Windows are more than just elements of your home’s overall design. In fact, with the right combination of style, shape, and finish, you can make the window the focal point of the room. If you think this is exactly what your home needs, consider the following ideas for your upcoming window replacement project.
1. Glass Gables – If your home has an entrance-facing gable, consider installing fixed windows to fill the gable space. While this will involve remodeling part of the attic and front entrance, the results are worth the additional work, as it makes the front entryway look much bigger, grander, and brighter.
2. Window Walls – People tend to think of modern architecture when talking about window walls, but with the right materials and grille styles, a window wall can enhance any home regardless of architectural style. In addition to capturing grand, panoramic views, it can dramatically increase the amount of indoor natural light.
3. Framed Views – Not everyone is lucky enough to have a panoramic view, but you might have a partial view—maybe a tree line against the blue sky or a west-facing wall that sees beautiful sunsets. In these cases, choose windows that “crop” the view. Choosing the position and size may take some work, but the result can be ultimately rewarding.
4. Clerestory Windows – If large windows are not an option, consider clerestory windows. These are fixed windows often installed above spaces like doorways, where natural light is needed. Clerestories are often used to provide natural lighting, but combinations of shape, grille pattern, and art glass can make them a great focal point.
5. Expand Your Existing Windows – Sometimes a certain window style would look so perfect in a room that you don’t want to replace it with anything else. Fortunately, you can still make it a focal point by adding a specialty window on top, a popular choice being half-circle specialty windows added to expand existing window shapes. We recommend replacing your existing window along with expanding it (maybe even expanding it to a Palladian window) to take full advantage of its energy efficiency benefits.
What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
Making Windows the Focal Point is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- drafts, condensation, staining, or changes around the opening
- the age and condition of nearby roofing, siding, trim, and flashing
- how the room is used and what comfort or daylight goal matters most
- visible deterioration that may extend beyond the unit itself
- interior and exterior access needed for a complete evaluation
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- What maintenance will the selected product require?
- How will the opening be protected during installation?
- Is the issue with the unit, the installation, or surrounding materials?
- How will flashing and water management be handled?
- What interior and exterior finishes are included?
- Will the work affect roofing, siding, trim, or insulation?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about residential exterior services, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
