Windows 101

Ready to replace your old windows with more energy-efficient options? Perhaps you’re in the market for narrow-profile frames for your new construction contemporary home. Or maybe you want to add new privacy windows to your home’s entryway.

Whatever the scenario, Milgard simplifies the entire window selection process with intuitive designs and materials. Here’s a complete primer on how to start when determining the best windows for your new build or remodeling project.

This window type opens with a sash that slides left or right without protruding. Horizontal slider windows come in both single and double slider styles; double slider means both sashes open.

Ideal for: Rooms facing walkways, porches, patios and bedrooms
Works well in: Contemporary-style homes

This is your traditional window with a fixed top sash and a bottom sash that moves up for opening.

Ideal for: Rooms facing walkways, porches and patios
Works well in: Any home, including modern construction

Unlike a traditional single-hung window, a double-hung window allows the operator to slide the top or bottom sash up or down. The double-hung tilt windows from Milgard provide operation where the sashes tilt inward for easy cleaning of exterior glass.

Ideal for: Rooms facing walkways, porches and patios; for cleaning purposes, double-hung tilt windows are great for second- and third-story areas that aren’t easily reached via ladder.
Works well in: Any style home

These windows are fixed windows that don't open and offer a portrait-like space on a wall. The picture windows with insulated glass from Milgard let in natural light while keeping noise out and comfort in.

Ideal for: Hard-to-reach spaces, living rooms and bathrooms
Works well in: Any style home

Casement windows feature hinges on the side and open outward like a door. They have the look of a picture window with the option of ventilation. These windows may feature a push open or a hand crank for operation. Screens are usually placed inside these windows.

Ideal for: Any room of the home, particularly kitchen areas and bathrooms for quick access to ventilation.
Works well in: Any home

Awning windows open outward from the bottom with the turn of a handle or crank. These windows feature screens placed on the inside to help protect your home’s interior from insects.

Ideal for: Basements or garages and paired with non-operable windows, such as picture windows
Works well in: Any home

Looking for a unique shape or operating style for a space in your home? Combine standard windows with specialty windows, such as a radius half-circle window, a bay or bow window or a garden window.

Ideal for: Any space
Works well in: Any home

Made primarily from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, vinyl-frame windows are a virtually maintenance-free option that offers affordability and work well on any home. Not all vinyl formulations are created equal, however. The vinyl formula from Milgard includes high-quality titanium dioxide and stabilizers. This ensures energy efficiency and high performance throughout the life of your windows and various components.

Milgard also developed a special process for vinyl finishes that allows UV rays to pass through color and reflect off the frame, preserving the longevity of the vinyl.

Learn more about vinyl window styles

Fiberglass is the best option if you’re seeking exceptionally strong frame materials with a traditional wood profile. A proprietary blend of resin and glass fibers compose the frame, making it resistant to warping, swelling or rotting in any climate. Four exterior colors can be paired with a white interior or your interior can match the exterior color selection. 

The material’s unique properties enhance energy efficiency, as materials expand and contract very little despite temperature changes. Milgard regularly tests its fiberglass for color uniformity, gloss, film thickness and chemical resistance to ensure quality and longevity. 

Browse fiberglass window options

Aluminum is a great choice if you’re looking for slim-profile frames. This low-maintenance material is lightweight but incredibly strong. Milgard aluminum frames feature anodized or baked-on finishes for long-lasting color, with sealed, mechanically joined corners that keep their shape over years of use.

Milgard uses a Thermally Improved Aluminum frame that is excellent at conducting heat and cold, therefore helping with energy efficiency. We don’t recommend aluminum for coastal homes as salt water and air can affect hardware operation and frame performance.

Learn more about aluminum frames