windows

[twobums]

Hello all.
Its time to figure out what windows to order.
Need some help... we're trying to decide between casements or double hung. Or a combo of the two. Can anyone give us advantages or disadvantages of each style?

Here's what we're building... 26x30 story and a half, square logs and dovetail corners. All open on main level. So all windows, except bathroom, can be seen at one time. Would it not be a good idea to mix the style of windows?

Another question is for the bathroom, which will be located in the back left corner of the home. We've looked at awning style windows for the bathroom. Something about 4-5 feet wide and 24-30 inches tall. Figure this will give a little more privacy in the bathroom. Has anyone used this style of window, or have a suggestion on what style would be best to use in the bathroom?

Also, we've read previous posts on window companies. Still trying to decide on which company to go with. As we make decisions on style and color, some companies get taken off the list. If you have suggestions on one to check out, let me know.


Any info is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Gene

[lisa]

Gene,

I chose Caradaco windows because I wanted aluminum clad exterior and wood interior. I chose a combination of awning, casement and double hung. I primarily used casement windows so I would have a full view - I generally dislike double hung because as you look out the window there is always a bar across the middle of your view. I did use awning windows over a whirlpool tub and over the kitchen sink. Both of these were very large windows and I did not want double casements, but rather the glass surface an awning window can provide.

I copied pictures from the local window company order catalogs and blew them up to fit my exterior elevations. This allowed me to play with how different windows would look on my house.

Ordering windows was very time consuming. There are many things to consider. Several of the log home magazines have done articles on chosing windows - here are some internet links
http://www.magick.net/ycranch/sitewindows.html
http://www.loghomelists.com/designideaspt2.asp
http://www.bestloghomes.com/windowdoor.htm

There is an article in the Aug 1998 issue of Log Home living that specifically deals with chosing the right windows for log homes.

I hope some of this helps you in your search.

Lisa Stegall

[MikeS]

Double hung are a traditional window. They are less energy efficient than casements. Double hung require a very tall window, meaning close to the floor, in order to meet egress in the bedroom. The horizontal sash in the middle of the double hung unit is a deciding issue. A combination of double hung, plus casements or sliders for egress is often used.

Casements are more energy efficient, and often seen in residential work. No horizontal sash blocks the view, more energy efficient, and the screens are on the inside. The crank mechanism is vulnerable to abuse, namely abuse received in commercial rental.

We see casements generally in residential, especially upper end and where there is a view, and we see sliders in commercial rental and residential. Double hung, combined with sliders or casements for egress, is seen in more traditional settings.

[Johnny]

Hello and we seem to have built almost the same style of log home that you are building.......square 6x12 WRC logs with dovetail corners. We used casement style Anderson Windows..........5' full circle windows in the front and rear dormers and 4'x7' casement with fixed sidelights on the side dormers..(all upstairs) and big casements with a couple of pic. type windows downstairs...also used Anderson French and half French doors. All sandtone exterior and light wood interior.

Believe it or not we even wrestled with the same question on an awning type window in the bathroom over the whirlpool tub...and finally went with it.......we are sure glad we did.....keeps the bathroom from seeming cave-like

We had never had casement type windows before...(they are not real popular in the deep south) but we are very impressed with them so far......we have full wrap-a-round porches so this made our decision easier...

ps......the Anderson people here have been great to work
with........

Good luck and please e-mail me if you would like pics. or other info....

Johnny

[BradBradstreet]

As one can see from our pictures in the link below we used casement windows throughout the house. The lot slopes down from the road past the house to the lake. This meant that casement windows would work a lot better for us. There is a natural flow of air up and down the hill as one shifts from morning to evening. During the day it could be hot and no breeze. Then in the evening the air will flow. A casement window will scoop the air into the house. So, you open one of the windows and not both on the side windows.

At least this was our logic and it does work.

[twobums]

Thanks to all who replied.

The info is appreciated and will be helpful when we decide on the style. Always like to hear from folks who've had to make similar decisions. One thing Mike spoke of is important. Double hung have a more traditional look. Our home is more simple and rustic, so traditional is probably better.

I have another question to add... Is there a preference between vinyl clad or aluminum clad?

Another option we're looking at is exterior color. Has anyone gone with green exterior?

Thanks again!
Gene

[BradBradstreet]

Gene, if you are going with the traditional look I would think you would be focusing on wood trimmed windows - not clad. We did solid wood windows and they have been great. I have seen several log homes with green trim for the windows and doors. They looked very nice.

[Dave Meers]

We selected Norco aluminum clad windows throughout our house and used casements for all except the basement windows where we used awning windows. We also selected green exteriors and clear wood interiors. The green goes nicely with the green standing seam metal roof and the green drip edges. We also capped all of the exterior window and door trim in green aluminum. Our logs are stained fairly dark and we wanted the green to break up all of the brown stain and stone work. It looks just like Lincoln Logs...........at least that's what all of the neighbors say.