Weighing the Pros & Cons of Picture Windows

Are you tired of the mundane look your existing house windows give off? Have you already begun your search for the perfect replacements? Depending on your goals, you may be eyeing picture windows as possible options. Featuring single panes of glass, picture windows offer a unique set of benefits—and drawbacks—when it comes to appearance and functionality. If you are having trouble determining whether picture windows are the right choice for your window replacement project, considering some of the factors below may help with decision-making.

Pros

Picture windows are a popular window style among homeowners, thanks to:

The Unimpeded View of the Outdoors They Provide

No window style comes close to capturing the true beauty of a scenic landscape quite like that of a picture window. Because this window style only requires a single pane of glass, picture windows do not need grilles, which makes them the perfect option for window openings that have breathtaking vantage points of the outdoors and can serve as the focal point for virtually any room.

Their Ease of Maintenance

One of the aspects on most window styles that tend to require maintenance are their operable parts (the sash, sash lock, lift, etc.). Unlike all other window styles, picture windows are affixed to their window openings and do not open or close. Because of this, they lack many of the moving parts that other window styles need to function properly, which means fewer parts will require replacing. Moreover, picture windows crafted by the esteemed manufacturer Renewal by Andersen^® are made using a proprietary composite material called Fibrex^®, which is resistant to flaking, rusting, blistering, cracking, peeling, cracking, pitting, or corroding.

Their Thermal Performance

Many operable window styles fail to maintain a weathertight seal, which can lead to uncomfortable indoor temperatures and higher monthly energy bills. Because picture windows are fixed and have no moving components or seams, they offer insulation and weatherproofing that’s superior to all other window styles. In fact, Renewal by Andersen picture windows are accompanied by an ENERGY STAR^® certification, ensuring your homes temperature will remain comfortable no matter the season.

Cons

Although picture windows afford homeowners substantial benefits, there are some drawbacks to installing this particular window style, such as:

Providing Zero Ventilation

Perhaps the most significant pain point homeowners experience with picture windows is their inability to provide ventilation. As stated earlier, picture windows do not open, which makes them a poor choice for rooms where only one window opening exists. If you are considering incorporating picture windows into your home’s design, be sure to have them installed in areas where additional operable window styles can provide airflow.

Being Inconvenient to Clean

Most window styles are rather simple to clean from inside the home. However, the process for cleaning picture windows tends to be a little more complicated. Since this window style does not allow for opening and closing, cleaning must be completed from both indoors and outdoors.

Your Local Picture Window Experts

If you’ve elected to have picture windows installed at your home, your next step is to find a trusted, professional window company to perform the installation. For homeowners who call Green Bay or the surrounding areas home, look no further than RBA of Greater Wisconsin. Our factory-trained and -certified installers are well versed in Renewal by Andersen installation practices and hold themselves to the highest of craftsmanship standards. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the Fibrex^® picture windows we can install at your home.