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NH | 603.891.4777

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ABC Serving  Parts of  New Hampshire and Massachusetts Since 1984  ¨A State Licensed Home Inspection Company¨

ALL ABOUT HOUSES BY ANDREW B. CONSOLI

🪟 All About Windows — By Andrew B. Consoli

🔹 Early American Homes

No original windows: Early settlers avoided them due to heating challenges and security risks.
Yearly bathing meant homes needed ventilation, leading to the introduction of "wind holes"—a term that eventually became windows.

🔹 Window Evolution by Century

1600s:

Small diamond-pane casement windows (common in England).
Casement windows open outward.

1700s:

Single-hung and double-hung sash windows introduced.
Operate up and down using ropes and pulleys.

Single-hung: only one sash moves
Double-hung: both sashes move

Colonial era (1620–1840):

Sashes had 10–12 panes of glass each.

Victorian era (1800s):

Large single panes of glass became fashionable.
Wealthy homeowners used these to show off wealth, as single panes increased tax liability, which signaled status.

🔹 Types of Windows

Casement (opens outward)
Sliding
Oriel
Awning
Palladian
Picture, bay, and bow (larger, decorative styles)

🔹 Modern Window Features

Must be energy-efficient with insulated glass sashes
Must comply with current building codes
No keyed locks allowed on bedroom windows (safety regulation)
Tilt-in designs allow for easy cleaning

🔹 Costs

Double-hung windows: $150–$800
Bay/Bow/Picture windows: $500 to several thousand

🔹 Installation Rules by State

Massachusetts: Requires a construction supervisor’s license and permits
New Hampshire: Only permits required

If you’d like to ask Andy a question for a future column, email him at:
📧 info@abchomeinspection.com