Window Style - Selecting the Best Style For Your Needs
In this article we will go into depth about the different types of basic window styles used in home building construction today.
Window style or type is important to the overall look of the home and it also will affect functionality of the opening.
Let me first explain some terms.
A Sash is considered to be the panel that is made of a frame with a glass panel in the center of it.
When we refer to the Frame, we are talking about the overall structure that holds the sash or sashes in place.
The frame may need to have Jamb Extensions applied if the wall is deeper than the stock frame.
The Hardware refers to all components that accommodate movement of the sash.
Lastly any unit that opens will typically have a Window Screen to keep bugs out.
The first series I will cover is the Casement Window.
This unit is described as a window that opens by pivoting from one side to swing open.
The standard is to swing out but some specialty units are created to swing in.
Casements are typically the best sealing, and most efficient of all the opening type windows.
Hardware consists of a crank assembly to move the sash and one or more cam locks to seal the unit closed.
The screen is mounted to the inside so it will need to coordinate with the interior hardware color.
Casement windows are general the most expensive operating window style.
The next unit we will cover is the Awning Window.
This window style is essentially a casement window on its side with the hinge side up to vent out and shed rain if left open.
The last in this series is the Hopper Window.
The hopper hinges on the bottom and typically opens in for ventilation so its screen will mount to the exterior thus needing to match exterior colors.
From here let us cover windows that slide on a track.
We will start with a Double hung Window.
The double hung consists of two sashes one above the other that both slide up and down on side tracks.
Double hung units are a desirable style since both sashes will tilt in for cleaning.
Hardware can consist of lift handles, night latches, and cam locks.
The screen system will mount on the exterior.
A Single hung window appears to look just like the double hung but only the lower sash moves.
This makes the window seal better since the top half is sealed in place but the downside is that you can not tilt in both sashes to clean.
A Slider window is similar in appearance to a double hung unit on its side however the track system used is different.
A slider window will not be as energy efficient for this reason, but they are the least expensive of the opening units.
Transom and Picture windows are both non-operating units.
Transoms are usually placed over another window or door and will match that unit in width.
Picture units are typically a larger center section of a group of windows and will tend to match the frame profile they associate with.
Specialty window is a common term given to any unit with a geometric shape, This might include Trapezoids, Circle Segment Tops, Half Rounds, and Ovals.
Keep in mind while choosing many of these units that you will need to match the arching trim if there is a custom radius and this is best done when ordering the window.
The last subject I will touch on here is combining windows.
A Bow Window refers to a group of matching windows Mulled in an arcing pattern so that it bows away from the exterior plane of the wall.
Typically the end units will open but any configuration is possible.
A similar style is the Bay Window which projects outward also but a picture unit in the middle with side flanking windows set at predetermined angles.
These side flankers are generally double hung or casement in style.
The last of this series is the Garden Window, which is a combination unit that projects outward from the wall with glass on three sides and the top and a shelf in the bottom.
I hope this article has been informative and I invite you leave a comment about this article or any home building topic you would like to see me write about.
I would also like to invite you to keep up with my site blog as it covers every aspect of new construction and home remodeling.
Window style or type is important to the overall look of the home and it also will affect functionality of the opening.
Let me first explain some terms.
A Sash is considered to be the panel that is made of a frame with a glass panel in the center of it.
When we refer to the Frame, we are talking about the overall structure that holds the sash or sashes in place.
The frame may need to have Jamb Extensions applied if the wall is deeper than the stock frame.
The Hardware refers to all components that accommodate movement of the sash.
Lastly any unit that opens will typically have a Window Screen to keep bugs out.
The first series I will cover is the Casement Window.
This unit is described as a window that opens by pivoting from one side to swing open.
The standard is to swing out but some specialty units are created to swing in.
Casements are typically the best sealing, and most efficient of all the opening type windows.
Hardware consists of a crank assembly to move the sash and one or more cam locks to seal the unit closed.
The screen is mounted to the inside so it will need to coordinate with the interior hardware color.
Casement windows are general the most expensive operating window style.
The next unit we will cover is the Awning Window.
This window style is essentially a casement window on its side with the hinge side up to vent out and shed rain if left open.
The last in this series is the Hopper Window.
The hopper hinges on the bottom and typically opens in for ventilation so its screen will mount to the exterior thus needing to match exterior colors.
From here let us cover windows that slide on a track.
We will start with a Double hung Window.
The double hung consists of two sashes one above the other that both slide up and down on side tracks.
Double hung units are a desirable style since both sashes will tilt in for cleaning.
Hardware can consist of lift handles, night latches, and cam locks.
The screen system will mount on the exterior.
A Single hung window appears to look just like the double hung but only the lower sash moves.
This makes the window seal better since the top half is sealed in place but the downside is that you can not tilt in both sashes to clean.
A Slider window is similar in appearance to a double hung unit on its side however the track system used is different.
A slider window will not be as energy efficient for this reason, but they are the least expensive of the opening units.
Transom and Picture windows are both non-operating units.
Transoms are usually placed over another window or door and will match that unit in width.
Picture units are typically a larger center section of a group of windows and will tend to match the frame profile they associate with.
Specialty window is a common term given to any unit with a geometric shape, This might include Trapezoids, Circle Segment Tops, Half Rounds, and Ovals.
Keep in mind while choosing many of these units that you will need to match the arching trim if there is a custom radius and this is best done when ordering the window.
The last subject I will touch on here is combining windows.
A Bow Window refers to a group of matching windows Mulled in an arcing pattern so that it bows away from the exterior plane of the wall.
Typically the end units will open but any configuration is possible.
A similar style is the Bay Window which projects outward also but a picture unit in the middle with side flanking windows set at predetermined angles.
These side flankers are generally double hung or casement in style.
The last of this series is the Garden Window, which is a combination unit that projects outward from the wall with glass on three sides and the top and a shelf in the bottom.
I hope this article has been informative and I invite you leave a comment about this article or any home building topic you would like to see me write about.
I would also like to invite you to keep up with my site blog as it covers every aspect of new construction and home remodeling.
Source...