Fixed and operable windows both serve the essential purpose of enclosing your home or business, but they offer distinct advantages and functionality when planning a new construction build. Choosing between them or deciding where to place each type requires careful consideration of light, ventilation, views, and budget.
Fixed windows maximize natural light and unobstructed views, lending a modern aesthetic, but lack airflow. Operable windows, conversely, are vital for ventilation and safety, though they may have higher costs. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you select the ideal window solution to complete your new commercial or residential property.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each to help you determine which is right for each space across your property.
What is a Fixed Window?
As the name suggests, fixed windows are windows that do not open. Because they do not have any ventilation points that create minor obstructions, these windows are often used to maximize the light in your home or views surrounding your property. They are an incredibly popular choice among homeowners who are interested in creating a more contemporary appearance for their properties.
The Pros and Cons of Fixed Windows
The Pros of Fixed Windows
- Increased Natural Light: When you’re investing in new windows, you want to ensure your space is bright. While some windows may block the light that floods into your home, fixed windows, with one large sheet of glass, allow plenty of light into your living spaces and make them feel much larger and spacious.
- Minimal Maintenance: Fixed windows don’t have as many nooks and crannies for debris to build up, like in the tracks and around operable hardware. When it comes time to clean them, they are often far easier and less complex to clean than their operable counterparts, making maintenance a breeze.
- Versatile Design: While you might think there aren’t many ways to change up the design of your fixed window, this isn’t the case. Custom window teams can help you create fixed windows, including round windows and windows that are designed to fit in very particular or small spaces, where operable windows aren’t an option.
The Cons of Fixed Windows
- Lack of Ventilation: While you might like the appearance of fixed windows, they do come with some drawbacks, including a lack of ventilation. Whether you’re installing these windows in a kitchen or bathroom, they may not provide as much ventilation as the space requires, leading to moisture buildup, smoke in a kitchen, and stale air.
- Installation Complexity: Because these windows are often much larger than some other windows used across your property, they can be more difficult to install. If you want a fixed window on your property, you’ll want to ensure you’re working with an experienced team to avoid improper installation or damage to the window and frame.
What is an Operable Window?
Unlike fixed windows, operable windows are windows that can be opened and closed, improving airflow and ventilation in your home or business. The most common operable windows that are used in new construction builds include casement, double-hung, and slider windows. These windows open with crank or sliding mechanisms, and are incredibly common across residential properties.
The Pros and Cons of Operable Windows?
The Pros of Operable Windows
- Increased Ventilation: One of the biggest benefits of using these windows in your new construction build is their ability to allow ventilation in a space. This means you won’t have to worry about the air in your home feeling stuffy and that you can allow cool breezes to flow through the room on a nice spring day.
- Emergency Exit Access: In addition to the temperature control properties that come with these windows, they are also great for serving as an emergency exit. While you don’t want to think about using your windows as an emergency exit, having these access points can keep you, your loved ones, and your staff safe.
- Moisture Management: When you incorporate an operable window into moisture-rich spaces, like bathrooms, you can open them to alleviate moisture presence. This moisture management is especially important if you’ve dealt with mold growth in your home in the past and want to avoid future mold problems and illness.
The Cons of Operable Windows
- Blocked Views: If you are building in a place where you want to highlight the surrounding environment, operable windows may not be the right choice for your space. While these windows feature proper ventilation, this also means there may be features across the windows that get in the way of the views you’re trying to highlight.
- Higher Upfront Costs: Because these windows often feature more advanced hardware and ventilation, they are often more expensive than fixed windows. If you are working on a limited budget while building your new residential or commercial property, this may mean you’ll spend more on your windows than you originally anticipated or budgeted for.
Which to Use Each in Your New Build
Each of these windows come with their own benefits, and they can both be incredibly beneficial additions to your home or business. If you are considering investing in new windows, consider using each of them in the following settings:
Fixed Windows:
- Living and Dining Spaces
- Stairwells and Hallways
- Basements and Garages
- Interior Spaces
- Office Buildings and Shopping Centers
Operable Windows:
- Kitchens and Bathrooms
- Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Finished Basements
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Let Valley Glass Help You Find Your Perfect Windows
Whether fixed or operable windows are right for your new construction build, our team at Valley Glass is here to ensure you find the perfect windows for your space in Northern Utah or Idaho. With windows available in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, we’re confident that we have the right windows to not just complete your build, but perfectly complement it. If you’re unsure which is best for your space, our experts are here to help you decide.
When you’re ready to find the ideal windows for your new construction space, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for support.
