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Choosing windows for your bathroom can be a bit of a touchy endeavor. You want your windows to let in sunshine and fresh air, but you don’t want to compromise your privacy or throw off the decorative balance of the room. Many times, Michigan home owners choose different windows for their bathroom than for the rest of their home. And this makes sense; you need your bathroom windows to meet different needs than the windows in your living room, dining room, or kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best bathroom windows for your needs.
Even if you have a bathroom exhaust fan, it’s nice to be able to open your bathroom window and let in some fresh air. While casement and double-hung windows offer adequate ventilation, your best bet is often an awning window. This type of window is hung on hinges at the top of the frame. When you turn the crank to open the window, it hinges upward like an awning. This allows plenty of air to come in through the window, which is essential when you want to allow steam to escape from a humid bathroom. The open window shields the window space so that if it’s raining outside, the extra moisture does not enter your bathroom. With an awning window, you can ventilate you bathroom in any type of weather — not just when it’s nice outside.
The windows in your bathroom are exposed to more moisture than those in other areas of your Michigan home. So, it’s very important that the frame material is resistant to rot and warping. Fibrex®, a patented wood composite material, is an excellent frame material for bathrooms. It does not develop rot or mold like natural wood, and you don’t have to worry about scraping and staining it, either. Fibrex also resists bowing and warping due to changes in temperature and humidity, so the frame will stay tightly against the glass window rather than developing gaps that lead to air leakage.
You can allow plenty of natural light into your bathroom without opting for a floor-to-ceiling window. A small, 24 x 24-inch awning window placed at eye level will let in plenty of light and air, and if passersby look in, all they’ll see is your head. If you want even more natural light, you can opt for a pair of matching awning windows instead of just one.
For privacy, you can also choose a glass that is etched or glazed that will obscure the view from the outside.
The best bathroom windows are fashionable as well as functional. Take advantage of this opportunity to add a little more color to your bathroom. Since window frames are a small feature compared to walls, ceilings, and shower curtains, choose a bold accent color for your frames. It’s okay to use a dark color here, even if your bathroom is small. The light coming in through the window will make the space look light and airy, even if you have a dark gray, brown, or green window frame.
If you’re not sure what style of bathroom window is best for your Michigan home, try using Renewal by Andersen’s window visualizer to try out different styles, shapes, and colors. Then, contact us to schedule a free, in-home consultation with our knowledgeable representatives.
Topics: Michigan home, bathroom windows