All About Windows
A homeowner’s guide to window configurations & materials
Choosing new windows is about more than just the glass. The way a window opens, the material used to build the frame, and the architectural style of your home all play a role in comfort, ventilation, maintenance, appearance, and long-term performance.
At Hawks Doors & Windows, we help homeowners understand the options so they can choose windows that fit their home and their needs.
WINDOW CONFIGURATION 1. Single Hung Windows
Simple, traditional & practical
A single-hung window has one movable sash. The bottom sash slides upward while the top sash remains stationary.
Why homeowners choose them:
Traditional appearance
Simple operation
Space-efficient design
Good ventilation
Often a cost-conscious option
Single-hung windows work particularly well in bedrooms, hallways, patios and areas where a straightforward vertical-opening window is desired.
Pella describes single-hung windows as having a fixed upper sash with a bottom sash that slides up and down.
2. Double-Hung Windows
Classic style with flexible ventilation
Double-hung windows have two movable sashes. The bottom sash can move up while the top sash can move down.
This gives homeowners the ability to ventilate from either the top, bottom, or both.
Benefits include:
Excellent ventilation flexibility
Classic architectural appearance
Many grille and hardware options
Many models tilt inward for easier cleaning
Works well with traditional and contemporary homes
Double-hung windows are one of the most recognizable residential window configurations.
3. Sliding Windows
Easy operation with a wide view
Sliding windows open horizontally from side to side. One sash slides along a track while the other remains stationary or operates independently, depending on the design.
Why they're popular:
Very easy to operate
Don't swing outward or inward
Great for patios and walkways
Wide horizontal viewing area
Convenient for frequently used windows
Sliding windows are particularly useful when you don't want an opening sash extending into the room or outside the house.
4. Casement Windows
Maximum ventilation with a clean look
Casement windows are hinged on the side and open outward, typically using a crank or operator.
Because the entire sash can open, casements can provide excellent airflow.
Great for:
Kitchens
Living rooms
Modern homes
Hard-to-reach locations
Areas where maximizing ventilation is important
Casement windows are also popular above kitchen sinks because the operating hardware makes them easier to open than a vertically sliding window.
5. Awning Windows
Ventilation—even when it's raining
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom.
The configuration allows homeowners to bring in fresh air while the glass projects outward and helps shield the opening from rain.
Common applications:
Bathrooms
Above or below larger windows
Higher wall openings
Kitchens
Areas where privacy and ventilation are both important
Awning windows can also be combined with other configurations to create custom window groupings and larger expanses of glass.
WINDOW MATERIALS
The material surrounding your glass can have a major effect on the window's appearance, maintenance requirements, durability and performance.
CLAD WINDOWS
Traditional beauty on the inside. Protection on the outside.
Clad windows generally combine a wood interior with a protective exterior material such as aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass.
This can give homeowners the warmth and appearance of wood indoors while providing a more weather-resistant exterior.
Potential advantages:
Beautiful wood interior
Wide range of stains and finishes
Traditional architectural appearance
Protective exterior
Reduced exterior maintenance compared with exposed wood
For example, Andersen offers clad-wood windows using different exterior cladding materials, while Marvin offers products combining wood interiors with aluminum-clad or fiberglass exteriors.
FIBERGLASS WINDOWS
Strong, durable & low maintenance
Fiberglass frames are made using glass fibers and resin, creating a strong material designed to handle changing weather conditions.
Milgard's C700 fiberglass windows, for example, are designed for durability and energy performance, while Marvin offers several fiberglass window collections.
Potential advantages:
Strong frame material
Low maintenance
Resistant to swelling, rotting and warping
Excellent choice for demanding climates
Available in contemporary and traditional designs
Great choice for: Homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance window with a premium appearance.
VINYL WINDOWS
Vinyl windows are made primarily from PVC-based materials and are widely used in residential replacement projects.
Modern vinyl windows are available in numerous configurations, colors, glass packages and styles.
Potential advantages:
Low maintenance
No painting required
Good insulating characteristics
Wide range of styles
Generally an accessible option for many replacement projects
Milgard describes its vinyl frames as virtually maintenance-free and designed for energy efficiency, while Pella offers vinyl options including its 250 Series and Encompass product lines.
SO WHICH WINDOW IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME?
There isn't one window configuration or material that works for every house.
Your ideal combination depends on factors such as:
🏠 Architectural style: Traditional homes may call for double-hung or clad-wood windows, while contemporary homes may benefit from large casements or expansive combinations.
🌬️ Ventilation: Casement and awning windows can provide substantial ventilation because the sash opens outward.
🧹 Maintenance:Vinyl and fiberglass can offer low-maintenance exterior surfaces, while clad-wood products can combine a wood interior with a protective exterior.
☀️ Energy performance: The frame is only part of the equation. Glass type, number of panes, Low-E coatings, gas fills, installation and overall window design all contribute to performance.
🎨 Appearance: Color, grille patterns, hardware, frame profiles and interior finishes can dramatically change the appearance of your home.
EXPLORE THE BRANDS
Here are four major manufacturers worth exploring when researching your next window project:
Pella offers vinyl, fiberglass and wood/clad options along with a broad selection of window configurations.
Andersen offers multiple window series and materials, including Fibrex composite, vinyl-clad wood and fiberglass-clad products.
Milgard offers vinyl and fiberglass window series, including single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement and awning configurations.
Marvin offers a broad range of window styles and materials, including fiberglass, aluminum-clad wood and wood options.
WINDOWS SHOULD FIT YOUR HOME — NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND
Whether you're replacing one window or upgrading the windows throughout your home, understanding the difference between window configuration and frame material is the first step.
Hawks Doors & Windows can help you compare the available options and find a window solution that fits your home's style, functionality and project goals.
Hawks Doors & Windows
Family Owned & Operated • Licensed, Bonded & Insured
📍 Proudly serving Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Norco and surrounding communities
Schedule your free in-home consultation today.
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