There are several types of window you can install in your home.  The common ones in Malaysia these days are:-

• casement window
• sliding window
• fixed window
• louvre window

Casement window or swing windows are usually open from the side or the top. The frame is usually bare aluminum or powder coated in various colours.

Sliding windows are another type. They work with rollers and have rails at the bottom where the window frame moves.  In Malaysia, they are commonly used as kitchen windows, the frames are again aluminum.

In the photo on the right, you can see fixed window and casement window.

A fixed window is just that, glass fixed into location that cannot be opened. It is usually used at a corner of a room.

Louvre window are slowly making a comeback. In the old days before aluminium casement became popular, you can see it everywhere. Today, you still can see some in lower end houses. The low quality ones are made with cheap aluminium and glass, and is difficult to open or close.

However, even high end properties start to use lourve windows again. The reason is because lourve windows allow better ventilation compared to the other types of window. Air flow is also unimpeded.

For casement windows, if air is flowing from the opposite direction, then ventilation is not as good, where as, for louvre windows, air can flow from all direction and you will still get good ventilation.

Good quality modern louvre windows shut properly, are easy to open and easy to clean from inside. Other types of window requires you to clean from inside and outside.

The main disadvantage of louvre window is security. The glass window panes can be removed and a burglar can gain entry while it is easier to secure a casement and sliding window.

I’ve seen people glue the window pane to the side support for added security but if the glass breaks, replacing the pane can be very difficult.