American Windows: A Brief Retrospective

Nowadays, homeowners don’t pay much attention to their windows. Most of the time, they pick windows after careful consideration, have a professional install them in their home and that’s it. However, according to a few window and residential roofing experts, it pays to know everything you can about your windows, including their history in the U.S.

19th Century

During the 19th century, casement, single- and double-hung windows became the most popular styles in America. In terms of materials, meanwhile, wood was the most prominent material used. However, the devastating fires that a number of U.S. cities experienced at the time forced the government to adopt stricter fire codes in terms of construction. Luckily, thanks to the industrial revolution, steel became the most popular window material, resulting in a decline in the use of wood windows.

20th Century

According to window and roofing inspection experts, steel was the most popular window material for most of the 20th century. This is because, unlike wood, the strength of steel permitted the use of large expanses of glass, allowing for thinner profiles in the process. However, as World War II ended, the use of steel in window manufacturing gradually declined as aluminum became more popular due to its lower cost and non-corroding properties. Towards the end of the 20th century, on the other hand, the popularity of all three decreased even further with the arrival of vinyl windows.

21st Century

In the 21st century, vinyl windows remained the top choice amongst homeowners. This isn’t due only to their affordability, but also to the fact that their energy efficient properties can help keep your monthly heating and cooling bills at an all -time low.

If you’re planning to tackle a window replacement project, look no further than Lifestyle Home Improvement Roofing and Construction. When it comes to storm damage repair and window replacement projects, we’re the number one service providers to turn to, and we won’t let you down! Give us a call at (405) 485-9939 or fill out our contact form to get a FREE estimate. We serve homeowners in Oklahoma and other nearby areas.