At first glance, single-hung and double-hung windows look identical. But, there are major differences between the two: A double-hung window’s top and bottom sashes open and close independently, whereas only the bottom sash of a single-hung window operates. The sash is a key window component that holds the glass panes together. Don’t confuse the sash…

Vinyl and fiberglass are among the most popular window materials used today. In fact, vinyl frames dominate when it comes to residential windows — more than 50% of the market share is vinyl windows, according to the Inter­national Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Window frame materials influence the window’s durability, energy efficiency and aesthetics.…

Maybe some of your rooms feel drafty, making you wonder whether your home’s heating or cooling is working effectively — or maybe you’ve noticed visible signs of caulk peeling off or cracking. It could be time to recaulk your home’s windows. Some windows have caulk along all of the seams, inside and out. As your…

The first sunny day of spring can signal a return to weekend barbecues, short sleeves and household cleaning. From organizing closets to giving your car a good scrub, spring cleaning should consist of tidying up outside as much as inside. This begs the question: How often should your windows be cleaned? Home windows, with hard-to-reach…

Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes but have one thing in common — they are designed to be resilient against weather changes, pressure and impact. However, things don’t always work as intended, and your window glass may occasionally crack. A sudden shift in temperature, a fly ball from a neighborhood baseball game,…

No one pays much attention to their window screens, but they have an important job: They allow fresh air into your home while keeping bugs and gunk out. If your screen rips or is so old it’s starting to fray or fade, you’ll want to replace it immediately. This is especially true during warm weather…

In regions prone to high winds and severe weather, having storm windows goes a long way to protect your house. Storm windows can be mounted on either the outside or inside of your existing windows to add an extra layer of protection. Alternatively, companies such Renewal by Andersen and Marvin can install models with impact-resistant glass…

Andersen Windows & Doors and Pella have both been known for high-quality windows for decades. Both are Energy Star partners that offer a wide range of window styles and materials. They’re available at most home improvement retailers and have similar pricing for their midtier window lines. It’s hard to tell at a glance which is…

Window World may not be as recognizable a name as those on our list of the best window installation companies, but with more than 200 locations nationwide, you’re likely to have a showroom location near you. Window World is an Energy Star partner with a wide selection of styles and an in-house professional installation team.…

There are two types of window replacements: full-frame and pocket. As the name suggests, full-frame replacements involve replacing the entire window, including the frame. Pocket replacements, on the other hand, entail installing a new window inside the current frame. In most cases, you should opt for a pocket replacement. Pocket replacements are more affordable than…