FIXED WINDOWS
This is the simplest type of window. It cannot be opened or closed, which makes it the most weather-proof of windows.
CASEMENT WINDOWS
A casement window is one that is hinged on its side, and normally opens outwards rather than inwards. This makes it very easy to operate. Since it opens outwards, it cannot be used in some situations, such as when the window opens out into a corridor, as it will block movement. These windows are designed to resist rain and wind from the outside in, so their direction cannot be reversed.
SLIDING WINDOWS
A sliding window moves within its own plane. These may require effort to move them back and forth, and so may not be best suited for use by the elderly. A disadvantage of sliding windows is that they cannot be opened fully, in the sense that there is always a fraction of the window that is closed. Most often, this fraction will be one half, one third, or one quarter.
Each shutter rides in its own track, like trains. These windows can be named by the number of tracks they have: double track sliding windows, or triple track sliding windows. It is possible for more than one shutter to ride in the same track: for example, a four-shutter sliding windows can have two tracks; the maximum opening will be one half. One advantage of sliding windows is that they do not require any space outside the plane of the window, so they are ideal for use between two internal spaces, such as between an office cabin and a corridor.
Each shutter rides in its own track, like trains. These windows can be named by the number of tracks they have: double track sliding windows, or triple track sliding windows. It is possible for more than one shutter to ride in the same track: for example, a four-shutter sliding windows can have two tracks; the maximum opening will be one half. One advantage of sliding windows is that they do not require any space outside the plane of the window, so they are ideal for use between two internal spaces, such as between an office cabin and a corridor.
SINGLE HUNG WINDOWS (VERTICALLY SLIDING)
A hung window is one that slides vertically. A single hung window has one fixed pane and one sliding shutter. The fixed pane is typically above the sliding shutter, so only the bottom half is openable. These are similar to sliding windows in that a fraction of the window is not open to the outside.
DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS (VERTICALLY SLIDING)
A double hung window has two sliding shutters, one above the other. Either the top or bottom half can be opened. Such windows are not very common, as it is unusual to want the top half of the window to be opened. The term hung windows is common in the United States; these are called sash windows in Europe. A sash is a frame, usually filled in with glass, that forms the moving part of the window. The fixed part is the window frame.
AWNING WINDOWS OR VENTILATORS
An awning window is hinged on its top edge, so that it opens upwards and out. These are also called ventilators. An awning window can be difficult to operate, especially if it is heavy. These require stays to keep them open; their weight naturally forces them to close.
PIVOTING WINDOWS
A pivoting window rotates on a vertical axis, which is usually placed in the exact centre of the window, so that the window is properly balanced. Pivoting windows are sometimes found in old church buildings (in warm climates), as they have windows that are very narrow and tall. These windows are rarely used in residential or office construction in contemporary times. They are unique in the sense that half the window opens inside, and half outside, and the frame of the window has to be designed to accommodate this function.
SLIDING FOLDING WINDOWS OR BI-FOLD WINDOWS
These are high-performance windows; they hinge out as well as slide on a single track. They are used for a very wide openings; the window system can be slid to one or both sides, thus creating an unobstructed view to the outside. Every alternate shutter is attached to a roller that slides along the upper track of the window.
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