The amount of space you will have for plants and other items in a garden depends on the size of the window you are replacing. Most manufacturers of garden windows will customize the window you are replacing. Most manufacturers of garden windows will customize the window to the existing wall opening. Therefore, the depth of the garden window and the available room for plants and other items is dependent upon the manufacturers’ designs and their standard width-depth ratios.

Many of the same energy efficient design features that are considered common for standard flat replacement windows are also appropriate for garden windows. This includes glass type, frames and weather stripping. Some garden windows, depending on the design, have a solid bottom, so its material and insulation value should be a consideration.

Frames for garden windows can be made of any standard frame material, but vinyl is the most commonly used for custom sizes. Vinyl frames have hollow cavities that create insulating air gaps in the frame. Some manufacturers fill these insulating cavities that create insulating air gaps in the frame. Some manufacturers fill these insulating cavities with expanding foam for higher insulation and rigidity. Wood frames are attractive and provide strength and rigidity in the hot sun.

Many garden windows have hinged casement windows on both sides that use a compression type of weather stripping that provides an air-tight seal and good security. Some wood frame garden windows can qualify for the new $1,500 maximum federal energy tax credit. In order to qualify for this tax credit the garden window must have a U-Factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.30 or less.

For more eco-friendly gardens see Garden Roof