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Explore the most common types of windows used in building construction and their unique benefits. Learn how to choose the right window for ventilation, light, and aesthetics with tips from Stonedge Construction, Assam’s trusted building expert.
Types of windows in building construction
The window is an important component of building construction. A window is an opening in a building , which is usually built on a wall to allow sun, free ventilation and views of the outside as well as sound to pass through. Windows are very important for the ventilation of a room. It offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. They let in natural light, provide ventilation and enhance the overall look of a structure. In addition to the desired connection between interior and exterior, it is only through their openings that it is possible to allow natural light and ventilation into the rooms.
Today, window frames are made of aluminum, steel, wood or PVC. If some window designs are improved, since they make better use of space, others follow the most common models on the market.
When choosing windows for buildings, several critical aspects must be considered and followed, including the temperature of the space, location of the room, size of the room, wind direction into the room, utility of the room where the window will be installed and architectural perspective.
Components of windows:
A window in building construction consists of several key components that work together to provide functionality, structural integrity, and weather resistance. These include the frame (which includes the head, jambs, and sill), the sash (or sashes in operable windows), glazing (glass), and various hardware components for operation and security.
Frame –
Head: The main horizontal member at the top of the window frame.
Jambs: The vertical members that form the sides of the frame.
Sill: The bottom horizontal member of the frame, often projecting outward to shed water.
Sash (or Sashes) –
A sash is the part of the window that holds the glass and is often movable (operable) in some window types.
Windows can have one or more sashes, depending on the window type (e.g., single-hung, double-hung, casement).
Glazing –
This refers to the glass or other transparent material used to fill the openings within the sash or frame.
Glazing can be single, double, or even triple pane for improved insulation.
Hardware –
Various components like hinges, locks, handles, and operators (for opening and closing).
Weatherstripping is also a crucial hardware component for creating a tight seal and preventing air and water infiltration.
Mullions –
Vertical or horizontal bars that divide the window into multiple lights (sections).
Transoms –
Horizontal bars that divide the window, often found above or below the sash.
Lintel –
A beam placed above the window opening to support the structure above.
Weep holes –
Small openings in the sill that allow water to drain out of the window assembly .
Function requirements of a window :
A window’s primary functional requirements include providing natural light, ventilation, and a view to the outside, while also offering protection against the elements (weather, wind, rain, etc.) and contributing to the building’s thermal and acoustic performance.
Daylight:
Windows allow natural light to enter a building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a brighter, more pleasant indoor environment.
Aesthetics : There is a wide variety of window styles, shapes, and sizes available to homeowners, allowing them to improve aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.
Ventilation:
Windows facilitate natural ventilation by allowing fresh air to circulate into and out of a building, improving indoor air quality and reducing humidity.
Views:
Windows offer a connection to the outside world, providing views of the surrounding environment and enhancing the occupant’s experience.
Privacy: enhancing a home’s privacy, providing owners with times of serenity when they desire, and securing their interests.
Different types of windows in building construction:
In building construction, windows are classified based on several factors, including their material, how they open, and their overall design. Common types include fixed, sliding, pivoted, double-hung, casement, louvered bay, dormer, and skylight windows. Additionally, windows can be categorized by the material used in their construction, such as wood, uPVC, aluminum, or steel.
Windows are classified as follows :
By operation
1. Fixed window :
These windows are anchored to the wall and cannot be opened or closed, but the light can be easily transferred into the room through completely glazed shutters attached to the window frame. The shutters that come with the house are usually waterproof. These windows are sometimes known as pictured windows because they are sometimes solely used to observe natural views outdoors.
The fixed window’s main disadvantage is that it prevents airflow. Where ventilation is not required, fixed windows are employed.
2. Sliding window :
In this case, window shutters are movable in the frame. The movement may be horizontal or vertical based on our requirement. The movement of shutters is done by the provision of roller bearings. Generally, this type of window is provided in uses, bank counters, shops etc..
