Learning Real Estate Terms - Window Types
Windows are the eyes of the house, they provide for natural light, ventilation and, of course, beautiful view. Windows changed and developed over time from a simple "hole in the wall" to the state of art, energy efficient, multi-functional modern windows. Well, lets have a look at some types and categories.
There is a large amount of sources listing and describing different types of windows, but I did not come across any logical system, will try to sort them out myself.
I. All windows can be divided into 2 large categories, based on the ability to open / close
1. Fixed - inoperable, non-opening. Used for the light and view
2. Operable or opening or moving. Used for the light, view and ventilation.
All operable windows can swing (casement window), slide (slider) or do a combination of the moves (tilt and slide / tilt and turn). Lets look at each type at a time.
Picture Window
An extra-large window that provides a broad outside view and lets in a lot of light. Picture windows are usually fixed, non-opening (inoperable) windows. Often single paned and typically do not contain any glazing bars which may mar the fabulous view. They are called “picture” windows because the large window is intended to provide a wide view of the outdoors, similar to a picture frame.
Clerestory Windows
Also called clearstory, clearstorey, or overstorey, are any high windows above eye level. The purpose is to bring outside light, fresh air, or both into the inner space. Clerestory windows are often fixed.
Transom Windows
A window above a door or an operable window. In an exterior door the transom window is often fixed, in an interior door it can open either by hinges at top or bottom, or rotate on hinges. It provided ventilation before forced air heating and cooling.
Fanlight Window
A fan-shaped transom is known as a fanlight, especially in the British Isles.
Casement Window
A casement window (or casement) is a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges. Casement windows are hinged at the side. The panel (sash) opens by turning a crank on the hinged side, and the sash swings either in or out. Casement window may be top-hung, bottom-hung or side-hung. Casement windows may be single or double.
Awning Window
Casement window hinged at the top is referred to as awning window. The panel (sash) swings outward. When opened, the shape resembles an awning, hence its name. Traditional awning windows are often found on older buildings and can lend charm and character.
Hopper Window
Casement window hinged at the bottom is referred to as hopper window.
French Window
Another casement. A pair of 2 panels (sashes) hinged on the right and left sides of the window, and both panels open to the middle. This creates a “French door” effect. The window is latched in the middle. May have a lattice pattern. Sometimes a French door that overlooks a patio or terrace is referred to as a French window.
Horizontal Slider
These windows have sash that slide horizontally. Single sliders have one fixed sash, while double sliders have two movable sash. Most horizontal sliders have at least one removable sash.
Single Hung Slider
A single hung window is a vertical slider in which the top pane of glass is fixed and the bottom sash moves. In some designs, the sash tilts in for ease of cleaning.
Double Hung Slider
Double hung windows are similar to single hung windows, except that both sash move and are controlled by a balancing mechanism so the sash do not fall down when raised.
Bay Window
Bays and bows are a combination of windows that project outward from a building wall. A bay window has a fixed center window parallel to the wall flanked by two operating windows (casement or double hung windows) attached at an angle (usually 45 degrees)
Bow Window
Bow windows have more than three sections set at gentle angles (usually 10 degrees) that give the window a curved appearance (like a bow).
Roof Window
A sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure. It is one of the few windows that could be used as an exit. Larger roof windows meet building codes for emergency evacuation.
Roof Lantern Window
A roof lantern is a multi-paned glass structure, resembling a small building, built on a roof for day or moon light. Sometimes includes an additional clerestory. May also be called a cupola.
So many types and kinds, and I only listed the most widely used... Just keep in mind - windows will only be the real "eyes" of your house when they are sparkling clean!
More of Real Estate Terms:
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part III
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part II
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part One
Types of Homes - Learning Real Estate Terms
Find your perfect home
Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
There is a large amount of sources listing and describing different types of windows, but I did not come across any logical system, will try to sort them out myself.
I. All windows can be divided into 2 large categories, based on the ability to open / close
1. Fixed - inoperable, non-opening. Used for the light and view
2. Operable or opening or moving. Used for the light, view and ventilation.
All operable windows can swing (casement window), slide (slider) or do a combination of the moves (tilt and slide / tilt and turn). Lets look at each type at a time.
Picture Window
An extra-large window that provides a broad outside view and lets in a lot of light. Picture windows are usually fixed, non-opening (inoperable) windows. Often single paned and typically do not contain any glazing bars which may mar the fabulous view. They are called “picture” windows because the large window is intended to provide a wide view of the outdoors, similar to a picture frame.
Clerestory Windows
Also called clearstory, clearstorey, or overstorey, are any high windows above eye level. The purpose is to bring outside light, fresh air, or both into the inner space. Clerestory windows are often fixed.
Transom Windows
A window above a door or an operable window. In an exterior door the transom window is often fixed, in an interior door it can open either by hinges at top or bottom, or rotate on hinges. It provided ventilation before forced air heating and cooling.
Fanlight Window
A fan-shaped transom is known as a fanlight, especially in the British Isles.
Casement Window
A casement window (or casement) is a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges. Casement windows are hinged at the side. The panel (sash) opens by turning a crank on the hinged side, and the sash swings either in or out. Casement window may be top-hung, bottom-hung or side-hung. Casement windows may be single or double.
Awning Window
Casement window hinged at the top is referred to as awning window. The panel (sash) swings outward. When opened, the shape resembles an awning, hence its name. Traditional awning windows are often found on older buildings and can lend charm and character.
Hopper Window
Casement window hinged at the bottom is referred to as hopper window.
French Window
Another casement. A pair of 2 panels (sashes) hinged on the right and left sides of the window, and both panels open to the middle. This creates a “French door” effect. The window is latched in the middle. May have a lattice pattern. Sometimes a French door that overlooks a patio or terrace is referred to as a French window.
Horizontal Slider
These windows have sash that slide horizontally. Single sliders have one fixed sash, while double sliders have two movable sash. Most horizontal sliders have at least one removable sash.
Single Hung Slider
A single hung window is a vertical slider in which the top pane of glass is fixed and the bottom sash moves. In some designs, the sash tilts in for ease of cleaning.
Double Hung Slider
Double hung windows are similar to single hung windows, except that both sash move and are controlled by a balancing mechanism so the sash do not fall down when raised.
Bay Window
Bays and bows are a combination of windows that project outward from a building wall. A bay window has a fixed center window parallel to the wall flanked by two operating windows (casement or double hung windows) attached at an angle (usually 45 degrees)
Bow Window
Bow windows have more than three sections set at gentle angles (usually 10 degrees) that give the window a curved appearance (like a bow).
Roof Window
A sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure. It is one of the few windows that could be used as an exit. Larger roof windows meet building codes for emergency evacuation.
Roof Lantern Window
A roof lantern is a multi-paned glass structure, resembling a small building, built on a roof for day or moon light. Sometimes includes an additional clerestory. May also be called a cupola.
So many types and kinds, and I only listed the most widely used... Just keep in mind - windows will only be the real "eyes" of your house when they are sparkling clean!
More of Real Estate Terms:
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part III
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part II
Architectural Home Styles - Learning Real Estate Terms Part One
Types of Homes - Learning Real Estate Terms
Find your perfect home
Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca