What are garden windows?
Garden windows are a type of window installed as an addition to the main windows of a house. They are designed to protrude outward between 6 to 18 inches, creating a small “greenhouse” effect. Chances are, you may have seen these types of windows before.
They get their name from their design as they’re typically used to provide plants with sunlight and fresh air. Garden windows allow more sunlight than a typical residential window as they have glass on four sides. They can also open, similar to casement windows, to allow airflow.
These types of windows aren’t for everyone. To help you determine if you’d like them, we will discuss some advantages and disadvantages of this style of window.
Benefits and advantages.
The primary benefit of garden windows is in their name. They’re great for plants. You can have a small garden right in your kitchen. Because they let in so much light and create a greenhouse effect, they’re perfect for those with a green thumb.
The light isn’t only great for plants, but these windows let in natural light, brightening up a room and helping reduce your energy bill. In the winter, they let in heat from the sun, cutting down on heating costs.
Of course, garden windows are great and come with excellent benefits, but what about the drawbacks?
Drawbacks and disadvantages.
Perhaps the biggest drawback of these windows is they must be installed correctly. By their very design, they place stress on the window frame that could result in leaks over time. If they’re not installed correctly, you may see water come in and your home not being very energy efficient.
When it comes time to clean the glass, you may find it difficult to reach deep inside the window. To exasperate the issue, garden windows are commonly installed over kitchen sinks, making it hard to get the inside of the window to give it a good wipe-down.
Another disadvantage is that they can potentially be an obstacle outside your home. Depending on where it’s located and how far it protrudes, garden windows can get in the way of your outdoor activities.
So now you’re familiar with garden windows,
Are garden windows outdated?
Not necessarily. Indeed, they’re not nearly as popular as they were in the 90s, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make your home look dated. There just happens to be so many options to choose from on the market.
Some garden window styles may look dated, but they can make your kitchen look lively, bright, and inviting if done right. Some of the older windows have a boxy look and are made from either wood or aluminum, both of which can show their age over time. Now you can get vinyl or fiberglass windows that last much longer and require less maintenance.
Maintenance and care tips.
When caring for your garden window, regularly check the seals for leaks. As we mentioned, their design gives gravity an advantage. Over time, the window can pull away from the wall creating gaps that let water and air in. If your window begins to sag over time, you may need to hire a professional to fix the window properly.
Aside from checking for leaks, maintaining these windows is as easy as cleaning them. Sure, it can be challenging to clean the inside of them, but when they’re clean, they look great.
Garden windows are not necessarily outdated, but they are less popular now than in the past. They come with several benefits, such as increasing natural light and letting in the fresh air. However, they also have a few drawbacks, such as being difficult to clean and potentially causing leaks. If you’re considering installing garden windows in your home, carefully weigh the pros and cons. With proper care and maintenance, garden windows can be a great addition.