| Traditional Colonial |
Double-hung windows with vertically aligned, evenly sized openings. |
Panel-style hinged entry door with sidelights or a small transom where the façade permits. |
Insulated low-emissivity double glazing; wood, composite, or thermally improved vinyl frames. |
Windows: 0.25–0.30
Doors: 0.20–0.30 |
0.30–0.45 in mixed or heating-dominated climates. |
Choose a low air-leakage window; a tested value of 0.20 cubic feet per minute per square foot or lower is a strong target. |
Moderate; painted wood requires periodic inspection and repainting, while composite and vinyl need less upkeep. |
Medium to high |
Prioritize balanced sightlines, symmetrical proportions, reliable sash locks, and proper flashing around sidelights and transoms. |
| Modern and Contemporary |
Large fixed panes, narrow-frame casements, or expansive sliding glazing with clean sightlines. |
Flush-panel pivot, hinged, or multi-slide door with concealed or minimal hardware. |
Thermally broken aluminum or fiberglass frames with double or triple low-emissivity glazing. |
Windows: 0.20–0.28
Doors: 0.15–0.25 |
0.25–0.40, adjusted for orientation and overheating risk. |
Fixed and casement units generally provide better air control than loosely fitted sliding units; specify tested water resistance for large openings. |
Low to moderate; clean tracks, seals, and drainage channels regularly. |
High |
Use exterior shading, overhangs, or solar-control glazing on large south- and west-facing elevations to reduce heat gain. |
| Craftsman |
Grouped casement or double-hung windows with divided-light upper sections and wider trim. |
Stained or painted panel door, often with divided-light glazing or decorative sidelights. |
Fiberglass, wood-clad, or composite frames with insulated low-emissivity double glazing. |
Windows: 0.25–0.30
Doors: 0.20–0.30 |
0.30–0.45 in temperate or heating-dominated locations. |
Casement windows can provide strong compression seals; verify sill drainage and perimeter flashing beneath deep exterior trim. |
Moderate; exposed wood trim and door finishes need regular sealing or refinishing. |
Medium to high |
Match muntin patterns and trim depth to the architecture while avoiding decorative grilles that significantly reduce daylight. |
| Farmhouse |
Large double-hung windows, picture windows, and practical casements arranged around living areas. |
Half-lite or full-lite hinged door, with a durable glazed back door or sliding door toward outdoor spaces. |
Low-maintenance vinyl, fiberglass, or composite frames with double glazing and warm-edge spacers. |
Windows: 0.25–0.32
Doors: 0.20–0.32 |
0.30–0.45, with lower values on strongly sun-exposed façades. |
Look for positive locking, compression weatherstripping, and a sloped sill that drains water away from the wall. |
Low to moderate; vinyl and fiberglass reduce repainting requirements. |
Medium |
Balance generous daylight with summer heat control, especially where large picture windows face west or southwest. |
| Ranch and Mid-Century |
Horizontal casements, awning windows, picture windows, or low-profile sliding units. |
Wide sliding glass door or simple flush-panel entry door with minimal ornamentation. |
Fiberglass or thermally improved aluminum frames; double glazing is common, while triple glazing improves cold-climate performance. |
Windows: 0.20–0.30
Doors: 0.18–0.28 |
0.25–0.40, depending on shading and climate. |
Sliding units should have adjustable rollers, continuous weatherstripping, and weep holes that remain free of debris. |
Low to moderate; tracks, rollers, seals, and drainage openings require periodic cleaning. |
Medium to high |
Use horizontal proportions carefully and select safety glazing where large panes are close to walking surfaces. |
| Mediterranean and Spanish Revival |
Arched or rectangular casements, narrow openings, and smaller windows where solar exposure is intense. |
Heavy-looking hinged door, often paired with a covered entry, deep reveal, or substantial hardware. |
Fiberglass, wood-clad, or thermally broken aluminum frames with solar-control low-emissivity glazing. |
Windows: 0.25–0.32
Doors: 0.20–0.30 |
0.20–0.35 in hot or sunny climates. |
Specify durable seals and tested water resistance; use exterior shading because low SHGC glazing alone may not prevent glare. |
Moderate; inspect coatings, sealants, and wood finishes in strong sun. |
High |
Coordinate the opening shape with masonry or stucco movement joints and use compatible flashing to prevent moisture damage. |
| Coastal and Waterfront |
Impact-rated fixed, casement, or awning windows where required by local wind-borne-debris rules. |
Impact-rated hinged or sliding exterior door with corrosion-resistant hardware and a raised, properly drained threshold. |
Fiberglass, vinyl, or corrosion-resistant aluminum; laminated impact glazing may be required in designated zones. |
Windows: 0.25–0.32
Doors: 0.20–0.30 |
0.25–0.40, based on cooling load and orientation. |
Prioritize tested structural pressure, water penetration, wind-driven-rain resistance, and tight multi-point locking. |
Moderate; rinse salt deposits, inspect fasteners, and maintain gaskets and drainage paths. |
High |
Verify local storm, wind, impact, egress, and corrosion requirements before ordering; appearance should follow performance needs. |
| Cold-Climate or Mountain Home |
Insulated casement, awning, or fixed windows with limited unnecessary glass area on exposed elevations. |
Insulated hinged entry door with a storm door or protected vestibule where appropriate. |
Triple glazing, warm-edge spacers, fiberglass or insulated wood-clad frames, and thermally improved thresholds. |
Windows: 0.15–0.25
Doors: 0.15–0.25 |
0.35–0.50 on sun-facing elevations; lower values may help limit summer overheating. |
Target very low air leakage, strong compression seals, and careful installation to avoid condensation at frames and sills. |
Low to moderate; inspect exterior finishes, gaskets, and snow-prone drainage areas. |
High |
Compare whole-unit performance rather than center-of-glass claims, and coordinate window placement with passive solar design. |
| Hot and Humid Home |
Casement, awning, or fixed windows with controlled opening sizes and effective solar protection. |
Insulated hinged or sliding patio door with a tight threshold and durable weather seals. |
Low-emissivity double glazing, moisture-resistant frames, and solar-control glass where cooling loads are high. |
Windows: 0.25–0.32
Doors: 0.20–0.30 |
0.20–0.30 on high-sun exposures. |
Choose products tested for water penetration and use head flashing, sill pans, side flashing, and properly sealed exterior joints. |
Moderate; clean weep systems and inspect sealants for mold, cracking, or loss of adhesion. |
Medium to high |
Reduce solar gain without sacrificing visible light, and ensure openings can resist wind-driven rain during severe storms. |
| Historic or Period-Style Home |
Carefully proportioned wood or composite replicas, or restored original windows with discreet interior or exterior improvements. |
Custom panel door matching the original rail, stile, glazing, and hardware proportions. |
Restored wood, wood-clad, or historically compatible composite frames; use slim insulated glazing where permitted. |
Windows: 0.28–0.35
Doors: 0.25–0.35 |
0.30–0.45 unless solar exposure requires lower gain. |
Air sealing, perimeter weatherstripping, and proper storm-window design can improve comfort without changing the exterior character. |
Moderate to high; painted wood requires regular inspection and maintenance. |
High |
Check local preservation requirements before replacing original units; proportions, muntin profiles, and exterior trim often matter as much as efficiency. |
