subject: A Brief Description Of Some Popular Types Of Windows [print this page] Windows are made usually with glass, or sometimes with other transparent or translucent materials. Frames hold windows in place. Windows can be opened or closed to allow ventilation of buildings. Earliest windows were just holes in the walls, which were covered with cloth, animal hide and wood. Then, in later stages of history, window construction was done with shutters that can be opened or closed on desire to allow or block light. Later, windows were constructed for the purpose of protection of the houses inhabitants from the elements. Various materials were used by various civilizations of the world at that time to fill windows; in China, paper was used to fill windows, while Romans started using glass. Cast glass windows with poor optical qualities started appearing around 100 CE. In Europe, mullioned glass windows became the first choice of wealthy building owners. During the 14th century, English people were familiar with windows framed by flattened animal horns. In the early 17th century, glass windows became common among English households.
Modern style and designing of floor to ceiling windows, was adopted after perfection of industrial glass making process. Various qualities of glass as well as transparent plastic are in use for window construction these days. Various types of windows are used in various parts of the world. For example sash window, which is traditional in the United Kingdom. Former colonies of Britain also adopted this style to some extent. It is basically comprised of two parts or sashes, which slightly overlap each other and slide vertically within the window frame. The sashes are not of equal size and in recent double-hung windows, spring balances are used to support sashes.
Other types of sash window construction are the single-hung window in which one of the sashes is fixed while the other is movable; and horizontal sliding, in which several overlapping sashes slide horizontally in the window frame. These windows are also known as Yorkshire windows, due to their alleged origin. Another type of window is casement window, which is comprised of hinged frames which can swing in and out like a door. In various windows, elements either side-hung, top-hung, bottom hung or a combination of these, with fixed panels on sides are used. A casement window can be right handed, left handed or double. In Europe, the casement window is the most popular type of window used in buildings.
Awning window, hopper window, tilt and slide window, tilt and turn window, transom window and jalousie window are some types of casement window. Various types of sky lights are also included in window types, and bay, oriel, thermal, picture, multi-lit, emergency, stained glass and French are some other kinds of windows. Window construction is a sensitive job, because windows can be a significant source of heat transfer. So, insulated glazed units of panes are used in construction of windows these days, to reduce heat transfer within buildings and residential units. Frames and sashes of windows are usually constructed from wood, PVC, Aluminum, steel and fiberglass these days.
