Types of Windows

On the basis of materials used, types of openings of shutters, types of shutters, and the position of windows Different windows used may be classified.

Commonly Steel, Timber and aluminium are used to make window frames. Timber may get termite attacks, steel can rust but aluminium does not have any such defects. Still they are costly.

Shutters of windows can be glazed, panelled or louvered. Generally for bathrooms and toilets Louvered windows are used where vision is not to be allowed but ventilation is required. Commonly Lower parts panelled and upper parts glazed windows are used. One may think of using translucent glasses instead of panelled. Given figure show a louvered windows.

Louvered window

Window shutters may be fixed, centrally pivoted, sliding type or double hung. Given figure shows a typical double hung window.

                         .  Double hung window

Depending upon the position of windows, they may be classified as follow:

(1) Bay windows

(2)  Casement windows

(3) Clear storey windows

(4) Corner windows

(5 )Dormer windows

(6) Sky light windows

(7) Gable windows

(8) Ventilators

Casement windows are common type of windows which is provided in the outer walls. They are provided at a height of 750 to 900 mm from floor level over 50 to 75 mm sill concrete Bay windows are provided on the projected portion of walls. In the corner of a room Corner windows are provided. They require heavy lintels. Corner post of window might be enough strong to take load due to deflection of lintel and impact load from the shutters.

When the height of the room is much more, Clearer storey windows are provided than adjacent room/varandah. It is provided between the gap of low height room and with greater height the top of room.

In the gable portion of the building Gable windows are provided. With gable walls they are required in the stair cases or in the halls. On a sloping roof Sky light windows are provided. Above the top sloping surface it projects. The common rafters are to be suitably trimmed.

Dormer windows are vertical on the sloping roof.

Ventilators are provided close to roof level or over the door frames. In pushing out exhaust air they provide help. They can be provided with two split and separated glasses or having hung shutters.

Different type of windows based on their positions are shown in given figure

                       (a) Casement window                                                    (b) Bay window

            Types of window on their position