Should You Purchase Grid Windows?

Grid windows have a very distinct aesthetic that some homeowners prefer to install in their homes. They provide a unique and interesting appearance to the property, one that can do a beautiful job of complementing the look and feel of your home’s exterior. They’re also a great way to moderate the amount of light that enters the home.

But some also feel that grid windows come with a number of disadvantages that make them less appealing than other choices that exist. There is certainly no shortage of options available on the market when it comes to choosing windows for your home.

If you are still on the fence about whether or not you want to go with grid windows in your home, here are some basic pros and cons to consider as you finalize your decision.

What are Grid Windows?

Grid windows are pretty much exactly what they sound like. They are windows that come with a set of crisscrossing dividers that section the larger pane into smaller ones. The type and size of the grid you select is entirely up to you and the needs of your home. Some have larger grids, other with smaller ones that create more diminutive panes.

You can find three common versions of grid windows:

Internal Grids

These are grid windows in which the grids are located in between two panes of glass so that they are positioned inside your window. This type offers a more modern take on the classic grid design aesthetic.

Simulated Grids

The barriers of the grids, called “lites”, are attached to the window on the inside and the outside which helps to increase the stability of any window in your home.

Detachable Grids

This type allows you to leave your options open when deciding on grid windows. The grids are removable at any time so if you feel like you no longer wish to have this type of aesthetic on your home, just detach the grids and you’re all set.

Why Grid Windows are the Best Choice

Your decision to go with grid windows can be predicated on a number of aspects related to the look and comfort of the home. For starters, grid windows are the natural option for homeowners with colonial style houses because the grid design is an essential component of that aesthetic. When you look at a colonial home, grid windows are the defining hallmark that you would expect to see.

You also have options when it comes to the shape of your windows’ grid configuration. For many buyers, the standard square grid version is the most common choice that gets installed. But for those homes that have a more Gothic or Victorian appearance, there are also diamond-shaped grid window configurations to enhance the look of the property.

Grid windows are also a great way to filter sunlight that emanates into the home and when that light comes through the window, the shadows that are visible on the floor and walls create a uniquely singular appearance that only grid windows can provide.

Why Grid Windows May Not be the Best Choice

Some homeowners might opt to go with other alternatives than grid windows because while they have that recognizable appearance, they do present a variety of disadvantages that may turn some buyers off.

Though most people who buy grid windows have already decided that they appreciate the look of this design, those who are still unsure may find themselves swayed by certain drawbacks to these types of windows.

Some homeowners decide against grid windows because they can be harder to clean than regular windows due to the location of the grid placement. As we’ve discussed, not all grids are placed on the surface of the glass and others can be removed, so cleaning isn’t always a major issue.

But the other most common complaint about grid windows is that the grid itself can be a distracting obstruction that interferes with the view outside the home. Though grids are considered an appealing enhancement to the exterior of your property, your view from within can be compromised in some capacity. This can be less of a problem with windows that have larger grids so as to accommodate larger panes within the window.

But much like with the challenge of cleaning the panes, obstructed view is also easily solved by detaching the grids entirely or choosing a configuration that offers wider panes within the window.

These disadvantages can be discussed with your Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement expert so you are assured of having the best type of window for your home.