The 7 Common Types of Windows Used by Builders

All windows let in light, and most provide some ventilation, but beyond those common functions, windows can vary in many ways. Some window types are easier to open, some are ideal for broad views, and some are great for airflow. Different windows also can have very different looks to fit with a building’s architectural design or decorative style. Narrowing down the many options for windows starts with identifying one of the basic window types.

Awning Windows

Awning windows open out by pivoting from the top of the window sash, operated by a crank. Awning windows commonly are paired with large picture windows and may be placed along bottom, sides, or top of the picture window to provide ventilation. They can also be installed above doors, much like transom windows. Because they open out, awning windows are not recommended near walkways and other traffic areas, lest the open windows obstruct the traffic path.

Casement Windows

Casement windows also open out (like awning windows) and usually pivot from side hinges. Many casements have fairly large glass panes to provide ample light that is uninterrupted by muntin bars or other framing. Casements also typically offer more open ventilation area than other window types. When closed and locked, casement windows can make a very effective seal for improved energy performance. Like awning windows, casements should not open out into traffic lanes.

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung and single-hung windows are the most common and familiar window types. The only difference between them is that single-hung has a movable lower sash and a fixed upper sash, while double-hung has two movable sashes; the upper sash slides down.

The main advantage of double-hung windows is somewhat better ventilation. With both sashes opened about halfway, air naturally flows in through the lower opening and out through the upper opening. Double-hung windows also can be cleaned inside and out without the need to clean from outside (or the need for a ladder).

Single- and double-hung windows work in most locations and have a classic decorative look. They typically offer less open area than casement and slider windows and can be more prone to air leakage than casements.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are best in areas where airflow is not important because they do not open. They are often large glass expanses occupying the center portion of a wall to provide broad views and ample sunlight. Picture windows also work well for high windows in two-story foyers. Because they do not open, picture windows are less prone to air leakage than operable windows, but their large glass panes can lose or gain a lot of heat (compared to an insulated wall), even with energy-efficient double-pane construction.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are an excellent resource for architects to create angles and projections on a building structure. Bay windows allow light to enter at different angles, and most bays include side windows that can be opened for airflow. Bays are commonly used in kitchens and family rooms, where the large sill of the window can be used for plants or a window seat.

Jalousie Windows

Jalousie windows are inexpensive solutions for warm-weather areas, particularly where air conditioning is not needed. Jalousies consist of glass slats set in metal clips that can be opened and closed in unison, like louvers. Jalousies provide maximum airflow, but they are generally narrow and offer limited views. They also tend to be less secure than other standard window types.

Slider Windows

Slider windows slide open sideways. Like casements, they can offer clear views and ample ventilation, but they cannot be sealed as tightly as casements. Sliders are commonly used for egress windows in basement or below-grade bedrooms, due to their large openings and easy operation. Utility windows at the tops of basement walls also tend to be sliders.

Sliders are quite simple, having no mechanical parts (other than a lock), and usually very basic seals and no tension mechanism. This simplicity often makes them the least expensive type of window.

16 Types of Windows used in Buildings

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There are different types of windows used in building construction to provide ventilation, and view. The selection of windows depends on many criteria.

A window is a vented barrier provided in a wall opening to admit light and air into the structure and also to give outside view. Windows also increases the beauty appearance of the building.

Selection Criteria for Windows

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
• Utility 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 are available based on their positions, materials, and functioning. Windows are classified as follows.

1. Fixed windows
2. Sliding windows
3. Pivoted windows
4. Double-hung windows
5. Louvered windows
6. Casement windows
7. Metal windows
8. Sash windows
9. Corner windows
10. Bay windows
11. Dormer windows
12. Clerestory windows
13. Lantern windows
14. Gable windows
15. Ventilators
16. Skylights

1. Fixed Windows

Fixed windows are fixed to the wall without any closing or opening operation. In general, they are provided to transmit the light into the room. Fully glazed shutters are fixed to the window frame. The shutters provided are generally weatherproof.

2. 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. Generally, this type of window is provided in buses, bank counters, shops, etc..

3. Pivoted Windows

In this type of windows, pivots are provided to window frames. Pivot is a shaft which helps to oscillate the shutter. No rebates are required for the frame. The swinging may either horizontal or vertical based on the position of pivots.

4. Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows consist of pair of shutters attached to one frame. The shutters are arranged one above the other. These two shutters can slide vertically with in the frame. So, we can open the windows on top or at bottom to our required level.

To operate the double hung windows, a chain or cord consisting metal weights is metal provided which is connected over pulleys. So, by pulling the weights of cord the shutters can move vertically. Then we can fix the windows at our required position of ventilation or light etc..

5. Louvered Windows

Louvered windows are similar to louvered doors which are provided for the ventilation without any outside vision. The louvers may be made of wood, glass or metal. Louvers can also be folded by provision of cord over pulleys. We can maintain the slope of louvers by tilting cord and lifting cord.

Recommended angle of inclination of louvers is about 45 o . The sloping of louvers is downward to the outside to run-off the rain water. Generally, they are provided for bathrooms, toilets and privacy places etc..

6. Casement Windows

Casement windows are the widely used and common windows nowadays. The shutters are attached to frame and these can be opened and closed like door shutters. Rebates are provided to the frame to receive the shutters. The panels of shutters may be single or multiple. Sometimes wired mesh is provided to stop entering of fly’s.

7. Metal Windows

Metal windows, generally mild steel is used for making metal windows. These are very cheap and have more strength. So, now days these are widely using especially for public buildings, private building etc.

Some other metals like aluminum, bronze, stainless steel etc. also used to make windows. But they are costly compared to mild steel windows. For normal casement windows also, metal shutters are provided to give strong support to the panels.

8. Sash Windows

Sash window is type of casement window, but in this case panels are fully glazed. It consists top, bottom and intermediate rails. The space between the rails is divided into small panels by mean of small timber members called sash bars or glazing bars.

9. Corner Windows

As in the name itself corner windows are provided at the corners of room. That means corner windows has two faces in perpendicular directions. By providing this type of windows, light or air can be entered into room in two different directions.

To provide this type of window special lintel is provided in the wall. Corner windows will give aesthetic appearance to the building.

10. Bay Windows

Bay windows are projected windows form wall which are provided to increase the area of opening, which enables more ventilation and light form outside. The projection of bay windows are of different shapes. It may be triangular or rectangular or polygonal etc. They give beautiful appearance to the structure.

11. Dormer Windows

Dormer windows are provided for sloped roofs. These are projected from the sloping surface as shown in below image. They provide ventilation as well as lighting to the room. They also enhance aesthetic sense of room.

12. Clerestory Windows

If the rooms in a building are of different ceiling heights, clerestory windows are provided for the room which has greater ceiling height than the other rooms. The shutters able to swing with the help of cord over pulleys. These also enhances the beauty of building.

13. Lantern Windows

Lantern windows are provided for over the flat roofs. The main purpose of this window is to provide the 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 we required.

14. Gable Windows

Gable windows are provided for sloped roof buildings. These windows are provided at the gable end of sloped roof so; they are called as gable windows. They also improve the appearance of building.

15. Ventilators

Ventilators are provided for the purpose of ventilation in the room. They are provided at greater height than windows nearer to roof level. It is in very small size. Horizontally pivoted shutters are provided for ventilators. Sometimes shutter is replaced by wired mesh, in this case sunshade is provided to prevent against rain water.

16. Skylights

Skylights or generally provided on the top of sloped roofs. To admit light into the rooms, sky lights are provided. It is provided parallel to the sloping surface. Sky lights can be opened when we required. Lead gutters are arranged to frame to make it as waterproof.

A window is a vented barrier provided in a wall opening to admit light and air into the structure and also to give outside view. Windows also increases the beauty appearance of the building. There are so many types of windows are available based on their positions, materials, and functioning. Windows are classified as Fixed windows, Sliding windows, Pivoted windows, Double-hung windows, Louvered windows, Casement windows, Metal windows, Sash windows, Corner windows, Bay windows, Dormer windows, Clerestory windows, Lantern windows, Gable windows, Ventilators, and Skylights.

The selection of suitable windows in a particular place should be dependent on the following factors:
1. Location of room
2. Size of room
3. Direction of wind
4. Climatic conditions
5. Utility of room
6. Architectural point of view

Skylights are generally provided on the top of sloped roofs. To admit light into the rooms, sky lights are provided. It is provided parallel to the sloping surface. Sky lights can be opened when required. Lead gutters are arranged to frame to make it as waterproof.