Windows tend to be taken for granted - until you want ot renovate or build from scratch, that is. Let’s look at what designs are available and where to install them.
Generally, the window area in a room should equal 1/10th of the floor area and half of the glazing should be openable to provide ventilation. In certain circumstances, two rooms can share light from one window.
Horizontal sliding windows slide in a track, with or without rollers. They’re inexpensive to produce in aluminium, so timber versions are less common. Half the window can be opened. With no protruding parts, they’re easy to screen on the outside.
Double-hung windows slide vertically in guides with sashes supported by balances. They come in timber, aluminium and PVC. Ventilation is easy to control, as the sashes open top and bottom. Only half of the window can be opened. Insect screens can be fitted outside or in.
Awning windows are hinged at the top and are readily available in timber and aluminium. They’re fitted with frictions stays or winders to hold them open.
Pivoting windows can be side- or top- and bottom- pivoted, or both. They’re mainly timber and PVC and can be reversed for easy cleaning of both sides. They can be opened like casements and/or awning windows but need special insect screens.
Casement windows are hinged on the side. They come mainly in timber in standard or non-standard sizes. The frames are also available in PVC. This style offers maximum opening area and good ventilation. The design captures breezes blowing across the window. For this reason, they usually need a stay to keep them open. A friction stay will hold them in any position.
Fixed sash windows are usually made in timber, but also come in aluminium and PVC. Normally they’re specially made to suit the opening they are to go into. Fixed glazing gives no ventilation and is used for decorative purposes. It provides extra light over other windows as well as doorways.
Louvre windows are available in timber and aluminium, and are sometimes made on site by the builder. Adjustable systems are available to open and close the louvres and change the angle of the glass. The amount of ventilation is determined by the tilt of the louvre.
Bay windows are usually made from a combination of opening and fixed sash windows. They can be difficult and expensive to install, as you’ll need to build an additional floor and roof.