or a well-tendered garden with no stimulating visuals from within. Picture windows can help capture such a beautiful landscape at a glance without missing out on any details. This alone can increase the valuation of such property.
More or less, the picture window frames the outdoor landscape just like a large piece of art hung on the wall. And as seasons change and animals move around, picture windows can expose nature as a living piece of art within a home.
2. Natural Lighting
As mentioned, a picture window generously allows natural light such as the sunlight during the day or the moonlight at night into the interiors of your home. And in situations where physical access to the outside is limited, picture windows allow the occupants of a home to gain exposure to natural light, which is believed to produce vitamin D and improve sleep patterns.
In addition, natural lighting in your home can also minimize the need for artificial lighting, thereby helping to conserve energy and reduce your monthly electric bills.
3. Simplified Cleaning
Since picture windows are sealed and inoperable, there is lesser space for the entrance of dirt and debris. These particles would ideally have found their way in through the slight openings in between the operable window pane.
Moreover, cleaning the surface of a large picture window can be much easier and more convenient compared to cleaning windows with mullions, frames, and multiple glass panes.
Installation of Picture Windows
There is a wide array of picture window designs and configurations you can choose from. However, before picking one, some factors must be considered. First, the size of the window must be accurately determined. This will help to ensure that the picture window that best fits in the wall opening is used.
Another factor to consider when installing new windows is the shape of the windows. A rectangular picture window definitely won’t fit into a square window; likewise, a square picture window won’t fit into a rectangular window. Finally, the glass and frame material options also vary.
In cases of an old window where replacement is indicated, the worn window must first be removed. After the removal, the new picture window can be installed through the following simple steps:
- Measure the windows to ensure that the new picture window will fit.
- Any extension that goes beyond the dimensions of the window opening must be accurately trimmed
- Metal flashing should be put in all the top corners to prevent moisture from entering and water leakage.
- The picture window is then placed into the opening, and all fittings are ensured. Shims can be slid to position the window.
- The window is screwed into place, and the spaces on its sides are filled with fiberglass insulation. This can help perfect the fitting and ensures the window are energy efficient.
- Trim is reattached to the interior of the window while the exterior is properly caulked.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that beyond visual appeal and aesthetics, picture windows can serve other functions to serve your home. This has made them an essential design consideration every new homeowner should think about. It’s functional and can certainly give your home a boost and a modern touch.