Different types of windows

Posted by Belle on June 24th, 2019

Different types of windows

There are a number of different styles of windows that you will find in properties nowadays. These may vary in the way that they open, the view they provide or the ventilation they offer. The different types can also be used for decorative purposes to fit the aesthetic or design of the building.

Awning and casement windows are both types of crank windows, meaning that they open using a crank mechanism. The two types are differentiated by the placement of the hinges, with casement windows being hinged at the sides and awnings have hinges at the top of the frame. These windows offer good visibility as there is not rails or sashes which obstruct the glass. The easy to use opening mechanism makes them a good choice for windows in places which may be slightly difficult to reach. The strong structure of crank windows means they can be made to a large size, providing great ventilation throughout.

An increasingly popular choice in contemporary buildings is the installation of picture windows. These are usually big sections of glass which make up a large area of a wall space in order to offer an expansive view outside whilst providing plenty of daylight. It is important to remember that these windows do not open and therefore do not provide any ventilation, so it is best to install these in places where airing is not important. The lack of venting means that these windows can be made to a very large size, sometimes maintaining nearly a whole wall.

Bay windows are window spaces which expand beyond the main walls of a property, creating some extra internal space. The most common bay shapes are a canted bay and rectangular, however bay windows are not limited to these. Architects install these to create more angular shapes within a room, with the windows providing light at varying angles. The large window sill which is provided can be used for decorations or to provide a window seat.

A different opening mechanism is a slider window which opens sideways to offer great ventilation. This type of mechanism means the windows can be made to a large size and provide great views like picture windows.  They are often found in basement rooms at the top of walls as they can be opened and closed quite easily despite being higher up.