We all use windows every day. This article will teach you more about them and potentially help you choose one that is right for your home. A window is a vented barrier provided in a wall opening to admit light and air into a structure to give outside views. Windows also increase the beauty and appearance of a building. The selection of suitable windows in a particular place should be dependent on the following factors.
- Location of room
- Size of room
- Direction of wind
- Climatic conditions
- Utilization of room
- Architectural point of view
Based on the above factors we can select a suitable window for our structures.
Types of Windows used in Buildings
There are so many types of windows that are available. Selections are based on their positions in a building, materials, and functioning. Windows are classified as follows.
- Fixed windows
- Sliding windows
- Pivoted windows
- Double-hung windows
- Louvered windows
- Casement windows
- Metal windows
- Sash windows
- Corner window
- Bay windows
- Dormer windows
- Clerestory windows
- Lantern windows
- Gable windows
- Ventilators
- Skylights
- Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are fixed to the wall without any closing or opening operation. In general, they are provided to transmit light into the room. Fully glazed shutters are fixed to the window frame. The shutters provided are weatherproof.
- Sliding Windows
In this case, window shutters are movable in the frame. The movement may be horizontal or vertical based on our requirements. The movement of shutters is done by the provision of roller bearings. This type of window is provided in buses, bank counters, shops, etc.
- Pivoted Windows
In this type of window, pivots are provided to window frames. A pivot is a shaft that helps to oscillate the shutter. The swinging may be either horizontal or vertical based on the position of the pivots.
- Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows consist of a pair of shutters attached to one frame. The shutters are arranged one above the other. These two shutters can slide vertically within the frame. This allows us to open the windows on top or at the bottom to our required level. To operate the double-hung windows, a chain or cord consisting of metal weights is provided which is connected over pulleys. By pulling the weights of the cord the shutters can move vertically. We can fix the windows at our required position for ventilation or light.
- Louvered Windows
Louvered windows are provided for ventilation without any outside vision. The louvers may be made of wood, glass, or metal. Louvers can also be folded by the provision of cord over pulleys. The slope of the louvers is manipulated by tilting the cord and lifting the cord. The recommended angle of inclination of louvers is about 45o. The sloping of louvers is downward to the outside to run off rainwater. They are provided for bathrooms, toilets and places of privacy, etc.
- Casement Windows
Casement windows are the most widely used and common windows used today. The shutters are attached to the frame and can be opened and closed like door shutters. The panels of shutters may be single or multiple. Sometimes wired mesh is provided as a screen to stop the entering of insects.
- 7. Metal Windows
Metal windows are made using mild steel. These are very cheap and have great strength. They are frequently used for public Buildings. Some other metals such as aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel can also be used to make windows. Unfortunately, they are costly compared to mild steel windows. For normal casement windows, metal shutters are provided to give strong support to the panels
- 8. Sash Windows
A sash window is a type of casement window, whose panels are fully glazed. It consists of top, bottom, and intermediate rails. The space between the rails is divided into small panels by means of small timber members called sash bars or glazing bars.
- Corner Windows
As the name itself implies, corner windows are provided at the corners of a room. That means corner windows have two faces in perpendicular directions. By providing this type of window, light or air can be entered into a room in two different directions. To provide this type of window special lintel is provided on the wall. Corner windows give an aesthetic appearance to the building.
- Bay Windows
Bay windows are windows that are projected from the wall which are provided to increase the area of the windows opening. This enables more ventilation and light from the outside. The projection of bay windows can be made into different shapes. It may be triangular, rectangular, polygonal, etc. They give a beautiful appearance to the structure.
- Dormer Windows
Dormer windows are provided for sloped roofs. They provide ventilation as well as lighting to the room. They also enhance the aesthetic sense of the room.
- Clerestory Windows
If the rooms in a building are of different ceiling heights, clerestory windows are provided for the room which has a greater ceiling height than the other rooms. The shutters can swing with the help of a cord over the pulleys. They also enhance the beauty of the building.
- Lantern Windows
Lantern windows are provided for flat roofs. The main purpose of this window is to provide more light and air circulation to the interior rooms. Generally, they are projected from the roof surface so, we can close the roof surface when needed.
- Gable Windows
Gable windows are provided for sloped roof buildings. These windows are provided at the gable end of a sloped roof, so they are called gable windows. They also improve the appearance of the building.
- 15. Ventilators
Ventilators are provided for the purpose of air circulation in the room. They are provided at a greater height than windows and are nearer to the roof level. They are exceedingly small in size. Horizontally pivoted shutters are provided for ventilators. Sometimes a shutter is replaced by wired mesh.
- Skylights
Skylights are provided on the top of sloped roofs to admit light into the rooms. They are installed parallel to the sloping surface. Skylights can be opened when required.
Please use this comprehensive list of window types to help you decide which window you would like to use to complete your home improvement project. Installing new windows increases the value of your home; it also improves the aesthetic. We at SCARANO ARCHITECTS, PLLC can recommend the type and style of window to give your home the greatest curb appeal and best functionality. Give us a call for all your remodeling needs.