Published on: March 19, 2025
Best window options for condominiums not only serve a functional purpose, but they also play a vital role in enhancing the building’s overall design.
Windows offer a way to blend the indoors with the outdoors while protecting occupants from the elements. Providing stunning views to the beautiful Washington landscapes can be a major selling point for condominiums in the greater Seattle area.
And by upgrading your windows to the most modern designs and styles, you’ll give your building new life and show your support for innovation and design.
Windows can help reinforce architectural styles without sacrificing energy efficiency. Not to mention, functioning windows offer convenience to building occupants who might want to let fresh air into their living space. As windows age, it might be more difficult to get them to function the way that they should.
Review what makes for modern window styles from this list as you work to select the best windows for your building.
Modern buildings embrace large panes of glass. It helps make the space feel bigger as it floods it with natural light and extends views beyond the walls.
So no matter how small your condo spaces are, large windows can help make them feel spacious and airy.
But with larger windows also comes a greater focus on selecting the best, most energy-efficient options. That’s because more surface area can mean more heat gain and loss.
Minimalism is popular and extends back many decades, meaning it isn’t a passing trend that might leave you replacing your condominium windows again in a few short months.
To achieve a minimalist design, look for windows with expansive glass panes and slim frames.
A window type that fits this aesthetic well is casement windows because of their simple contours. But they also function extremely well to allow for ventilation. Picture windows are another superb option for the minimalist aesthetic.
If you prefer to use more transitional-styled windows that have been around for decades and promise to still look great in a few more decades, look to double-hung windows. They offer two sashes for ultimate functionality. And many make it easy to clean the windows thanks to tilting sashes.
Once you have an idea of the aesthetic and style you want to create with your windows, you can pick the ideal materials. Like picking many products, you have to make tradeoffs with each one of these window materials because they come with benefits and drawbacks. However, most condo owners opt for vinyl windows since they balance price with maintenance and ease of use.
As the most popular window type, many building owners and maintenance managers find that vinyl windows are a no-brainer. They offer incredible insulating properties.
They’ll look great for years since they are resistant to warping, rotting and fading. Chances are, your condo occupants are familiar with vinyl windows, which makes it another plus for those who will be using the windows.
Finally, vinyl windows are low maintenance, meaning you won’t need to stain, paint, seal or caulk the many windows throughout your condo complex every few years.
The greatest characteristic aluminum windows boast is that they are strong. With incredible durability, these windows hold up well to nasty weather and heavy use. They are corrosion-resistant.
Because aluminum windows are lightweight, they are also easy to install, which can be a perk for tall condo complexes where getting the windows to the upper floors can make the project quite pricey.
But the setback to aluminum windows is that they are not as energy-efficient as some other window materials since they conduct heat.
For the most classic appearance, go with wood. But also know that these windows require the most maintenance since wood needs regular painting, sealing and staining. These activities help prevent wood rot and keep away pests that could damage your windows.
Another setback to using wood windows is that they are some of the most expensive windows on the market. While they will offer long-term charm and comfort to your building occupants, many building managers avoid these windows because of the upfront cost as well as the ongoing maintenance expense.
If you want the ultimate durability in your windows, fiberglass is the way to go. These windows also offer superior energy efficiency. Fiberglass naturally resists warping, insects and rotting. Additionally, you can paint fiberglass over the years to update your building’s exterior as trends change.
Even once you’ve selected the most energy-efficient frame materials for your windows, you’ll need to make decisions about the features. You can upgrade the window’s energy efficiency with coatings and other features.
More panes of glass means more layers of protection from the elements. Plus, between those layers, there is inert gas to reduce heat transfer. That way, your building stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Your tenants or condo owners will appreciate paying less in energy bills while enjoying greater indoor comfort.
Selecting windows with a low-E coating enables the window surface to reflect heat and UV rays. This is good not only for the energy efficiency of the window, but to protect furnishings. UV rays can fade upholstery, rugs and other décor. Furnishings fading can be frustrating to your tenants, leading to greater turnover and potentially lost income while the unit sits empty. Keep your building a desirable place to live by upgrading your windows with low-E coating.
Proper window installation is essential to getting the most from your replacement windows. With the right weatherstripping, your windows will get the greatest energy efficiency and your occupants will enjoy more comfort inside.
Even with the best window materials and energy efficiency upgrades, you can be left with minimal improvements – or worse, draftier condos – if the windows are not properly sealed and well installed. The windows also might not operate properly if they lack effective installation.
2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing offers high-quality and competitive condo window installation. Our expert team can help you make smart choices in the windows you select to provide the greatest upgrades to both your building’s style and energy efficiency. And we can do it all within the budget that you set. We know the best window manufacturers and features that condo owners or building managers find helpful in managing a large property.With experience on other condo projects, we’re familiar with how to work with tenants and condo owners to ensure a good experience for everyone involved. Schedule your free estimate now to take advantage of our deep knowledge of multi-family buildings.
Further Reading:
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