Residing in Arizona creates the perfect opportunity to take advantage of indoor-outdoor living. Pass-through windows, wall windows and pocket windows all work to bring fresh air inside and bring living spaces outside.
Design, cost, comfort and pest and dust challenges are all things to consider if you are contemplating this popular look.
Q: What is a pass-through window?
A: A pass-through window slides or folds open and closed or cranks open and closed to allow for easy access to the indoors and outdoors. These windows can appear in new construction homes, or you can replace your existing windows to create a pass-through design.
Q: Where is the best place to use pass-through windows?
A: Though a pass-through window can be used in any room open to an outdoor space, the most common place to see these windows is in a kitchen above a countertop. They can open to an entertainment space outdoors, such as a pool bar or patio, so you can easily pass food and drinks while hosting friends and family. A true pass-through window allows a seamless countertop so items can go back and forth with no interruption by the window frame.
Q: What are the different pass-through window styles?
A: Several popular types of kitchen windows can help you achieve a pass-through window design. From sliding windows to multi-slide and bifold windows, consider the unique pros and cons of each style to find the best option for your home.
Sliding windows: Sliding windows are one of the most popular window styles for creating a pass-through design. They are an economical choice to achieve your desired design and aesthetic. This style of window is available in fiberglass or vinyl. For inside and outside access, simply remove the screen to allow easy access to your indoor and outdoor space.
Multi-slide windows: For design intrigue, consider using a small multi-slide patio door as a pass-through window. Available in aluminum-clad wood frames, a standard multi-slide patio door is made in a window size. Multi-slide pass-through windows are available in expansive sizes to cover the entire length of your countertop. Multi-slide options include a pocketing feature allowing them to disappear into the wall for an unobstructed opening.
Bifold windows: Another option for opening your living space to the outdoors is a small bifold patio door. The window panels are available in a stacking application, allowing them to be open and out of the way. They can span your entire countertop space and are available in expansive sizes to complement your home’s design.
Awning windows: Awning windows swing up like an awning rather than slide up. They are very popular due to the fact that they are not as pricey as some of the other options.
Larger openings: Folding walls are a dramatic way to connect whole rooms with the outdoors. Many types are available, including bifold style, collapsing door panels and door panels that can be hidden in a pocket door once opened. Special structural requirements may need to be addressed depending on the span of the opening. Connecting spaces this way can be seamless with finishes and furniture placement making your living space much larger.
Q: What should homeowners know when considering a pass-through window?
If you would like a pass-through window for your home, there are several important things to consider.
Design:
Countertops — A pass-through window allows a seamless countertop with no interruption from the window frame. The option of using a sliding window will not have the seamless countertop.
Overhang — An overhang above the outside portion of the window provided by a porch or cantilever will protect food and servers from the sun and rain.
Heating and cooling — Adding cooling and heating will expand the number of months you can enjoy the open space. Consider chimineas and radiant heat for the cooler months; misting systems, ceiling fans and evaporative coolers during the hot months to extend your outdoor season.
Storage — If food service is part of the reason for the inside outside set up, cabinets installed nearby or even under the window will make service easier.
Critter control — Crawling critters, flying insects and even birds can find their way into your home when the windows are open. Screens on the windows or on the outside of the patio can help prevent invasions.
Dust — Monitor doors and windows should there be an unexpected wind or dust storm.
Budget: The best time for installing a window wall or a pocketing application is during construction. Special engineering is required to support the window, which can be pricey and even more so in a retrofit situation. Sliding windows are less of an investment while still creating an unobstructed entertainment area. Made of fiberglass or vinyl, sliding windows are the most budget-friendly option.
Connecting the interior and exterior
With a large opening for entertaining, these windows and wall panels make it easy to connect the interior and exterior of your home and expanding the possibilities. A pass-through window or wall panel gives you the best of both worlds. They offer flexibility to use your space to fit your lifestyle.
