A Window may be defined as an opening made in a wall for the purpose of providing daylight, vision, and ventilation.Window acts as vehicle for letting in light and air,heat and cold,etc.

Windows are normally provided with two leaves. The number of windows depends upon the size of the room to be lighted, location of room, direction of wind and climatic considerations.

Different types of Windows :

Types of Windows Based on Operating Types

Awning Window

• They are hinged at top and open outwards and upwards.
• Ideal for climates with rain and snow as it prevents them from entering the room.
• Pros : Have lower leakage rates
• Cons : Requires frequent maintenance

Hopper Window

• They are hinged at the bottom and open inwards.
• Mostly suited for basements as limit inner space.
• Pros : Easy to operate and maintain.
• Cons : Limits inner space of room and possibility of entry of rainwater.

Fixed Window

• Glass panes or shutter is permanently fixed and are airtight.
• Used in places where vision is required and not suitable where ventilation is desired

Casement Window

• They are hinged on sides and opened outwards(mostly) and inwards.
• Pros : More ventilation and less leakage rates.
• Cons : As it opens outwards it cannot be installed in passages/walkways.

Sash Window

• SINGLE HUNG WINDOW
  • Consists of a pair of shutters in which top sash is fixed and bottom is movable.
• DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW
  • Consists of a pair of shutters which slide vertically within grooves provided in window.
• Pros : Controlled ventilation and can be cleaned easily.
• Cons : Limited ventilation since one sash is fixed in single hung.

Sliding Window

• In this window shutter slide horizontally on a track roller bearing.
• Suitable where large openings are there since they cannot be opened fully.
• Pros : Minimum maintenance and does not project out, provide clear movement of space
• Cons : Cannot be opened fully rails accumulate dirt and dust.

Pivoted Window

• A pivoting window rotates about a pivot fixed to a window.
• The shutter can rotate horizontally or vertical depending upon position of pivot.
• Half window opens inside and half window opens outside.
• Found in old church windows that are narrow and tall.

Types of Windows Based on Style

Bay Window

• A bay window project outward is a combination of three (or more) windows in which one is parallel to wall and other two are angled beyond walls.
• Used when outside space is more and aesthetics and inside space is used as a seating or a display of plants.
• Pros : Natural light enters from different directions and provide multiple views.
• Cons : Expensive and have to be checked for structure is well supported.

Bow Window

• Similar to the bay window, but the difference is that the bay window is curved forming an arch with more no. of panels.
• Pros : Elegant, creates more space in the interior and gives a panoramic view.
• Cons : Expensive and difficult to maintain.

Picture Window

• Picture windows are large fixed windows which provide clear beautiful view similar to a bay window.
• They can be rectangular, square, oval or any other shape and provide unobstructed views.
• Pros : Easy to install and maintain, provide picture-perfect majestic view, energy-efficient.
• Cons : No ventilation

Palladian Windows

• Palladian windows are set of three windows together with an arch over the central window.

Types of Windows Based on Location

Sky Light

• It is a fixed window installed in the ceiling or a sloping surface of a pitched roof.
• Allows natural light from overhead adding beauty.

Transom Window

• Narrow windows located above a door or window to provide additional light.
• Suited in places where natural light is less like storage spaces, garages.

Corner Window

• Located in the corner of the room at right angles to each other.
• It allows light and ventilation from two directions and views from both sides.

Dormer Window

• Vertical window built-in sloping side of pitch roof.
• It allows light and ventilation for the closed space below the roof.

Gable Window

• Window provided in the gable end of a pitched roof.

Clerestory Window

• Clerestory window are provided near the top of the roof or above lintel.

Types of Windows Based on Specialty Types

Storm Window

• A sub-window placed on the interior or exterior side of the main glass window.
• This second layer traps the heat keeping interiors warm during winter and colder during summer.
• Also perfect for areas with inclement weather and coastal areas.
• Pros : Economical and increases efficiency of standard windows.
• Cons : Requires high maintenance.

Egress Window

• Egress windows are for safety and security.
• This type of window provides an escape route in case of emergency such as fire, earthquake etc.
• Typically excavated and installed in basements.
• Pros : Provides escape route and ventilates basement areas.
• Cons : Installation cost is high due to excavation.

SHAPES

• Triangular, round, hexagonal, arched, semicircular, etc.
• Pros : Unique architectural feature/aesthetics.
• Cons : Does not supplement with all design styles.

Jalousie Windows

• These windows consist of parallel glass, acrylic or wooden louvers which can be tilted open and closed like blinders.
• Pros : Affordable and easy to install, can be kept open during rains.
• Cons : Not as secure as other windows

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