Bedroom Windows

== Framing Materials ==

=== Wooden Bedroom Windows ===

[[Wood Windows|Wood]] and [[Wood Clad Windows|wood clad]] replacement bedroom windows offer a traditional window solution that is compatible with a wide variety of home design styles including Renaissance, Colonial, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Bungalow, Prairie, Ranch, Rustic, Chalet and others. All-wood frames can rot or warp over time if they are not painted or varnished yearly but if properly maintained they offer a high standard of thermal performance as well as an attractive appearance. Many window manufacturers produce wood clad products. Wood clad framing eliminates the need for annual maintenance. Wood clad windows are produced with a treated aluminum or vinyl cladding which sits on the wood frame's exterior and protects the window from the weather's elements. Whether a homeowner chooses an all-wood window product or a wood-clad window product, the cladding or painting can be color-coordinated to achieve the desired effect on both the inside and the outside of the window.  

=== Aluminum Bedroom Windows ===

[[Aluminum Windows|Aluminum windows]] are a low-cost bedroom window option. They are widely used in mild climates but aluminum windows conduct heat which results in a build-up of condensation on the window's frame in houses built in cold climates. This can increase the amount of moisture and humidity within the bedroom. If the condensation is not controlled, mold may develop in the bedroom -- a health hazard to the people sleeping in the bedroom. Aluminum windows with thermal breaks can help prevent a build-up of condensation and improve the U-value of aluminum frame replacement windows. An additional aluminum bedroom window alternative involves aluminum windows in which the thermal break is combined with foam insulation to increase the window's thermal performance.  

=== Vinyl Bedroom Windows ===

[[Vinyl Windows|Vinyl bedroom windows]] offer another low-cost window alternative. They present a sleek, modern appearance which is appropriate to contemporary home designs such as Mediterranean Revival, Post Modern and NeoClassical. Vinyl windows cannot be painted so homeowners should ensure that the available vinyl frame colors match their décor.   

[[Fiberglass Windows|Fiberglass bedroom windows]] are a long-lasting, sturdy window solution for bedroom windows. Fiberglass frames offer quality thermal performance and do not need to be painted or otherwise maintained after installation but they can be painted, if the homeowner wishes,  to match any bedroom color scheme and architectural design. Fiberglass frames are generally a more expensive replacement window solution than vinyl or aluminum frame windows but are fitted easily into existing window openings and offer a well-designed and well-insulating framing material.  

Replacement windows manufactured using [[Composite Windows|composite materials]] are relatively new bedroom window alternatives and long-term research is not yet available. However, homeowners who have installed composite windows in their bedrooms report that they are sturdy window solutions which stand up to any weather elements and are available in any desired shape or size. Many homeowners also appreciate the environmentally-friendly aspect of composite windows which are produced from recycled materials and can be recycled in turn when the time comes.  

== Styles, Sizes and Shapes ==

Bedrooms built in difficult-to-access spaces must, by law, include [[Egress Emergency Exit Windows|egress access windows]] to allow individuals to easily enter or exit the room in event of an emergency. [[Dormer Windows|Dormer windows]] and [[Attic Windows|attic windows]] are available for bedrooms built into dormer or attic units. Egress, dormer and attic windows may use any of the window styles listed including casements, gliders and single/double hungs.  

=== Vertical Sliding Windows ===

[[Vertical Sliding Windows|Vertical sliding]] [[Single Hung Windows|Single]]- and [[Double Hung Windows|double-hung]] bedroom windows present a traditional window style that is attractive, functional and easily maintained. Vertical sliding windows operate by pushing the operating sash upward to open the window and pulling the sash back downward to close the window. In a double hung window both sashes move vertically within the window frame while in a single hung window, only one sash moves within the frame while the other sash remains stationary. Vertical sliding windows should be installed in a location which is easily accessible for optimal operation.  

