Considerations for 4 Specialized Window Applications

New windows can be an exciting renovation, but choosing the windows can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you want to add windows (such as a skylight for natural daylight or floor-to-ceiling windows to create a sunroom) or just to replace your current windows, different situations in your home may require different priorities for the window's performance.

Discover some considerations for five specialized window applications.

1. Bathroom Windows

Bathroom windows are always a situation where you want complete privacy. While you could simply add a privacy film, that's a less permanent solution that could peel over time and require replacement. In addition, the reflective privacy films for windows tend to provide privacy only during the daytime when they have outdoor light to reflect.

For a more permanent solution, you'll want to choose a type of privacy glass such as textured glass. A glass block window can also be an attractive option for your bathroom window replacement.

2. French Doors

French doors are a cross between a door and a window. Typically, a French door operates like a door but looks like a floor-length window. As you can imagine, a window this large and this close to the floor can be at risk of damage from kids, pets, or rocks. So the material has to be very strong, such as tempered or laminated glass.

You may also want to consider the energy efficiency of your French doors, which may be some of the largest areas of glass in your home. To keep the French doors from wasting your heating and cooling energy, consider French doors with a low-E (low-emissivity) glass. This glass is designed to reflect heat back away from the glass to conserve energy.

3. Dormer Windows

Skylights and dormer windows are similar in that they're both installed in the roof. However, dormer windows are typically vertical like a normal window, rather than horizontal like skylights. Still, choosing a dormer window can require some special considerations.

For instance, your choice of dormer window may be somewhat restricted by the shape of the dormer. A barrel or eyebrow dormer will require a window that's rounded at the top. If you want a different style of window in your dormer, talk to your contractor about what would be involved in remodeling the dormer into a different shape.

4. Windows Facing a Neighbor

Although many cute stories exist about friendships or even romances developed through neighboring windows, having neighbors who can see into your windows from their windows is usually an inconvenience. At worst, it could become a nuisance or even an invasion of privacy. So any windows that face your neighbors' windows need extra privacy considerations.

But you probably don't have to keep your blinds down constantly to protect your privacy. Instead, when replacing the window, choose a type of privacy glass, such as switchable privacy glass. This can allow you to see out while not allowing neighbors to see in.

No matter what specialized windows you need to install or replace, chances are you'll want to hire an experienced professional who can help you navigate the process and install each window to your satisfaction. For more information on the window installation services and other services we provide, contact Ratliff Enterprises, Inc.