Materials
Most of the various types of windows are available in wood or metal.
Windows should be made so that they do not stick if the wood sash should absorb moisture and expand. The wood, Western Red Cedar, resists decay and moisture absorption.
Metal is stronger than wood and, therefore, permits the use of thinner frame members around windows. Aluminium is the most common metal window for homes.
Aluminium can be anodised or finished with powder coat as a protective finish.
The six general classifications of windows are
as follows
- Double-hung
- Casement sash windows
- Awning windows
- Sliding windows
- Fixed windows
- Skylight windows
SLIDING WINDOWS
DOUBLE - HUNG WINDOW
A double-hung window consists of two
sashes which slide up and down in
grooves of a window frame. The sash
can be opened from top or bottom.
Hardware: Sashes are supported at the
sides by springs and adjustable friction devices which minimise the effort required to raise and hold the sash.
Ventilation: Sliding windows are not as suitable as hinged windows for obtaining maximum benefit from natural air movement since:
- Only half of the window can be opened at one time.
- Summer breezes cannot be scooped in or directed to rear of room.
Latter disadvantage can be overcome somewhat by the use of Venetian blinds or similar auxiliary controls.
View: The horizontal divisions between top and bottom sash interfere with vision. When windows are opened, interference is greater.
Weather tightness:
All sliding windows are weatherstripped.
Maintenance: Do not paint track in which sash slides.
Ease-in-Washing: Glass is difficult to wash unless sashes are removable. As in the Cedar tilt window.
Remarks: Cedar double- hung windows are used extensively because of their availability, simplicity and weatherability.
HORIZONTAL - SLIDING WINDOW
The sashes in this window slide horizontally, and are available in two or three types, i.e. 1 fixed and 1 sliding, or 1 fixed and 2 sliding.
Hardware: Sashes slide in sill tracks, on adjustable rollers.
View: Vertical divisions, where sashes meet, do not interfere with vision as much as the horizontal rails in double-hung windows since a person can look around a vertical obstruction easier than a horizontal one.
Maintenance: Aluminium tracks do not require special maintenance.
Ease-in-Washing: Most units are designed so sashes can be removed for washing. This is important where sash is easily handled but difficult to reach from outside. The advantage is lost if sashes are too large.
Remarks: Sizes range from small toilet windows through to full height sliding doors.
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