I was visiting a customer this week and asked, “How many windows did you produce today?” I knew approximately what the answer was, but I was astonished to hear the actual number.
“Where are all these windows going?” I wondered. The numbers are mind boggling. Now, these orders are not for new construction windows but primarily replacement windows. With all the talk about the high cost of living and gasoline prices, then why are so many homeowners ordering new windows? It is simply because windows are so special.
The very first windows were simply just holes in walls. The earliest windows were literally just openings, dating back to ancient civilizations around 3000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans created these primitive openings without glass, relying on coverings like animal hides or wooden shutters for weather protection. The concept of looking outside was born.
Roman glass windows revolutionized architecture. Romans were pioneers in window technology, developing the first true glass windows around 100 BCE. They used cast glass and rudimentary blown glass techniques, making transparent windows accessible to wealthy families. This innovation spread throughout the Roman Empire, fundamentally changing architectural design. Comfortable viewing technology was developing.
So why have windows always been so important? Well, walls keep us safe, but windows keep us happy. Happiness comes from being connected to the world around us, and being connected is just as important as being safe. Yes, walls protect us from the elements such as wind, rain and temperature extremes, but without windows, this comes at the expense of our connection to our environment. Whether it is the beauty of the countryside, or the spectacular view of the city, we cannot safely and comfortably enjoy the scenery without windows. We just spent a week in the smokey mountains and the Airbnb we rented had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and trees. There were open porches on each level of this amazing house with so many windows to enjoy the view from the inside, too.
Can you even imagine living in a home without any windows? You would feel so isolated and disconnected from your environment that it would be like living in solitary confinement. Windows protect us from the elements almost as well as walls do, yet they allow us to keep that connection with the environment that surrounds us. We can see the beauty of mother nature without feeling the side effects that come along with the elements, such as high or low temperatures, high winds, snow, rain, ultraviolet light or bugs.
If we isolate ourselves behind walls, we may feel protected, yet we will constantly be wondering about what we are missing. Who is approaching? What is the weather like? Is there wildlife nearby? I want to see the sunrise or sunset. I want to see the snow coming down or the lightning illuminating the night sky. Without windows, we can never see or experience these things without going outside and risking the elements.
My absolute favorite views through a window, however, just happen to be from the outside looking in. Every time I leave the house, I get into the car and look up at the double hung window that faces out of our front room. There I can see our two dogs, Brinny and Cliffy, looking out the window with loving eyes that seem to say, “Travel safely daddy and come home soon. We will miss you!” That is my second favorite view.
My number one favorite view through a window, however, is also from the outside looking in. It is on the day that I return home from my business travels. As I pull into the driveway. I hit the garage door button on the console of my Jeep. As soon as they hear the garage door opening, the dogs pop into view in that same window, almost like a Jack in the Box. Brinny presses her nose against the window as she tries to kiss me through the glass, and Cliffy’s head starts bobbing as a counterbalance to his massive wagging tail.
It is so great to be home and seeing that initial view of my welcoming party, and that is why windows are so special!