Different types of windows are discussed below.
1. Casement Windows
Casement window is one in which the shutters open like doors. This window comprises of a frame consisting of styles, top rail and bottom rail. Window frames are made similar to frames of doors but all the windows are provided with sill at the bottom. The construction is similar to the door construction (Fig. 20.13).
Figure 20.13 Casement window
2. Double-hung Windows
This window comprises of a pair of shutters which can slide within the grooves provided in the frame. A pair of metal weights is provided for each sash with connected cord or chain over a pulley. When the weights are pulled, the shutters open to the required level and thus provide ventilation.
3. Pivoted Windows
This is similar to casement window except that no rebates are provided and the shutter movement is different. Here, the shutters are allowed to swing round pivots. The windows may be pivoted horizontally or vertically (Fig. 20.14). These windows admit more light than side hung windows and easy to clean.
Figure 20.14 Vertically pivoted window
4. Louvered Windows
In this type of windows, louvers are provided as in case of louvered doors. They provide adequate privacy apart from allowing free passage of air. Here, the shutter consists of top rail, bottom rail and two styles which are grooved to receive the louvers. Angle of inclination of louvers is 45° and are fixed in position. If it is expected to move the louvers some mechanism has to be provided to operate. In order to prevent the entry of rain water, the louvers should slope downward to the outside.
5. Sliding Windows
Here the shutters move on roller bearings, either horizontally or vertically. Suitable opening are provided in the walls to receive the shutters when windows are opened out. Such windows are preferred in trains, buses, bank counters, shops, etc.
6. Glazed Windows
These windows are fully glazed casement windows. In order to receive glass panels, sashes are rebated. The glass is kept in position either by putty or by small fillets, known as glazing beads.
7. Metal Windows
Metal windows, made of mild steel, bronze, aluminium or alloys, are widely used these days. Steel windows are manufactured in standard sizes. The metal frame may be fixed directly to the wall (Fig. 20.15) or it may be fixed on a wooden frame. In the former case, the hinges and plugs are provided to keep the frame in position and in the latter case the screens are used to fix the metal frame with the wooden frame.
Figure 20.15 Metal window fixed to wall
8. Corner Windows
These are the windows which are placed at the corner of a room. These windows have two perpendicular faces. Because of such provisions, there is adequate entry of light and air from two directions. Further, it adds to the appearance of the building (Fig. 20.16).
Figure 20.16 Corner window
9. Gable Windows
These windows are provided at the gable ends of a roof as shown in Fig. 20.17.
Figure 20.17 Gable window
10. Dormer Windows
These are the windows which are provided on the sloping roofs. The main purpose of providing dormer windows is to admit light and air to rooms which are constructed within or below the roof slopes (Fig. 20.18).
Figure 20.18 Dormer windows
11. Bay Windows
These windows project outside the external walls of a room. The shape may be square, splayed, circular, polygonal or of any shape. Figure 20.19 shows a splayed bay window. The projection of bay windows may start from floor level or sill level. These windows increase the opening area and admit more light and ventilation. Also adds to the appearance.
Figure 20.19 Bay window
12. Clerestory Window
These windows are fixed near the top of the main roof (Fig. 20.20). Pivoted windows are used for this purpose. These windows provide ventilation to the inside of the room which is blocked by a verandah. It should be noted that the upper part of the shutter opens inside and the lower part opens outside, otherwise rainwater may enter the room. As the window is horizontally pivoted, it can be opened or closed by use of two cords, one attached to the top rail and the other to the bottom rail of the shutter.
Figure 20.20 Clerestory window
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