WINDOWS
There are different types of windows used in building construction to
provide ventilation, and view. The selection of windows depends on
many criteria.
A window is a vented barrier provided in a wall opening to admit
light and air into the structure and also to give outside view. Windows
also increases the beauty appearance of building.
Selection Criteria for Windows
Selection of suitable window in a particular place should be dependent
of following factors.
o Location of room
o Size of room
o Direction of wind
o Climatic conditions
o Utility of room
o Architectural point of view
Based on the above factors we can select the suitable window for our
strictures.
Types of Windows used in Buildings
There are so many types of windows are available based on their
positions, materials and functioning. Windows are classified as follows.
1. Fixed windows
2. Sliding windows
3. Pivoted windows
4. Double hung windows
5. Louvered windows
6. Casement windows
7. Metal windows
8. Sash windows
9. Corner windows
10. Bay windows
11. Dormer windows
12. Clerestory windows
13. Lantern windows
14. Gable windows
15. Ventilators
16. Skylights
1. Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are fixed to the wall without any closing or opening
operation. In general, they are provided to transmit the light into the
room. Fully glazed shutters are fixed to the window frame. The
shutters provided are generally weather proof.
2. Sliding Windows
In this case, window shutters are movable in the frame. The
movement may be horizontal or vertical based on our requirement.
The movement of shutters is done by the provision of roller bearings.
Generally, this type of window is provided in buses, bank counters,
shops etc..
3. Pivoted Windows
In this type of windows, pivots are provided to window frames. Pivot
is a shaft which helps to oscillate the shutter. No rebates are required
for the frame. The swinging may either horizontal or vertical based on
the position of pivots.
4. Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows consist of pair of shutters attached to one
frame. The shutters are arranged one above the other. These two
shutters can slide vertically with in the frame. So, we can open the
windows on top or at bottom to our required level.
To operate the double hung windows, a chain or cord consisting metal
weights is metal provided which is connected over pulleys. So, by
pulling the weights of cord the shutters can move vertically. Then we
can fix the windows at our required position of ventilation or light
etc..
5. Louvered Windows
Louvered windows are similar to louvered doors which are provided
for the ventilation without any outside vision. The louvers may be
made of wood, glass or metal. Louvers can also be folded by provision
of cord over pulleys. We can maintain the slope of louvers by tilting
cord and lifting cord.
Recommended angle of inclination of louvers is about 45 o. The sloping
of louvers is downward to the outside to run-off the rain water.
Generally, they are provided for bathrooms, toilets and privacy places
etc..
6. Casement Windows
Casement windows are the widely used and common windows
nowadays. The shutters are attached to frame and these can be
opened and closed like door shutters. Rebates are provided to the
frame to receive the shutters. The panels of shutters may be single or
multiple. Sometimes wired mesh is provided to stop entering of fly’s.
7. Metal Windows
Metal windows, generally mild steel is used for making metal
windows. These are very cheap and have more strength. So, now days
these are widely using especially for public buildings, private building
etc.
Some other metals like aluminum, bronze, stainless steel etc. also used
to make windows. But they are costly compared to mild steel
windows. For normal casement windows also, metal shutters are
provided to give strong support to the panels.
8. Sash Windows
Sash window is type of casement window, but in this case panels are
fully glazed. It consists top, bottom and intermediate rails. The space
between the rails is divided into small panels by mean of small timber
members called sash bars or glazing bars.
9. Corner Windows
As in the name itself corner windows are provided at the corners of
room. That means corner windows has two faces in perpendicular
directions. By providing this type of windows, light or air can be
entered into room in two different directions.
To provide this type of window special lintel is provided in the wall.
Corner windows will give aesthetic appearance to the building.
10. Bay Windows
Bay windows are projected windows form wall which are provided to
increase the area of opening, which enables more ventilation and light
form outside. The projection of bay windows are of different shapes. It
may be triangular or rectangular or polygonal etc. They give beautiful
appearance to the structure.
11. Dormer Windows
Dormer windows are provided for sloped roofs. These are projected
from the sloping surface as shown in below image. They provide
ventilation as well as lighting to the room. They also enhance aesthetic
sense of room.
12. Clerestory Windows
If the rooms in a building are of different ceiling heights, clerestory
windows are provided for the room which has greater ceiling height
than the other rooms. The shutters able to swing with the help of
cord over pulleys. These also enhances the beauty of building.
13. Lantern Windows
Lantern windows are provided for over the flat roofs. The main
purpose of this window is to provide the more light and air circulation
to the interior rooms. Generally, they are projected from the roof
surface so, we can close the roof surface when we required.
14. Gable Windows
Gable windows are provided for sloped roof buildings. These windows
are provided at the gable end of sloped roof so; they are called as
gable windows. They also improve the appearance of building.
15. Ventilators
Ventilators are provided for the purpose of ventilation in the room.
They are provided at greater height than windows nearer to roof
level. It is in very small size. Horizontally pivoted shutters are provided
for ventilators. Sometimes shutter is replaced by wired mesh, in this
case sunshade is provided to prevent against rain water.
16. Skylights
Skylights or generally provided on the top of sloped roofs. To admit
light into the rooms, sky lights are provided. It is provided parallel to
the sloping surface. Sky lights can be opened when we required. Lead
gutters are arranged to frame to make it as waterproof.
Types of Ceiling used in Building