What is Window? | 18 Types of Windows | Advantages & Disadvantages of Window

A window may be defined as the vented barrier which is used to provide fresh air, sunlight, and also to see the outside view from the structure.

The windows also help to increase the aesthetic beauty of the structure. Mainly windows are made of wood, steel, aluminum, etc.

For the strongest window, we can use a polycarbonate window because they are unbreakable as compared to other windows.

Things to be considered while choosing windows:

a. Always choose a window that reflects your architectural style.

b. Decide where you need to keep your window before choosing a window.

c. At first decide how much ventilation is required for our room.

d. Always choose windows that increase the aesthetic beauty and freshness of your room.

  A. Types of Windows  

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Types of Window	Image	Use
1. Single-Hung  Window		Used in newer home construction, apartment buildings, and office spaces.
2. Double-Hung Window		Used where it is risky to clean the outside of the window. You can clean the outside of the window from the inside.
3. Casement Window		Used in places where maximum ventilation is desired, such as a kitchen.
4. Awning Window		Used to protect from the weather while still allowing for ventilation.
5. Transom Window		Used to allow passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were shut.
6. Slider Window		Used to provide a more natural view of the outside world.
7. Pivoted window		Used for providing full ventilation.
8. Metal windows/Crittall window		Used in municipal buildings, museums, churches, private homes, commercial buildings, schools, and universities.
9. Sash window		Used when classical aesthetic looking is required in a building.
10. Corner window		Used to add aesthetics to the interior space.
11. Dormer window		Used to increase the usable space in a loft and to create window openings in a roof plane.
12. Bay windows/Oriel window		Used for a myriad of purposes, from a reading or breakfast nook to window seating, or even as a lovely spot to showcase a piano.
13. Ventilator Window		Commonly used in storerooms, toilets or bathrooms, etc.
14. Skylight Window		Used to provide lighting, ventilation, views, and sometimes emergency egress.
15. Lantern window		Used to provide sunlight in the day and sky view at night.
16. Clerestory window		Uses is to admit light, fresh air, or both.
17. Fixed windows/Picture window		Used to provide view or light where ventilation or egress is not a need.
18. Arch windows/Radius window		Commonly used for decorative purposes in the church.

1. Single-Hung Window  

There are 2 sashes in the hung window.

A hung window having an upper sash fixed and a lower sash movable is called a single hung window.

To open this window you need to raise the bottom sash towards the top.

It is basically used in newer home construction, apartment buildings, and office spaces.

The average price of a single-hung window in the market lies between $100 to $300 per window.

The cost of a single-hung window is 20% cheaper than a double-hung one. If we compare in the case of maintenance single-hung windows are more expensive than double-hung windows.

Suitability  

1. Room on the ground floor.

2. Room with fewer ventilation needs.

Advantages of Single-hung Window  

a. Lower maintenance

When compared to double-hung windows, about maintenance, single-hung windows appear to require less maintenance. The window comes with fewer sashes that can cause an additional cost. In addition, it doesn’t have more glass to get damaged.

b.  More affordable

Depending on the manufacturers, the price of single-hung windows may vary, but they are always less expensive than double-hung ones. Generally, the price of single-hung windows can be up to 15% less than that of double-hung windows.

Disadvantages of Single-hung window  

1. Need professional cleaning.

2. More expensive

3. Less airflow/ventilation

2. Double-Hung Window

Double-Hung Window is a type of hung window that has a feature of double moving slash.

Any sash can move up and down allowing for ventilation on the top, bottom, or both.

The average price of a double-hung window in the market lies between $400 to $600 per window. 

It is very easy to clean no need for professional cleaning. It is expensive during installment but cheap during the time of maintenance.

Suitability

1. Suitable for all types of rooms.

2. Room with more ventilation needs.

Advantages of Double-hung window

a. Ease of cleaning
As the sashes of a double-hung window can move up and down and also tilt in, the main advantage that they provide is the ease of cleaning. You can clean and shine the outside of your windows from the inside – rather than putting yourself in the hassle and danger of climbing ladders and scaffolding.

b. Superior Ventilation

Another great advantage the double-hung windows provide is ventilation and airflow control. For maximum ventilation. you can open both the top and bottom sashes of your window.

c. Energy Efficiency

Installing double-hung windows can drastically decrease heating and cooling costs as they are designed to be energy efficient.

d. Addition-Friendly
Double-hung windows also provide great ease to install window AC units. As they are designed to slide up and down rather than cranking out or sliding to the side, they can safely hold AC units, and allow for their easy removal as well.

e. Safe operation design

As these windows don’t crank out or project outwards. their design eliminates the risk of accidents in high-traffic areas like walkways, decks, and patios.

f. Variety

Double-hung windows are known for their classic appeal They are suitable for any home or room. There is a lot of variety in their styles, sizes. colors, and finishes.

Disadvantages of Double Hung Window

1. It is very expensive.

2. Repairing these windows is impossible.

3. Trap heat if not colored.

3. Casement Window

A casement window is a window that is fixed to its frame by one or more hinges at the side.

