Windows have been a feature of our built environment for centuries – as such, they have evolved side-by-side with changes in architectural styles and advances in technology;
You may find that your home has a distinctive style of window, or maybe even a few different kinds of designs across different rooms – but what happens when these windows are now past their best and beyond repair?
It could be the case that you have decided upon some replacement windows – but you want these to perfectly compliment the design of your house…it might help to know more about the various kinds of window designs which exist – here is a list of a few of the most common kinds which can be found in homes across the country today:
Sash windows
One of the most common design features of windows for the past few hundred years has been the ability to open them up to the outside world – ‘sash’ windows are designed to open up in a specific manner, most commonly involving a pair of glass panels sliding vertically to open and close.
Sash windows are normally to be found in houses dating as far back as the Georgian era – the glazed panels are usually suspended via a hidden ‘sash-cord’ which is counter-weighted at the other end with a metallic ‘sash-weight’.
Normally sash windows are typically constructed from wood, but in recent years, PVC sash windows have made an appearance, which promise lower maintenance and higher durability – the choice of wood or PVC will be down to the individual – yes, PVC may perhaps be more efficient, but modern wood sash windows can, with adequate maintenance, particularly rot prevention, make for an attractive addition to your home with a traditional look and feel.
Although sash windows normally slide vertically, horizontal designs do exist.
Bay windows
You may have a set of windows which project from the wall of your home – if this is the case, your windows could be described as ‘Bay Windows’ ; these provide excellent visibility and allow plenty of light to enter the interior space and are commonplace in Georgian-era properties – normally the windows will be comprised of three panels, which often operate using a sash pulley system.
Casement windows
Casement windows describe windows which open and close in the same manner as a door – i.e. swinging out or in from side-mounted hinges; Casements typically operate in pairs and are quite commonplace across the UK and Europe;
Awning window
This type of window can be characterised by horizontal hinges, located near the top of the window – this allows the window to open outwards, by pushing the bottom of the window away from the building. The key advantage to this design is that you can easily gain ventilation at home without rain being such an issue (as the rain will be repelled away from the building and the inside of the frame by the jutting sloped window).
French doors
You may have a section of the home where the windows are actually a kind of glazed door – these are known as ‘French doors’ and are usually found in kitchens or conservatories; it is possible to construct the frames for these out of timber as well as plastic and various metals – your choice is dictated by the look + feel which you wish to achieve, in addition to the functional benefits and disadvantages which come with each material.
In summary
The list above is by no means exhaustive, however, these are some of the most common types of window designs which can be found in properties across the country, which should help to get you started in your quest for glazing glory – chances are, your windows will fall into one of the categories listed in this article, but if not, you can guarantee that there will be companies producing modern interpretations and reproductions of your variety – contact a local supplier or do more research online to see what kind of windows you need for your home!