Bedroom [[Casement Windows|casement]] windows operate by either pushing the operating sashes in and out or by cranking them in or out with a hand-crank. A remote control mechanism is also available for bedroom casements. Replacement casement windows are a more expensive window due to the window's hinge mechanism but they are popular bedroom windows because they open completely for complete venting and a full open view. Casement windows come as inward or outward swinging windows so deciding whether to install an inward or outward swinging casement window should be taken after reviewing which bedroom furnishings will be located near the window's interior and what type of free space exits near the window's exterior.   

=== Horizontal Sliding Windows ===

[[Horizontal Sliding Windows|horizontal sliding bedroom windows]], also called gliders, are a moderate-cost window alternative for bedroom windows and are often chosen because they are easily operated, easy to clean and provide adequate ventilation and daylighting. The sash(es) of horizontal sliding windows move horizontally within the window frame. Options include XO windows in which one sash operates and one sash remains stationary and XOX models in which the middle sash remains stationary and the two side sashes open and close.   

[[Bay Windows|Bay]] and [[Bow Windows|bow]] windows are a popular window alternative for bedrooms. Bay windows are formed by joining three windows -- either operating windows, non-operating windows or a combination of both operating and non-operating windows -- into a 30°, 45°, 60° or 90° degree angle which creates a bay arc. Bow windows are formed by joining four or five windows into a wider, more expansive arc formation. These windows create an architectural focus for the bedroom, offer a wide view, provide a feeling of "moving outdoors" and can include a window seat that creates an attractive furnishing which is set within the window's arc.  

Bay and bow replacement windows may be constructed with casement or double hung operating windows, with picture windows or with a combination of these windows. Additional windows may be added above or below the large window units. These additions may include [[Transom Windows|transom windows]], [[Hopper Windows|hopper windows]] and [[Awning Windows|awning windows]]. Bay and bow windows may also be topped using [[Special Shape Windows|special shape windows]] such as [[Round Circle Windows|round top windows]].

[[Picture Windows|Picture windows]] are a suitable window solution for bedroom applications in which daylighting is the goal but ventilation is not required. Picture windows do not operate and the lack of an operating mechanism ensures that the windows are a more economical window option.

 

== Energy Efficiency Considerations ==

In addition to sleep time, many people spend considerable amounts of time in their bedroom. Bedrooms are one of the most important rooms in which proper insulation is vital to the health and well-being of the inhabitants of the home. The replacement bedroom windows can help ensure that residents enjoy a comfortable room temperature. [[Window Ratings|Window ratings]] provide vital data that allow homeowners to select an energy efficient window product. Consumers can ascertain a window's energy performance by the window's label which provides the ratings for [[Visible Transmittance|visible transmittance]], [[Window Condensation Resistance|condensation resistance]] and [[Window-Air-Leakage|air leakage]]. In addition the window's [[Window U Factor|U-Factor]] and the [[Solar Heat Gain Coefficient|solar heat gain coefficient]] indicate the rate at which heat transfers through the window. These ratings allow homeowners to ascertain which windows will provide them with a window that offers the energy performance that they need.

The U-Factor indicates the rate of heat loss of a window unit. [[Double Glazed Windows|Double]] or [[Triple Glazed Windows|triple]] pane windows help to prevent heat transfer into and out of a bedroom. This keeps the bedroom cool in the hot weather and warm in the cold weather with minimal heating and cooling requirements. Multi-pane window panes are a standard part of a replacement window order. Purchasing bedroom windows with [[Energy Star Windows|Energy Star certification]] can also earn the homeowner [[Replacement Window Tax Credits and Rebates|tax credits and rebates]].  

[[Low E Windows|Low E bedroom windows]] are available with a Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coating which  reduces the transfer infrared radiation from the sun. This will lower the window's solar heat gain coefficient and aid in maintaining temperature control of the bedroom. Low E glazing is available in three different levels to ensure that homeowners can order the level of Low-E coating that meets their specific climate.