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The bathroom isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think about improving energy efficiency through window replacement. However, there are other reasons to get a high-performance unit for this area of your home. Aside from energy efficiency, your new bathroom window should provide adequate ventilation and offer a certain level of privacy while letting copious amounts of sunlight into the whole space. Of course, it should also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the entire room. Continue reading this in-depth guide to help you make the right selection.
With careful planning, your bathroom window can strike a good balance between privacy, daylighting and ventilation. For this, you need to keep in mind these important factors when making your choice:
Conventional wisdom states that the bigger the window is, the more natural light it can allow inside. Unless making significant changes to the exterior wall is part of your renovation plan, you can’t easily pull it off when you are only replacing existing windows. One option is to combine two adjoining windows built on a single large opening separated by a removable beam or framing.
Investing in new windows with frames made of materials that boast stronger-than-average strength and durability is also a viable option. Composite frames, for instance, allow manufacturers to offer slimmer frames. It might seem like a small improvement, but shaving off a few inches off the frames’ thickness can increase the glass areas significantly as long as it doesn’t compromise the windows’ performance, longevity and structural integrity.
The window you choose for your bathroom should adhere to this important requirement. If you are renovating the space, and you have to change the exterior wall, your new window must be positioned in such a way that it is out of the line of sight from the outdoors. This placement, however, may reduce natural lighting and deprive you of a view.
If this isn’t possible, you can always control bathroom privacy by installing window treatments. Sheer curtains, for instance, help balance natural light with privacy, though it doesn’t always work in all bathroom designs. If you want your bathroom window bare, consider obscure glass options. Stained glass looks beautiful in old homes while frosted glass works well in modern bathrooms. Installing a privacy film also helps if you want to make your windows more opaque. Glass blocks can also improve privacy, but you may be depriving your bathroom of needed ventilation. Also, consider windows with low-emissivity (low-e) glass coatings, which have reflective properties that may help prevent people from casually looking through them.
We all know that the bathroom can get humid, and without much-needed ventilation, mold and mildew can grow and thrive within the damp environment. If left untreated, they can lead to respiratory problems for everyone in your household, not to mention the destruction of your bathroom walls. That’s why having at least one operable window is imperative. Together with a working exhaust fan, it can let you flush out excess heat, humidity and odors.
The efficiency of your window choice is also worth considering. High humidity levels mean more chances for condensation to form on surfaces. A cold window glass makes it faster for windows to accumulate condensation, which is why you want an efficient window that will have the warmest possible interior glass.
The following are some of the window styles considered to be a perfect fit for the bathroom’s aesthetics and functionality:
Crank windows are the best choice for bathrooms, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Closing them helps create a tight seal around the area where the sash meets the frame. With this, you can be sure unwanted outdoor air stays out. Casement windows are one of the most common examples of crank windows used in homes. Hinged on one side, they swing outward with the turn of the crank handle. Because of their versatile design, they can be installed in nearly any room in your house, including the bathroom. Open them right after taking a shower, and air out the bathroom effectively to get rid of the humidity.
These windows are likewise a great choice for your bathroom. They’re not like casement windows that have an airtight seal when closed. Instead, they have weatherstripping to fill the space between the sashes to ensure no outdoor air seeps through your bathroom interior. To improve efficiency, consider installing sliding windows equipped with low-e glass coatings. This feature allows natural light to penetrate through the glass while deflecting ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays.
If you want a more unique look for your bathroom, consider combining your bathroom window with a fixed or inoperable unit. It comes in virtually any shape or size, from semicircles to small square transoms, allowing you to explore your creativity even more. With this, you can further increase the energy efficiency of the operable window unit while maintaining its function to properly ventilate the bathroom.
These are large windows created by combining three or more windows so they angle out beyond the house wall. While they appear similar, these windows can be distinguished from each other by the way they are designed. Bay windows are angular while bow windows are curved. Either one of these window types is a perfect fit for spacious bathrooms. The row of glass from these windows allows you to harness daylighting even more.
Looking for an expert window contractor who can help you pick the best window for your bathroom? Look no further than Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville. We offer beautiful and energy-efficient replacement doors and windows that can keep your indoor spaces comfortable year-round while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home exterior and interior. Expect our installation team to approach your project professionally and courteously, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. We aim to provide you with the best window replacement experience possible.
Call us today at (866) 609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve homeowners in Clarksville, TN, and the surrounding communities.