3. Pivoted window :
As the name implies, the pivoted window performs pivoting functions. It is fixed to a center frame hinge and offers a horizontal or vertical opening and closing.
The window can be made to open either at 180 degrees or 90 degrees. Thus, it is an excellent window when seeking perfect air ventilation. Also, it is usually soundproof and great for areas with high rain or snowfall.
4. Double – hung windows :
This type of window has a frame and a pair of shutters, arranged one on top of the other. Shutters can slide vertically inside grooves provided in window frames.
By providing sliding, the window can be effectively cleaned and at the same time the ventilation can be effectively controlled since the window can be opened up and down in the desired range.
5. Casement window :
Casement is one of the most common and versatile types of windows. They have hinges on the side hence opening outwardly like a door making them easy to use while offering excellent ventilation. Casement windows can be closed tightly thereby preventing air infiltration and making them energy efficient hence maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
When shut down, casement windows are very difficult to break into because the hinging side is firmly fixed on the frame.
6. Awning window :
An awning window is horizontally oriented and has hinges at the top, so it opens outward like an old-fashioned garage door. Its sash acts like a canopy when open. Opening is easy thanks to the crank and the option to add automation, so this window can open with the touch of a button. Like all our windows, it can be ordered with an insect screen. Its design, with a seal similar to a refrigerator door, makes it one of our most energy-efficient windows.
7. Louvered window:
Louvered windows, also known as jalousie windows, are a type of window that uses horizontal, angled slats (louvers) to regulate airflow and light while maintaining privacy. They are particularly useful in locations with warm climates or where ventilation is a priority. The slats can be adjusted to control the amount of air and light entering the room, and they can also be closed to block out rain and sunlight.
By design
1. Bay window :
The Bay window creates more space for the room. The frame is outward, adding more beauty to the building. The cost of the bay window is quite on the high side. It requires frequent replacement and maintenance and takes up outside space.
2. Dormer window:
A dormer window in building construction is a window structure that projects vertically from a sloping roof, typically to provide light and ventilation to an attic or upper story. They enhance living space, improve aesthetics, and can increase property value.
3. Corners window:
A room’s corner windows comprise of two perpendicular faces at the room’s corners. This style of window can let light and air in from two sides. When this sort of window is built, a unique lintel is installed in the wall to support the masonry work above the window’s opening. The room is enhanced by the presence of corner windows.
4. Clerestory window:
A room with a higher ceiling than the others in a building will have clerestory windows if the ceiling heights of the other rooms in the building differ. With the aid of a cord over pulleys, the shutters are capable of swinging. These also improve the building’s aesthetic appeal.
5. Skylight window:
They provide light and ventilation. It helps in ventilation as it releases hot air that naturally accumulates near the ceiling. Ventilating skylights usually open outward at the bottom.
By material
1. Wood window:
Such windows have their frame made out of basic wood or timber. These kinds of windows provide a traditional appeal and there are numerous kinds of design options to choose from. The cost for such windows depends largely on the design and kind of wood chosen. In the long run, these windows prove to be less cost-effective than their aluminium and uPVC counterparts, as they require repainting and polishing and are less resistant to wear & tear as compared to aluminium and uPVC.
2. uPVC window:
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a popular material for window and door frames in building construction due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency. It is a cost-effective alternative to materials like wood and aluminum. uPVC windows are known for their weather resistance, thermal insulation, and soundproofing capabilities.
3. Aluminium window :
Aluminium windows are a popular choice in building construction due to their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. They offer a good balance of strength and style, making them suitable for various architectural designs. Their weather resistance, low maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency contribute to their popularity in both residential and commercial buildings.
As a builder or an owner of a building, one of the most important things to note when constructing a building is the functionality of the windows. Windows are not only parts of buildings, but they also help bring ventilation and air.
Researching the types of windows that fit a building helps to add exceptional beauty to such an environment.
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