While elements of your home’s exterior improve curb appeal, things like the gutter system, the siding colour, or the roof style also reflect the personality and character of those living inside. Windows are the one home exterior element that is probably noticed first by visitors and passers-by. Whether you plan on replacing them or working with the ones you already have, let’s see what your windows say about you.
Accessibility
When the windows are clean and the trim freshly painted, you’re saying “Welcome to my home, come on in.” Sparkling glass panes are an incentive for family, friends, and even neighbours to knock on your door.
Being Healthy
Imagine a house without windows! It would feel like living in a cave. Spacious windows, whether they’re tall or wide, let in more light if they are grime-free. Natural light keeps us healthy and helps improve our emotional well-being, stabilizing moods and boosting motivation.
Environmentally Conscious
It’s not just about choosing eco-friendly materials or double/triple panes to keep out cold air. Yes, damaged windows are a curb appeal minus, but they are also unkind to the environment. Warm air escaping through a cracked window increases your energy bill.
If windows fog up whenever you make a pot of soup from scratch, it’s usually a sign of glass panes becoming loose in the frame. Old or damaged windows should be replaced. However, before doing so check building codes, strata guidelines or municipal regulations to see if the replacement windows will meet environmental and/or safety standards.
Timeless Style
A bay window makes a different style statement than a bow window. Sliding windows have an uncluttered appearance whereas double-hung windows possess more detail. Since windows are seen from both inside and outside of the house, selecting windows with a timeless style will help keep your home warm, aesthetically pleasing, and protected regardless of current trends.
Window Accessories
Decorative or utilitarian window accessories add functionality and beauty to your windows, showing that no detail is too small when it comes to curb appeal.
Shutters: Non-functioning shutters add a decorative element to your home’s exterior. They typically are placed on either side of the window and are then fastened to the wall. Functional shutters have hinges so they can be opened or closed during severe weather or to keep the sun out. They must be latched into place when closed; to keep them open, you will need shutter dogs or tie-backs (hardware).
Grilles: A grille is typically used on first-floor windows to deter unwelcome visitors looking for a new computer. Grilles are usually custom made and can be fashioned into the style most suited to your home.
Window boxes: Window boxes filled with seasonal flowers and plants are appealing to the eye. It’s a great way to make the windows focal points of your home’s exterior.
