How to Buy Garden Windows

Written by: Amy Whittle

Garden windows are helpful for growing plants in your house or apartment without a greenhouse. They can also provide modest heat gain to cooler areas of your home. Like other window types, there are many materials, sizes, and features to choose from while shopping for a greenhouse window.

Features of garden windows

There are many options available for garden windows. To choose wisely, consider the other windows in the facade. A good window will be of the same material and color as the others. You can also determine whether or not the window needs to open by looking at the other available ventilation sources.

• Materials: Garden windows are typically made of vinyl, aluminum, or wood. Vinyl is the most common and least expensive. It has a good insulating value, although usually not as good as the insulating value of wood-framed windows. Aluminum windows should be avoided because of their low insulating value. Think about the material of the seat board as well, particularly if you’ll be using the window to store plants.
• Seat board: The seat board will determine the amount of available space for plants within the window. Although a large window box may be more desirable, it may place the rest of your facade off balance. If you’re replacing an existing window, you may only want to consider windows that fit that space to reduce installation costs.
• Drainage: Make sure that the garden windows you consider have some slope to the top pane to provide proper drainage. For areas with large amounts of snow, the angle should be more severe, or care should be made to clean off the window after storms.
• Tempered glass: Tempered glass is essential for the top pane of garden windows. This strong glass can help you avoid breakage from hail and snow and ice falling from the roof.
• Ventilation: Consider if you would like to open your window. If this is an essential requirement, make sure a screen is provided to keep out insects during the Spring and Summer. Some homeowners will not require an operational window if there are other windows to provide ventilation within the room.

Greenhouse window boxes

A greenhouse window box is an excellent choice for the amateur gardener who wants to be able to plant seedlings indoors or cultivate plants that require lots of sunlight. However, it should be noted that the space provided by these types of windows are limited. If you’re a more dedicated gardener, or require significant more space for your greenery, a greenhouse or sunroom may become the better option.

To begin your garden windows search, use BuyerZone’s free request for price quotes service and get matched to several installers today.

Additional resource: EHow: How to buy garden windows