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toggleswitch2

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OK so discussing split-system A/Cs overseas in another thread prompted this discussion of windows and window treatments. (On a scale of 1 to 10 probably a "15" in gayness, but I digress. LOL)

What is most popular in your country/region?

In my part of the US, double-hung sash windows prevail. This allows for up-and-down window shades and venetian blinds ("persianas" in Latin-American Spanish) to be used.

Sliding windows or crank-out casments (both usually long and narrow) are also popular with builders in new construction, but a PITA with binds and shades that open up-and-down.

I've noticed that some Euro windows open IN. How does one deal with privacy and sun-screening? Do you guys have those PVC exterior roll-ups that I have seen in Greece?

Many no longer use curtains, just a mini-blind with 1" (2.54cm) vanes; The type of blind shown here.

(The SS kettle/vat on the floor is my boil-washer, but that is another thread for another day.)

Toggleswitch2++12-22-2009-06-50-15.jpg
 
bedroom.

With window air-conditioner. Notice what the sun has done to the color of the plastic front of the A/C!

Shades and tradtional curtain panels. One can also see the grate of the built-in steam heating radiator/convector.

Toggleswitch2++12-22-2009-06-55-36.jpg
 
Snip, snip.

Nothing says "quaint" like grandpa's lace curtains but anyway....

itchen window with cafe-style curtains and dryer vent through plywood.

Toggleswitch2++12-22-2009-06-57-12.jpg
 
We have both double hung sash, and casements (crank out type) in our our house. We have mini venetian blinds on the double hung sash, and vertical blinds on the casements.
 
"Then let's get RID of that BITCH of a bearing wall

I'm so NOT gay when it comes to windows. I HATE any kind of window treatment(reminds me of my Mother), and I will bend down and kiss the ground when selectable polarized glass becomes a reality, so I don't have to worry about privacy at night. Generally will tolerate Roman shades, but they're expensive and one more thing to clean. I use mini-venetian blinds, but even I think they're mildly offensive, but effective. I like windows unencumbered by any fabric and find even the word "drapes" grating. I love the European system where you can have retractable shutters that fall from the top of the window box like a theatre curtain. Although I doubt I'd ever use them. Give me light!
 
Window shades and curtains for me-shades are easier to deal with,block light and heat better-since I am a day sleeper.Also drapes over the shades to block more light and heat-esp in the summer.I have the sash type windows.As far as I am concerned blinds are for offices and commercial buildings-hate them in homes.
 
I prefer the double-hung vertical sliding windows, but this home has all horizontal sliding windows - plus vertical type shades. I think the ventilation is better with double-hung - you can open both the top and the bottom window a few inches and achieve better passive convection air flow than with a single horizontal sliding window.

As for curtains and "window treatments", that all leaves me a bit cold. Miniblinds or cellular shades work for me.
 
The European

Tilt in, open in solution permits an enormously better seal, easier cleaning, unobstructed access, good ventilation even in rain and is simple to build and reliable.

Double-hung windows, done right, can be very pleasant.
 
We have double hung windows, that is the most popular window in the our area. But a lot of older homes with replacement windows from the 70's have a mixture of sliding windows usually in the front of the house, and double hung in the rear.

As for what goes on my windows, I prefer a nice lace curtain or pinch-pleated sheers with a nice heavy floor length pinch pleated drapes over them. For me it MUST be pinch-pleated no rod pocket draperies here, they look too sloppy
 
I'm a Fan:

Of pinch-pleated, thermal-backed draperies on traverse rods.

They help enormously in keeping the cold out, adding a layer of air space over each window. I have new windows and storms to boot, but draperies help with the transfer of cold temps into the room from cold glass and window frames. Even the very, very best of today's windows still have a "cold zone" right in front of them, because the glass is cold. Draperies help a lot with that problem.

And if you need $300 in a hurry, you can rip 'em down and make yourself something fetching to wear!

danemodsandy++12-22-2009-14-20-1.jpg
 
I gather that the primary advantage of upgrading old windows to new dual pane windows isn't the increased insulation value, but rather the fact that the newer windows will tend to be more air-tight and admit fewer drafts.

When you think of it, the R value of a dual pane window glass is about R1. Compare this to the R13 you can get from insulating 4" deep exterior wall space. So you really don't get much in terms of insulation with the dual pane - but it might be just enough to prevent indoor moisture from condensing on the inside of the window.

The other benefit would be replacing aluminum framed windows with less conductive framed windows, such as wood or vinyl. I think aluminum has a negative R value ;-).

I've noticed a fair amount of moisture condensing on the front picture window, which runs down and collects on the inner sill, and then proceeds to get moldy if I don't catch it and sop it up periodically. This got worse when I put up foam backed insulating curtains on that window, and installed heating vent deflectors on the two floor heater vents in front of the window (it's a big one). I've since removed the deflectors and the condensation seems to have lessened.

We have damp, cold winters so indoor moisture control is more of an issue in the winter here than in other climes, where freezing temps tend to dry things out.
 

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