It can be open outward to left or right allowing for full top-to-bottom ventilation.

This type of window is mainly used in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.

The average price of a casement window in the market lies between $300 to $600 per window.

Casement windows can be the best choice because of their design.

Suitability  

1. Suitable for cottage and contemporary properties.

2. Suitable for places where maximum ventilation is needed.

Advantages of Casement window

1. Presence of muntins

2. Fully open window

3. Provide security

Disadvantages of Casement window

1. You cannot add window air conditioners into casement windows due to the windows cranked outside. Air conditioners require windows that slide up and down to add a window conditioner unit.

2. Unable to open during storms and glass can break down if open during the storm.

3. It is more expensive than double-hung windows, twice than double-hung windows price.

4. Awning Window

An awning window is hinged at the top and swings out from the bottom, gliding open and close with the turn of a handle.

It is commonly used to provide safety from the weather while still permitting ventilation.

They will permit little to no leakage from rain when it is open. So, we can enjoy fresh air in our house, school or office, even when the weather is not so good.

The average cost of an awning window in the market lies between $325 to $895 per window.

Suitability

1. All types of rooms.

2. Rooms with more ventilation needs.

Advantages of Awning Window

1. Proper Ventilation

2. Moisture Protection

3. Create a Modern Look

4. Environmentally conscious

5. Versatility

Disadvantages of Awning Window  

1. High traffic hazard

2. Require frequent washing

3. Difficult escape route

5. Transom Window

A transom window is historically used to permit passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were closed.

The average cost of a transom window in the market lies between $200 to $575 per window set.

Suitability

1. Suitable for rooms with less natural light.

2.  Often suitable for above Garage doors.

Advantages of Transom window

1. Environmental friendly

2. Natural sunlight

3. Privacy

4. Add aesthetic beauty.

Disadvantages of Transom Window

1. Heat gain

2. Frequently cleaning

3. No ventilation

4. Unique shape but cost more

6. Slider Window

A slider window is a window whose sashes slide back and further rather than up and down like more traditional windows.

The average cost of a sliding window ranges from $600 to $1,200.

Suitability

1. Room where more ventilation is needed.

2. Suitable for living room, study room, school.

Advantages of the Slider Window

1. Easy to open and close.

2. Accessibility.

3. Less expensive.

4. Broken glass can be replaceable.

Disadvantages of the Slider Window  

1. Hard to clean.

2. Dirt and debris get stuck in the tracks.

3. might be risky for a family having small children.

16. Clerestory window  

A clerestory window is a type of window made in a high section of the wall that contains windows above eye level. The aim is to pass light, fresh air, or both. It is a series of small windows or large windows only.

Suitability

1. Suitable for roofing houses.

2. Suitable for natural light

Advantages of Clerestory Window

1. Cheap

2. Increase space

3. Add aesthetic beauty

4. Natural sunlight

5. Better ventilation

6. Reduce temperature

7. Privacy

8. Free up wall space.

Disadvantages of Clerestory Window

1. Heat loss problem

2. Too much light

3. Poor insulation

17. Fixed window

Fixed windows are simple and standard windows that are commonly used in different countries. It is also called a picture window.

These types of windows do not have a handle, hinges, or any useable hardware. Fixed windows permit light to enter while remaining close to the exterior environment. It is used to permit light in the room and for aesthetic beauty only.

The average cost of fixed windows in the market lies between $225-$725 per window.

Suitability

1. Suitable for all rooms.

2. Suitable for no ventilation needed room.

Advantages of Fixed window

1. Energy efficient

2. Low maintenance

3. Provide an expansive view

4. Natural light

Disadvantages of Fixed window

1. No circulation of fresh air

2. Energy gain in a warm climate.

3. Expensive

4. Poor Ventilation

18. Arch Window / Radius Window

Arch windows are such types of windows that consist of rectangle and arch on top. It is a commonly used window, it provides light, air and increases the aesthetic beauty of the house.

An arch window might be lengthy like a casement window or wide like an awning window. In traditional homes, arch windows were utilized to create a Victorian-like effect.

Suitability

1. Suitable for all rooms.

2. Suitable for no ventilation needed room.

Advantages of Arch window

1. Good Energy efficient

2. Versatility

3. Timeless appeal

Disadvantages of Arch window

1. Expensive

2. Less circulation of air

  B. Advantages of Windows  

The advantages of Windows are as follows:

1. It supplies light and fresh air.

2. Increased home value.

3. Increases home security and safety.

4. Decrease dust and allergens.

5. Advance home comfort.

6. More energy efficiency.

7. Noise reduction.

8. Enhanced curb appeal.

9. Low-maintenance solutions.

  C. Disadvantages of Windows  

The disadvantages of windows are as follows:

1. Decreases the security of the house.

2. Increases the construction cost.

3. Maintenance is required.

4. Needed to be cleaned daily.

5. High chance of breakage of glass.

This was for the type of windows.

Read More:  Living Room Accessories