The Essential Guide to Windows: Functions, Types, and Considerations in Home Planningl

Introduction of Window

Window plays a vital role in the planning of our house. It is very important that the window should be located in the proper place so that we can utilize it efficiently. House is incomplete without Windows. It is an essential part of the house. It allows entry of Sunlight and ventilation in the house.

What Is Window?

Windows are defined as opening or a vented barrier that is secured in the wall opening in order to serve one or more functions like the passage of natural light ventilation and vision etc.

Functions of Windows

1. To admit natural sunlight in the building.
2. To admit natural ventilation in the building.
3. It also helps to provide insulation against heat loss and sound.
4. Windows are also required to give a measure of resistance to the Fire.
5. Windows are helpful to increase the energy efficiency of the building.

Location of Windows

1. The location of the windows is decided on the basis of the desired daylight and its distribution in the building, natural ventilation, vision required for outside and privacy of occupants, etc.
2. In order to get maximum sunlight and fresh air, the window should be located on the Northern side of a room.
3. For maximum ventilation and fresh air, a window should be located on the opposite word facing to each other.
4. The window should be located such that it should fulfill all the functional requirements of the room like interior decoration and arrangement of furniture.

What Is the Standard Height of Windows from Floor Level?

The height which is measured from the floor level up to the base of the window is known as the sill level of the window. It is a lowermost or bottom horizontal part of the window.

The Standard height of the window from the floor level is generally kept 900mm or 3 ft. Height of window from the floor can be calculated by following calculations.

Height of Window from Floor level = Height of Door – Height of Window

What Is the Standard Size of Windows?

Here are the Standard sizes of Windows in feet which are generally adopted in the building. The standard size of Windows for residential buildings are as follows.

1. 2’0″ X 3’0″
2. 3’0″ X 4’0″
3. 4’0″ X 5’0″
4. 5’0″ X 6’0″

The standard size of Windows for Kitchen are as follows

1. 3’0″ X 3’6″
2. 3’6″ X 3’6″
3. 4’0″ X 3’6″

The standard size of Windows for bathroom are as follows

1. 2’0″ X 2’0″
2. 2’6″ X 2’0″

There is a thumb rule which is used while deciding the size of Window

Breadth of window = 1/8 ( width of room+height of a room)

The total area of windows opening which should be provided to the room is vary from 10% to 20 % of the floor area of the room.

Factors Affecting the Prices of Windows Are as Follows

1. The dimension of the room.
2. The utility of the room.
3. Location of the room.
4. The direction of the wall.
5. Speed and direction of the Wind.
6. Climatic conditions.
7. Obstruction to light by the neighboring structures.

Types of Windows

14 Different types of windows are as follows.

1. Panel Window.
2. Single-Hung Window.
3. Double-Hung Window.
4. Awning Window.
5. Fixed Window.
6. Casement Window Open Window.
7. Metal Window.
8. Sliding Window.
9. Louvered Window.
10. Bay Window.
11. Gable Window.
12. Dormer Window.
13. Skylight Window.
14. Clear-Storey Window.

#1. Panel Window

This type of window consists of a frame that works of vertical member called style and the horizontal member call rails that are grooved along the inner edges of the frame.

The panels are made from Timber, plywood, and glasses. Sach Windows are may be fully paneled, partly paneled and partly glazed or fully glazed.

#2. Single Hung Window

Single-hung windows are popular Windows which are used in modern houses, apartments, offices, and buildings. In this type of Windows, the lower panel can move up and down while the upper one remains fixed.

#3. Double Hung Window

Double-hung windows are similar to the single hung window but in this window, we can move both upper and lower panel. This type of Windows is easy to clean.

#4. Awning Window

Awning windows are hinged at the top side and open from the bottom to the outward side. These windows are perfect for a rainy climate which allows ventilation even during light rain.

#5. Fixed Window

A fixed window consists of a frame to which shutters are fixed. The shutters are fully glazed. These Windows are provided for the purpose of admitting light and vision in the room.

#6. Casement Window Open Window

Sharda common types of Windows which are provided in the structures. This window consists of a frame which is rebated to receive the shutters.

#7. Metal Window

Metal Windows are made of mild steel which is widely used in various public as well as private buildings. This type of Windows is highly durable and cost-effective.

#8. Sliding Window

Sliding windows Windows can moves on the roller bearings either horizontally or vertically. This type of Windows generally provided in the bank counters, shops, and buses, etc.

#9. Louvered Window

These Windows are provided for the purpose of ventilation and they do not permit outside vision from the window. This Windows can be cleaned from inside. The main advantage of this type of Window is, it can be left open even during rain.

#10. Bay Window

Bay Windows are provided in order to obtain light and ventilation from two adjoining sides. These Windows projects outside of the external walls of a room.

#11. Gable Window

The gable window is located at the end of a pitched roof on the side of the house with a flat surface to allow the entry of natural light into the room.

#12. Dormer Window

The vertical window provided on the sloping roof for the ventilation and the Lightning purpose known as dormer window. A dormer window is a form of roof window.

#13. Skylight Window

A skylight window is a type of window which is generally provided on a sloping roof for getting the maximum sunlight light inside the house. It is a modern concept and widely used in the buildings. A skylight window is best suitable for rooms, where it is difficult to construct windows.

#14. Clear Storey Window

Clear-storey Windows are used when there is a greater ceiling height than the surrounding rooms. Clear-storey Windows are provided near the top of the main roof. The purpose of clear-storey window is to provide ventilation to the inside of the room and improve the appearance of the building.