Types of Windows: A Homeowner's Visual Guide

The most common residential window in the Midwest. A double-hung window has two sashes — upper and lower — that both slide vertically. This allows you to open the top, the bottom, or both for maximum airflow.

For cleaning: modern double-hungs have tilt latches so the sashes can tip inward for homeowner maintenance, but a professional exterior cleaning works from outside. Ground-floor sashes are reached directly; upper sashes on second-floor windows need a water-fed pole or ladder.

Pane count: 2 panes per window (one per sash). Common in virtually every Fox Valley subdivision.

Looks identical to a double-hung from the outside, but only the lower sash moves — the upper sash is fixed. Single-hungs are common in older homes and some builder-grade new construction.

For cleaning: the fixed upper sash requires exterior access (ladder) to clean the outside surface on upper floors. Lower sashes on modern units may tilt in.

Pane count: 2 panes. Same counting as double-hung — upper and lower are still two individual panes.

Casement windows are hinged on one side and crank open outward (like a door). They provide excellent ventilation and a clean, modern look. Common in ranch-style homes and contemporary builds throughout Naperville, Wheaton, and newer Geneva subdivisions.

For cleaning: the outer surface of a casement is cleaned from outside, like any other exterior pane. On upper floors that means a water-fed pole or ladder. The hinge mechanism should be inspected and lubricated periodically.

Pane count: 1 pane per casement unit. A double casement (two side-by-side) = 2 panes.

Fixed (non-operable) windows designed to frame a view. No hinges, no cranks — just glass. Picture windows are typically large and often combined with operable windows on either side (as in a bay window configuration).

For cleaning: picture windows require exterior access — there's no way to tilt or open them. On single-story homes, this is easy. On second-floor picture windows, ladder or water-fed pole access is needed.

Pane count: 1 pane regardless of size. Very large picture windows (wider than 6 feet) may carry a size surcharge due to the extended cleaning time.

Sliding windows open horizontally on a track rather than tilting or swinging. Common in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms where outward-swinging windows aren't practical.

For cleaning: one panel is typically fixed while the other slides. Both sides need to be cleaned. Tracks collect significant debris and should be vacuumed and wiped during service.

Pane count: 2 panes on standard two-panel sliders; 3 panes on wider three-panel configurations.

Bay windows project outward from the wall in a three-panel configuration: a large center picture window flanked by two angled casements or double-hungs. They're common in master bedrooms and formal living rooms in older Fox Valley neighborhoods.

Bow windows are similar but use 4–6 panels in a gentler curve rather than three sharp angles. Both add floor space and let in extra light.

For cleaning: the angled side sections and the center picture pane are all cleaned from outside. Because the unit projects from the wall, the side panes are easy to reach on the ground floor but often need a ladder or pole on upper floors.

Pane count: Bay = 3–5 panes (1 center + 1–2 per flanking section). Bow = 4–6 panes depending on panel count.

Awning windows are hinged at the top and crank open outward at the bottom — like an awning. They're often installed above or below other windows, or in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where airflow is needed without a full opening.

For cleaning: the outer glass is cleaned from outside like any other exterior pane. The exterior top rail collects debris and needs attention.

Pane count: 1 pane per awning unit.

Skylights are roof-mounted windows that bring natural light into spaces without exterior wall access. Fixed skylights are sealed; venting skylights crank open for airflow.

For cleaning: skylight cleaning requires roof access and specialized safety protocols. This is not a standard window cleaning service — it should be quoted and scheduled separately. Skylights accumulate more airborne debris and are more prone to hard water staining from rain.

Pane count: 1 pane per skylight unit (most residential skylights).

Storm windows are secondary windows installed over primary windows for insulation. Common in older Fox Valley homes built before double-pane insulated glass became standard.

For cleaning: storm windows require removal for proper cleaning of both the storm and the primary window behind it. This significantly increases cleaning time and is typically quoted separately from standard window cleaning.

Pane count: the storm and the primary window each count as separate panes.