What is a Window (not the computer term)?
The aim of this article is to give the layman an introduction to Windows in the 21st century. We will break down the topic into 4 parts:
1) Basic Make-Up of a Window
2) Various Types of Windows
3) Window Design and Application
4) Examples of Window Manufactures
- Basic Make-Up
The 3 basic components of most windows are:
a) Frame
b) Sash
c) Glass
a) The frame is the outermost border of the window. It is the part that connects to the walls of a house. It can be made out of Wood, PVC, Aluminum, Steel, Iron, etc. The frame gives structure to the window and together with the sash determines what the window looks like on the exterior and interior.
b) The sash is the second layer, in a manner of speaking, and holds the glass. It can easily be overlooked because it is often difficult to see where frame ends and sash begins. It becomes, however, much easier if the window is operable (able to open) because then the sash moves with the glass leaving only the frame stationary. Again, design-wise, the sash plays a big role and the sash-glass interface, namely the glazing bead or glazing stop, can change the look of a window.
c) The glass is what makes a window a window. This is especially true for the layman or novice who might not notice anything but the actual glass. However, the glass is just the most central (physically speaking) of the 3 components. It can come as a single, double or triple layer in various thicknesses. It can be Clear, Tinted, Reflective, Textured or have ornate designs such as Stained Glass.
- Various Types
a) Picture or Fixed
b) Single and Double Hung
c) Casement and Awning (and Pushout)
d) Hopper and Pivot
a) Picture or Fixed Windows
The term Picture is used interchangeably with the term Fixed. And they are the same in that both do not open. However, sometimes the term Fixed refers to the fact that there is a non-operable sash present, whereas the Picture Window skips the sash and has the glass mounted directly into the frame.
b) Single and Double Hung Windows
Single and Double Hung Windows are tried and tested and have been around for a very long time. Both refer to windows that are horizontally divided into an upper and lower sash. In a Single Hung the lower sash moves up and down and the upper sash does not move. In a Double Hung both sashes move up and down independent of each other. Because gravity would pull these sashes down immediately after being opened, these types of windows use weights, springs or friction to keep the sashes in the desired position.
c) Casement and Awning (and Pushout) Windows
Both these types refer to a window where the sash opens towards the exterior. In a casement style, the sash is hinged either left or right causing the window to open like a swinging door. I an awning style, the sash is hinged at the top and pushed out via scissor hinges at the bottom. In both cases a rotary mechanism (with a crank) is employed to operate the sashes. Pushout windows are hinged in the same locations as casements and awnings but instead of cranking the window open you simply push it open once you unlocked it.
d) Hopper and Pivot
Hopper and Pivot Windows usually open towards the exterior as well but the hinges are located either at the vertical centre or at the very bottom allowing the window to open like a “V”. These types of windows have mostly become obsolete which might in part be due to them catching the water on a rainy day.
Tilt & Turn windows have long been a staple of Europe. This type of window swings or “turns” and “tilts” to the interior when opened. It is hinged on either the left or right as well as always on the bottom. When fully tilted inwards, the windows is open by about 6” allowing for ventilation at the top. The operator is a lever similar to a door handle.
- Design and Applications
To start off, it has to be said that Hopper and Pivot Windows are almost completely out of use. Of the remaining 4 types, Europe uses mainly Tilt & Turn windows Calgary. This might have something to do with the larger wall depth you see in concrete/stone block construction in Europe and with the higher energy efficiency requirements. Tilt & Turn Windows Edmonton address both these issues better than any other type.
As we have seen, Picture/ Fixed windows do not open. They are still the most widely used window by quantity. Their function is to provide light and to have the closest possible seal towards the exterior. Oftentimes, Picture/Fixed windows are used in conjunction with operable types either in between, below or above. The latter is most commonly seen above entry doors of a house.
North America and the older parts of Europe make heavy use of Single and Double Hung windows which have a great longevity while looking very traditional. Combined with a Stained Wood Interior, they can be very appealing, however, in most cases you sacrifice a bit of the view because of their horizontal division.
The casement/awning window is the most widely used window in North America today. Without any dividers, they offer a clear view while still being operable. A possible downside is the crank operated mechanism which can suffer from prolonged use.
To achieve a traditional look you want to make use of either Wooden Single and Double Hungs or Casements and Awnings with External Grilles. These grilles are glued to the top of the glass on the exterior and/or interior giving the appearance of many small squares of glass.
Contemporary designs tend towards using large glass-to-frame ratios and also the use of metallic frame and sash materials such as aluminum.
Lastly, here are some examples of North American window manufactures that encompass most of the discussed types of windows (and frameless doors as well as invisible doors and also modern interior doors):
Picture/Fixed/Single; Double Hung/Casement/Awning:
a) Andersen Windows
b) Pella Windows
c) Milgard Windows
Doors:
Tilt & Turn:
b) Euroline Windows
c) Innotech Windows
d) Flush Doors (supplier of Frameless Interior Doors)